Plank Poses Are Power Poses

Tue 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Plank pose is a frequent component of many power yoga classes because it builds strength in the arms and wrists as well as the spine, and it prepares the body for handstands and other more challenging inversion poses later in the class. To get the most power out of your plank, remember these points: Start in downward-facing dog, then release your torso forward until it is approximately parallel with the floor. Your arms should be perpendicular to the floor. Keep your shoulders directly above your wrists. You are essentially in the “up” position of a standard push-up. Pull your navel towards the back of the spine, spread your collarbones wide. Rotate your outer arms in to protect your shoulder joint. Try to hold a plank pose for 30 to 60 seconds. Similarly, you can build strength in the shoulders with the side plank pose. Once you’re in the plank pose, rotate to the right side, balancing on your right hand and the outside edge of the right foot. Extend your left arm up to the ceiling. Hold for 30 seconds if possible, then release back to a standard plank pose, hold it for a breath, and then rotate to the opposite side.

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Plank Poses Are Power Poses