The #1 Yoga Exercise Incredibly Fit People Do, Says Expert
Whether you're giving your fitness routine a much-needed refresh or simply want to try something new, consider taking a cue from the go-to exercise incredibly fit people do. Grab your yoga mat, and gear up to get your namaste on. We chatted with Matt Weston (he/his/him), San Diego Region Lead Instructor at CorePower Yoga, about the #1 yoga exercise incredibly fit people do to live their best, healthiest, fittest lives. If you're intrigued, read on to learn more.
The health benefits of yoga
Seasoned yogis and newbies alike will be happy to hear that yoga is chock-full of incredible health benefits. This form of exercise and wellness is a fan favorite—and for good reason. Along with improving your flexibility, you'll enhance your muscle tone and strength, enjoy an energy boost, keep up a balanced metabolism, and may even lose some weight while you're at it. Yoga is also a great way to de-stress after a long day's work, and it'll help you manage that stress going forward.
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Strengthen your core with planks
Weston tells us that a strong core is "the foundation of any yoga practice." A classic plank is the best yoga exercise incredibly fit people do to target their abs. He adds, "A strong core is essential to master more advanced poses, but it also helps stabilize and ground your body, strengthening your overall balance, and decreasing your chance of injury. Plus, who doesn't love toned abs? Plank pose is an isometric exercise that targets all major abdominal muscles, deltoids, glutes, and more."
Having strong core muscles will not only positively impact how you perform daily tasks, but will also enhance your athletic performance. Doing core movements teach the muscles in your lower back, pelvis, hips, and abdomen to work together.
Related: Foolproof Ways To Lead an Incredibly Healthy Lifestyle, Science Says
How to properly perform a plank
In order to perform a classic plank, make sure your wrists are lined up directly below your shoulders. Assume a push-up position as you raise up onto the tops of your toes. Make sure your back remains neutral as you look to the end of your yoga mat. Squeeze your belly button into your spine, and activate your ab muscles.
Weston explains, "I recommend everyone incorporate plank pose into their daily yoga routine for maximum benefits and to tone the entire body. For a challenge, hold the position as long as you can without sacrificing your form."
Make fitness and "me time" a priority
Incredibly fit people make fitness and self-care a daily priority, no matter how busy their schedules may get, Weston stresses. You'll be doing both your mind and body a huge favor by getting in daily movement. So create a little yoga and meditation oasis in your own space, or head to the studio for some rejuvenating workouts you'll be glad you did.
If you need some help getting started CorePower offers an amazing selection of more than 350 yoga classes, lessons, and meditation videos online to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. This will help you stay on the right track when you're traveling or have an incredibly busy workday. And if you'd rather attend a yoga class in person, CorePower has more than 200 studios to choose from.
