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    Yoga Journal Yoga Poses Poses by Type

    Core Yoga Poses

    Engage your abdominal muscles with core yoga poses that build a strong and stable center, like Boat Pose, Dolphin Pose, and Side Plank Pose.

    • Arm Balance Yoga Poses
    • Balancing Yoga Poses
    • Binding Yoga Poses
    • Chest-Opening Yoga Poses
    • Forward Bend Yoga Poses
    • Core Yoga Poses
    • Hip-Opening Yoga Poses
    • Inversion Yoga Poses
    • Restorative Yoga Poses
    • Seated Yoga Poses
    • Standing Yoga Poses
    • Yoga Poses for Strength
    • Twisting Yoga Poses
    • Backbend Yoga Poses
    More
      Core Yoga Poses

      Boat Pose

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Cat Pose

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Chair Pose

      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Crow Pose | Crane Pose

      YJ Editors
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Forearm Plank | Dolphin Plank Pose

      YJ Editors
      Core Yoga Poses

      Dolphin Pose

      YJ Editors
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Four-Limbed Staff Pose | Chaturanga Dandasana

      YJ Editors
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Happy Baby Pose

      YJ Editors
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      How to Practice Plank Pose

      YJ Editors
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Scale Pose

      YJ Editors
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Side Plank Pose

      YJ Editors
      Balancing Yoga Poses

      Side-Reclining Leg Lift (Anantasana)

      YJ Editors

      Latest in Core Yoga Poses

      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      This Is the Most Underrated Yoga Pose for Core-Strengthening

      Tired of Boat Pose? Then you need to try Lolasana.

      Roger Cole
      YJ Editors
      Updated May 2, 2024
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Forearm Plank | Dolphin Plank Pose

      A modification of Plank Pose, Forearm Plank strengthens and tones the core, thighs, and arms.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 24, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Cat Pose

      How to avoid falling into autopilot while practicing this basic—but beneficial—stretch.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Feb 25, 2025
      Balancing Yoga Poses

      5 Not-So-Intense Variations For Side Plank

      Challenge your balance and stretch your body in all the same ways as Vasisthasana, while dialing down the difficulty.

      Crystal Fenton
      Published Dec 30, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      These 4 Yoga Poses Will Sculpt Your Obliques and Side Abs—No Crunches Required

      Side Plank Pose is just the beginning.

      Ellen O'Brien
      Published Dec 28, 2021
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Crow Pose | Crane Pose

      A compact arm balance, Crow Pose and Crane Pose tone the abs and the arms, strengthen in the core, and focus the mind.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Feb 25, 2025
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Side Plank Pose

      When's the last time you reminded yourself that you can do difficult things?

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 21, 2025
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Four-Limbed Staff Pose | Chaturanga Dandasana

      Chaturanga Dandasana is not merely a push-up. This pivotal yoga pose is instrumental—so it's important to practice it properly.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 21, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Chair Pose

      Utkatasana powerfully strengthens the muscles of the arms and legs, but it also stimulates the diaphragm and heart.

      Updated Feb 25, 2025
      Core Yoga Poses

      10 Poses to Build Strength & Stability in Your Core

      The steadiness you'll gain in this practice will connect you to all aspects of your core—beyond just your muscles.

      Sarah Clark
      Published Nov 3, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      Boat Pose

      Boat Pose, or Paripurna Navasana, requires you to balance on the tripod of your sitting bones and tailbone to build mental and physical focus, inspiring a full-body awareness.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 21, 2025
      Core Yoga Poses

      The Post-Childbirth Problem No One Talks About—And How Yoga Can Help

      If you still cross your legs when you sneeze or situate your mat at the back of class "just in case," you can do more than just Kegels to recover.

      Sarah Ezrin
      Published Oct 12, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      Boat Pose Made Easy

      You’re not the only one to quietly curse when the teacher cues this pose. Here’s how to strengthen your body so you no longer dread Navasana. We swear.

      Trina Altman
      Published Oct 11, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      5 Poses to Strengthen Your Lower Back and Core—All Without Standing Up

      If you’ve found yourself lying on the floor often over the past year-plus, this practice is for you.

      Jenny Aurthur
      Published Oct 4, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      Not a Fan of Crunches? Try These 5 Standing Yoga Poses for Core Strength

      And they take less than 15 minutes.

      Erin Keeley
      Published Sep 28, 2021
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      How to Practice Plank Pose

      Nurture your love-hate relationship with Plank Pose. A beginner's best friend, it's the perfect precursor to more challenging arm balances.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 21, 2025
      Core Yoga Poses

      Why You Should Stop “Stretching” Your Psoas

      And what you can do to nourish your core instead.

      Liz Koch
      Published Mar 15, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      3 Things You May Not Know About Your Psoas

      No. 1: Lunges won't stretch this tissue.

      Liz Koch
      Published Mar 12, 2021
      Core Yoga Poses

      3 Yoga Poses to Target Your Obliques

      Try these side body-centric poses to refine your asana practice and deepen your core connection

      YJ Editors
      Published Dec 8, 2020
      Balance

      Boost Your Motivation and Willpower with This Sequence

      Here are 10 yoga poses to help you recharge and strengthen your resolve.

      Charnette Batey
      Published Sep 30, 2020
      Backbend Yoga Poses

      A Safe, Core-Supported Backbending Sequence

      Move into backbends more safely, knowing you can consciously engage the muscles needed to protect the lumbar spine.

      TIFFANY RUSSO
      Published Mar 27, 2017
      Core Yoga Poses

      The Abdominal Crunch Yogis Actually Need (Sorry)

      Want to unleash the true potential of your middle? 
Turns out crunches—yes, the exercise you’ve avoided for years in favor of holding Plank—are key to a stronger core and more stable yoga practice. Discover how they can serve you in every pose.

      TIFFANY RUSSO
      Published Mar 27, 2017
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Master Revolved Abdomen Pose

      Learn how to create elasticity and strength in Revolved Abdomen Pose in preparation for Parsva Bakasana.

      Tias Little
      Published Mar 20, 2017
      Core Yoga Poses

      4 Belly-Toning Core Exercises

      Here are 4 yoga-inspired, belly-toning exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home, on your own time.

      Laura Kasperzak
      Masumi Goldman
      Published Apr 12, 2016
      Core Yoga Poses

      Core Concept: Soften Your Middle for a Stronger Core

      Think of the word “core,” and terms like “hard" and “tight” likely come to mind. But the secret 
to a strong middle is actually to soften in your practice. This sequence shows you how.

      Meghan Rabbitt
      Published Mar 16, 2016
      Core Yoga Poses

      Yoga for Moms: Re-establishing Your Connection to Your Core

      Janet Stone, who will lead our upcoming Yoga for Moms online course, explains the importance of re-establishing your connection to your core after childbirth.

      Janet Stone
      Published Mar 14, 2016
      Core Yoga Poses

      11 BoxingYoga Poses to Punch Up Your Arms, Abs + Attitude

      Did you hang up your boxing gloves when you found yoga? Now there's no need. BoxingYoga is attracting fans from inside and outside the ring, and it's about to throw a punch in the U.S.

      Jennifer D’Angelo Friedman; sequence by Kajza Ekberg
      Published Feb 22, 2016
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      A Core-Awakening Sun Salutation for Lower Back Support

      Start to ease lower back discomfort and counteract the effects of too much sitting by swapping some of your standard Surya Namaskars for this core-focused variation.

      Andrea Rice
      Published Feb 16, 2016
      Core Yoga Poses

      A Challenging Core-Focused Yoga Flow

      Master Baptiste Yoga teacher Leah Cullis offers a "Twist and Flow" sequence, which will fire up your core and unlock your inner power.

      Leah Cullis
      Published Feb 10, 2016
      Core Yoga Poses

      10 Yoga Poses for Strong Abs

      Leah Cullis offers 10 poses that tone your abs and strengthen your core, helping you tap into your personal power on and off the mat.

      Leah Cullis
      Published Jan 12, 2016
      Core Yoga Poses

      The Ultimate Core Prep for Slackline Yoga

      Steal these three three core-building balance moves from The YogaSlackers to cultivate slackline-ready strength.

      Meagan McCrary
      Published Sep 16, 2015
      Core Yoga Poses

      Two Fit Moms’ Picks: 8 Best Yoga Poses for the Core

      Just in time for summer, here are Two Fit Moms' top 8 yoga poses to work the core.

      Laura Kasperzak
      Masumi Goldman
      Published Jun 23, 2015
      Core Yoga Poses

      7 Core Power Poses for Summer—FREE With YJ App

      Check out YJ Editors's author page.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jan 9, 2025
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Challenge Pose: 5 Steps to Move into Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

      Find length and stay centered to lift step by step into the One-Footed Pose dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Prep Poses: Eka Pada Koundinyasana I

      Learn to move from your midline, or central axis, in these three poses to prep for the One-Footed Pose dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I.

      YJ Editors
      Published Oct 9, 2014
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      3 Safe-Alignment Modifications for Chaturanga Dandasana

      Try these subtle, yet safe tweaks to Chaturanga if you struggle with the pose.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Learn Crane Pose

      It requires a playful leap of faith—but once you are balancing in Crane Pose, you’ll feel a sense of lightness and joy.

      Beryl Bender Birch
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Core Yoga Poses

      7 Poses for Core Strength

      Get your best summer body with deep core exercises that will power up your practice.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Core Yoga Poses

      Video: Prep for Revolved Split-Legged Headstand

      Updated Jun 24, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Steel Your Abs: Upward Extended Foot Pose

      Add Upward Extended Foot Pose (Urdhva Prasarita Padasana) to your practice for flat abs.

      Nikki Costello
      Published Sep 4, 2013
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Plank Pose: Your Ticket to Power and Grace

      Build the power and foundation you need to transition between poses.

      Annie Carpenter
      Published Jan 4, 2013
      Core Yoga Poses

      Why You Should Add Weights to Your Practice

      To stave off muscle loss, support flexible joints, or add oomph to tough poses, a little strength training can go a long way.

      Andrea Ferretti
      Bo Forbes
      Published May 9, 2012
      Core Yoga Poses

      Challenge Your Core Competency

      Fire up your deep core and inner leg muscles to build strong abs.

      Jason Crandell
      Published May 4, 2012
      Core Yoga Poses

      To Tone Your Tummy, Release Your Psoas

      Yes, a toned core is great for bikini season. But, when you learn to access the deepest muscles, you will get benefits that are more than skin deep.

      Doug Keller
      Published Jul 6, 2011
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Get Strong + Flexi for Arm Balancing

      Take a playful approach to building strength and flexibility in your torso with arm balances.

      Diane Anderson with John Schumacher
      Updated Jan 14, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Dolphin Pose

      Prepare for inversions by strengthening your arms and core in Dolphin Pose.

      Natasha Rizopoulos
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Balancing Yoga Poses

      Side-Reclining Leg Lift (Anantasana)

      This side-reclining pose stretches the backs of the legs, the sides of the torso, and tones the belly.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 24, 2025
      Beginner Yoga Poses

      Happy Baby Pose

      This pose gently brings a greater awareness to the hip joints.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 14, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      More Than a Pushup: Get the Most Out of Chaturanga Dandasana

      "Four-Limbed Staff Pose" says it all. This pose becomes much easier when the rest of your body pitches in. Learn how to get the most out of this challenging pose.

      Natasha Rizopoulos
      Updated Jan 20, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      UPP, AKA The Ultimate Psoas Pose

      Forget crunche, have you met Urdhva Prasarita Padasana? It's a key yoga ab toner and back strengthener.

      Richard Rosen
      Published Dec 1, 2007
      Core Yoga Poses

      Dolphin Pose

      Dolphin Pose strengthens the core, arms, and legs, while also nicely opening the shoulders.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Mar 26, 2025
      Core Yoga Poses

      How to Teach Yoga for the Core

      Check out Rachel Brahinsky's author page.

      Rachel Brahinsky
      Published Aug 28, 2007
      Core Yoga Poses

      A Core Strength Sequence to Get Through Difficult Yoga Poses

      Core strength will help you get through those difficult poses. You'll feel easier in your poses and more capable in your life.

      Andrea Ferretti
      Published Aug 28, 2007
      Arm Balance Yoga Poses

      Scale Pose

      Strengthen your wrists, arms, and abs, hanging in the balance of Tolasana.

      YJ Editors
      Updated Jan 29, 2025
      Beginner Yoga How-To

      Live Big, Get Bold: Boat Pose

      When life has you dying to curl up into Child's Pose, try empowering Boat Pose instead to recharge your spirit.

      Claudia Cummins
      Published Aug 28, 2007
      Core Yoga Poses

      Strengthen Your Side Waist Muscles, Free Your Pelvis

      Strengthening your side waist muscles may not eliminate your love handles, but it will unlock your pelvis and protect your lower back.

      Julie Gudmestad
      Published Aug 28, 2007

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