Core/Upper Body Training

atamrowski

I only in week 4 of yoga (I go twice a week) and even though I have gotten a bit more flexible, I'm still having a hard time doing some of the poses, even some of the basic poses. When we do a series of sun salutations I am good for the first couple but by the end of the class, I can barely even do downward dog. And planks? Forget it. I can only do two. Dolphin planks, no bueno.

By the time class ends, my back abs and arms are sore for days.

I know my core is weak. Yoga is dependent on strong upper body strength. Problem is, I don't know where to begin! Can anyone give a beginner some pointers on where to start to build a strong core?

fitnessfreddie

Keep going, you're weaker areas will get stronger. Also you can do other weightlifting moves for abs and back. Proper squats and deadlifts will help you build a strong core.

Alyssa__Lauren

Don't worry, I can't do planks either.
Just always check in with your core and breathing. When I do Pilates I always check my form in the mirrors and it helps a lot.

markymarrkk

Keep going, you're weaker areas will get stronger. Also you can do other weightlifting moves for abs and back. Proper squats and deadlifts will help you build a strong core.

Yup!! keep doing the yoga plus everything he said ^

atamrowski

What are deadlifts?

lithezebra

Planks at home might help. I do them in the yoga position and on my forearms for more upper body conditioning. Push-ups are a great whole body exercise too, if you do them plank style. You can do incline push-ups, with your hands on a chair seat or a table, to make it easier to do more reps.

amann1976

kettlebells and boot camp classes got my core stronger... only way to improve your core strength is to keep working hard

fitnessfreddie

What are deadlifts?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadlift