Upward boat strengthens and tones the abdominal muscles, improves balance, stretches the backs of the legs and boosts confidence.

Boosts confidence? That’s right. Exercise of any kind makes one feel more vital and redy to take on the world, but have you noticed the special boost that strong stomach muscles provide? A strong stomach aids posture, and assists with full breathing. There’s nothing like increasing trunk strength to keep you feeling in charge of your day!

1. From staff posture, bend your knees, bringing your feet flat to the floor with your legs together.
2. Lace your fingers together around your knees. Press down through your hips and up through the crown of your head to lengthen the spine. Use your arms to drop the shoulders down and back. Press your chest forward.
3. Release your arms forward, keeping them parallel to the floor with your palms facing down.
4. Slowly inhale and lean back, lifting your heels an inch or two of the floor. Keep your chest open and your shoulders down and back.
5. Begin to slowly straighten your legs, kicking out through the heels. Lift your legs as high as is comfortable, keeping your chest open and your shoulders down and back.
6. Breathe and hold for 2-6 breaths.
7. To release, exhale and bend your knees, lowering your feet back onto the floor.

Modifications:

a) keep your knees bent –this will aid in building stomach strength for those of you who do not yet have enough strength to straighten your legs

b) hold on to yoru toes or feet with your hands or use a yoga strap

Contraindication:

Recent or chronic injury to the abdomen, hips, knees, arms or shoulders