How to Do the Yoga Boat Pose With a Strap
- 1). Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and your spine held tall and straight. Lean forward and wrap a strap around the balls of your feet and then lift back to sitting, holding the ends of the strap firmly in your hands.
- 2). Inhale deeply and as you exhale, pull against the straps and slowly lift your legs off of the floor. As you lift your straight legs, lean back slightly, keeping your spine tall. Slowly inch your hands up the straps until your arms are straight, keeping the legs straight as well. Lift until both your upper body and your legs form a 45-degree angle to the floor.
- 3). Keep your abdominal muscles engaged and avoid the temptation of slouching or curving your spine. Point your toes and push slightly into the yoga strap, helping to distribute some of the weight and lessen the challenge of the pose. When you can hold the boat pose comfortably, begin to slowly release the strap until you can do the pose without it.
- 4). Start by holding the boat pose for just 10 seconds, repeating the pose three to five times. As you gain strength, work your way up to 30 to 60 second holds.
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