Ardha navasana or half boat pose -- To tone your hips

The ardha navasana stretches and strengthens your hip muscles, your abdomen and your spinal column.

WrittenBy

Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : June 11, 2015 6:24 PM IST

Ardha navasana also known as the half boat pose is a variation of full navasana or naukasana pose. This pose stretches and strengthens your hip muscles, your abdomen and your spinal column. It is a very effective yoga pose to tone your hips. The asana also stimulates the thyroid, prostate glands and the intestine. The half boat pose is also very effective in relieving stress and improving digestion. The pose can also relieve sciatica pain and constipation. With regular practice of this pose, one can regulate the menstrual cycle too. Here is another yoga asana to tone your hips and buttocks.

Steps to do the pose:

  • Sit on the floor with your legs spread out in front of you. While you do this, your arms should be on the sides with your palms on the floor.
  • Now bend your knees and comfortably keep your feet on the floor.
  • Lift your legs up, leaning at the back, making sure that you keep your back straight. Also, lift up your knee, such that the calf muscles are parallel to the floor.
  • Now lift your arms parallel to the floor and keep your palms close to your body.
  • Breathe slowly and hold this position for as long as you can.
  • Release slowly and repeat this for 8-10 times.

Tip:

If it becomes too difficult for you to raise your hands and keep them by the sides, then you can hold the back of your thighs with your hands.

Contraindications:

  • Avoid this pose if you are suffering from asthma, diarrhoea or heart problems.
  • Also, those suffering from headache or low blood pressure should not perform the pose.
  • Do not perform this pose if you have a neck injury.

Image source: Getty Images


For more articles on yoga, visit our yoga section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

Add The Health Site as a Preferred Source Add The Health Site as a Preferred Source