Boat Pose Is Not an Ab Exercise

Boat Pose Is Not an Ab Exercise

From Yogaland Podcast by Andrea Ferretti

June 9, 2026 · 15 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the misconceptions about Full Boat Pose and introduces Low Boat Pose as an effective core exercise in yoga.

Most yoga teachers cue Full Boat Pose as an abdominal exercise. It isn't — and once you understand why, you'll also discover Low Boat Pose: the most underused core exercise in yoga. Full Boat Pose (Paripurna Navasana) is primarily a hip flexor exercise. Low Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana) is primarily an abdominal exercise. Understanding why — and how to use both intelligently — is one of the most practical yoga anatomy insights you can bring to your teaching and your practice. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/yogaland . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Andrea Ferretti

Topics covered

  • yoga anatomy
  • core exercises
  • hip flexors
  • abdominal exercises
  • yoga teaching

Keywords

  • Boat Pose
  • abdominal exercise
  • hip flexor
  • core strength
  • yoga practice

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Full Boat Pose, Low Boat Pose, Paripurna Navasana, Ardha Navasana

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