by Deb Weisman

I’ve been springing this on my Yoga students as of late to “change things up” in the abdominal world. Navasana, or boat pose, is a typical pose in both Yoga and Pilates that works the abs. Sometimes it is called  the “V” pose, as you teeter on the sitbones and legs shoot up to the sky and arms go out to the sides. It’s a tough one..I’ll be the first to admit core-strengthening and abs are not my favorite thing in the whole world.  But Forearm Plank I can handle. Balancing on the forearms, legs shoot straight out behind and you balance on the toes- gaze is ahead. Hold ten seconds. Shaking is absolutely normal and means the pose is working. Repeat 3 times at any interval during the class. Eureka! We are done with abs. Seriously though, you can try this at home, and drop to the knees as needed. It certainly works the abdominal muscles as well as the arms, not to mention aiding in balance and focus. Who needs sit-ups and crunches when you’ve got Forearm Plank? I am most definitely a fan.