The Plank Pose is often considered one of the harder poses in yoga, but is actually one of the most beneficial to building arm and core strength. If you can do this pose, then you are well on your way to being able to do any pose in yoga.

You start out this pose in what looks almost like a push-up postion, face down, with your arms outstretched shoulder-width apart and your feet together, balancing on your toes. This is called the plank position because your back must be kept straight, so keep your butt down and in-line with the rest of your body.

Holding this position will be very difficult for most beginners, so simply getting into this position and holding it for a breath cycle or two should be considered a victory. It is not all there is to the exercise, however.

Once you have held this position for one or two breath cycles, push up with one arm, and twist your upper body, reaching with your arms, so that your entire body is balanced just on one hand and your toes. This is a very difficult position to hold, but when done properly, you are buidling a lot of core muscles, as your abs are what holds your body in position, and arm strength, as you are holding the majority of your weight on your arms.

Return from this position back to the center, and hold the regular plank position for another two or three breath cycles. Then go up on your other hand.

As mentioned, this is an incredibly difficult pose to learn and master, and even once you finally manage to hold yourself upright, it will take a long time before you can manage to look graceful while doing it. The plank pose is not easy, but it is one of the most beneficial of all poses in yoga.

NOTE: If you thought this was a good video, wait until you see what we have in store for you in our online yoga class.