The Core - a widespread term that encompasses many muscles in the torso - from pelvic floor on up. For use of the Core in yoga, this article does a great job of explaining the relevance of the core muscles. Many of us when asked, "What is the Core?" often immediately think of the external abdominal muscles that gym goers search to define in working out the body. Far from the vanity aspect of the "six pack", strengthening the core is important for protecting our internal organs and other important functions in the body as described here.
In yoga, we focus on engaging areas of the body for support and control as we move through poses (asanas). There are two specific locks (or bandhas) that help keep core control through movement in yoga, Uddiyana Bandha and Mula Bandha. These contractions guide us in stabilizing the body through movement, helping avoid injury and keeping our body strong. Every movement of the body accesses the core on some level and using mind-body connection through these movements provides more stability.
In the month of August, our fun Yoga Pose Challenge (click to get list of poses) will help us build stability and strength in the body by focusing on the muscles through the core. Stabilizing the core of the body guides us in balance, inversions, and movement. We don't often recognize the impact our core muscles have on our bodies until we experience injury. Anyone who has been through surgery or injury in the torso, spine or hips knows the impact of being able to sit, stand and move without experiencing pain in the entire body. Building strength and stability through the core gives the body sturdiness and control in our movements.
These fun pictures for the challenge were taken at the beautiful Esperanza resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. My husband and I enjoyed this peaceful environment with the ocean putting us to sleep each evening. There are multiple areas on the resort to relax and unwind. This spot shares some of the beauty found there.
For those that choose to strengthen your core by participating in this fun yoga pose challenge, you can win the prize shown below. This prize will assist you on your next outdoor adventure using your enhanced core strength!
To participate -
Share the information about this challenge with your fun yoga friends that might like to share this adventure with you!
Post pics of each days' pose through social media (Instagram or Facebook) and tag me @clarissapyeattyoga. If your account is private, please share on my facebook page, or message me through either IG or FB. I do have to be able to see your fun poses to be entered to win the prize.
Another fun prize available for this challenge is for creativity. For those that participate in the challenge and share a creative atmosphere - modification - multiple people in the pose - for example, you will be entered to win fun jewelry made by my friend, Holly! More information about the jewelry is found on her facebook page Romancing the Bead
I look forward to seeing your fun poses! Enjoy the journey of building core stability and control this month! Each day's pose can been seen on my facebook and instagram pages. Tutorials of each day's pose are available on my YouTube channel linked on the homepage of this website and through my fb posts each day.