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  • My Yoga Journey
  • Connect
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  • Home
  • Blog
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    • My Yoga Journey
    • About Me
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Boat pose sequence – 20 minute core yoga workout

September 11, 2020 //  by Di Hickman//  16 Comments

Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of content around yoga pose tutorials. Common mistakes in poses, then offering a few tips and tricks to make the poses more accessible and comfortable. A few months ago I focused on boat pose. A challenge pose for the core. However, we need to put what we learned into practice with this 20 minute boat poses sequence.

20 minute workout, boat pose routine yoga core class.

This 20 minute core yoga workout is a great way to work the abs, hips and thighs while getting the soothing yoga effect. I love to blend yoga with other movement formats and this class is akin to yogalates (yoga and pilates). One of my favorite mash-ups.

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20 minute core yoga workout

The first 5-7 minutes of this class are warm up exercises for the core. After a brief body scan there are movements for the spine. These include arch & flatten plus windshield wipers.

arch/flatten & windshield wipers exercises

To warm up the abs all the crunches. Seriously, any core warm-up for the abs should include crunches. This variation adds shoulder movement for some upper body mobility.

crunch exercise

Because boat pose is an isometric exercise, the warm up continues with some supine isometric core exercises. Marching the legs, and table top drops are great ways to warm up the abs and hip flexors.

marching
table top drop exercise plus variations.
reverse crunch

One thing I love to do as a warm up are use the focus pose in a different relationship to gravity. To that end, the table top exercises mimic boat well. In addition, I added a reverse crunch to this routine.

Boat Pose Sequence

During the class we transition to seated, and begin moving through a seated cat cow. As a result, we smoothly begin the boat pose sequence in this 20 minute class.

boat pose prep and pose

Firstly, in boat pose the legs are bent. The beginners variation. Further progressing from this is alternating straight legs. Either, with or without support from the arms.

boat pose with alternating leg extension

After that, we progress to the third and final version of our focus pose in this boat pose sequence. That is to say we straighten the legs and HOLD. If this variation feels too much you can choose to do either of the two previous options.

boat pose with both legs extended and arms reaching forward

With the “work” for the abs done the cool down begins. In short, we start to do less. For this class, I decided to introduce a variation of twisted sage pose to lengthen the obliques.

twisted sage pose

Furthermore to lengthen the front body, while continuing to work the core, we do some swimmers. Lying face down and lifting alternate arm to leg. Remember, the glutes and lower back are part of your core!

back extension with opposite arm/leg

So, as we continue the cool down, we push onto all fours for some cat cow After that, we recline into childs pose pausing for a few breaths. Lastly, we end this boat pose sequence seated for three deep breaths

Di Hickman seated in sukhasana and hands in prayer position

In short, this class is a great way to combine core, and pilates exercises. Plus. you receive the relaxing and de-stressing aspects of a yoga class. Blending movement practices is something I hope to do more of in the future.

Questions

  • Do you warm up before doing ab exercises
  • Have you combined class formats before?
  • How long are your core workouts?
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ivan Majhen

    September 17, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    I really like your posts and yoga exercises. It is hard to do them, but every time I read your post, it makes me to do them and push harder,

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:08 pm

      Workout smarter not harder 😉

      Reply
  2. Nilakshi Pathak

    September 14, 2020 at 9:26 am

    I have been doing this yoga. It has proved to be effective for reducing my belly fight.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:06 pm

      Great to hear!

      Reply
  3. blair villanueva

    September 14, 2020 at 4:31 am

    I tried these poses while reading your blog and omg it made my legs shaking! Lol it need more exercise 🙂

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:06 pm

      hahaha yes it does make the legs shake if you aren’t used to it!

      Reply
  4. Aaliziyah

    September 14, 2020 at 12:27 am

    This pose is something I really find hard to do. My balance is just really so poor. Huhu! Although that is the case, I feel like I will be able to do this by practicing thoroughly that is why I will really practice it.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:05 pm

      Check out the other two posts about boat pose. https://www.dihickman.com/how-to-do-boat-pose-navasana/ & https://www.dihickman.com/why-cant-i-straighten-my-legs-in-boat-pose/

      Reply
  5. Britt K

    September 13, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    This looks like a great workout! I’ve been looking at something a little different to change things up. That being said, this looks like the perfect option! I’m going to try this as my daily workout tomorrow and see how it goes. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:04 pm

      Great to hear! Hope you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  6. Jules

    September 13, 2020 at 2:24 pm

    Awesome guide! I appreciate the details that you put into it. Me having some a sore back right now thinks I should do some stretches

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:04 pm

      What issues are you having with your back?

      Reply
  7. Lyosha

    September 12, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    it looks hard! Boat pose is never easy but helps to work mid section wonders, I always try to add it to my practice. it looks so effortless on you, I am even a little envy

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      Hahaha yes boat pose is hard! My abs hurt the day after!

      Reply
  8. Diomayra

    September 11, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Hi Di,
    Interesting post! After reading this I’m inspire to try the pose and maybe get into yoga.

    Reply
    • Di Hickman

      September 18, 2020 at 3:03 pm

      One pose a day, Hold for 5 breaths each side. Build from there!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Di. A yoga teacher with over 20 years experience in the health and wellness industry. My mission is to give you information so you can be fitter, healthier, stress-free and happier (no, seriously).

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