This yoga sequence helps with abdominal core strength and tones the back while also lengthening the psoas muscles.
The psoas, deep and large, runs from the lumbar spine, stretches over the hip joint and under the abs, and attaches to inner thigh bone.
Traditional leg lifts, “crunches” and sit-ups are often done to strengthen and flatten the abdominal muscles. The problem is that they also tighten and shorten the psoas tipping the pelvis forward, pushing your belly out (yuk) and misalignment of the back.
A tight psoas contributes to back, hip and knee problems, indigestion, dysfunctional breathing, instability, and other problems.
This particular yoga sequence activates the psoas muscle in a progressive manner: first facing forward, to the side, and then turning.
Other beneficial yoga postures are the forearm plank and side plank (creates core stability and strength with a neutral psoas) and pigeon (stretches and releases the psoas).
Consult a qualified yoga professional for instructions and contraindications. As with all exercise, practice for your own benefits and at your own risk.
Click here for your complete pdf handout on ” Good to the Core: Yoga to strengthen & flatten abdominals, tone back, legs, hips, and more” from Julie Lusk
