I asked a yoga instructor for a single pose that’ll help me build deep core strength and balance: Here’s what she recommended

Melissa Leach, a yoga instructor and strength and conditioning coach, recommends the boat pose as a single yoga exercise to build deep core strength and balance. This pose engages multiple muscle groups, including the abs, hip flexors, glutes, pelvic muscles, and back, making it more effective than traditional exercises like sit-ups.

To perform the boat pose, sit on the floor with bent knees and feet flat, lean back slightly while keeping the spine long and chest lifted, engage the core, and lift the feet off the floor, balancing on the sit bones. Extend the arms in front of the body and hold for 20-30 seconds, repeating 2-4 times. Beginners can modify the pose by keeping the legs bent, gripping the backs of the thighs for support, or sitting on a folded blanket or cushion for added stability.

Common form mistakes include slumping back, arching the lower back, and hunching the shoulders. This pose improves posture, strengthens the lower back, and enhances overall core stability, leading to better everyday movement.