This magical photo of Karen Watson Reeves demonstrating Side Plank Pose was taken at the fountain on Arlington Lawn. Photography – Fred Padilla
By Karen Watson Reeves
Side Plank Pose is one of the more challenging postures for me, so I usually take one of the modifications and then build up to the more challenging ones. The pose is worth the effort because:
- It builds core strength. You have to activate your abdominal muscles to stay upright and to keep your hips from sagging, making your body one long line of energy.
- It strengthens the arms, wrists and shoulders because it requires the practitioner to balance on one arm (or forearm in a modification).
- It strengthens the legs, especially the supporting one, and you should feel a bit of lift in the thighs.
- It improves balance. Maybe it doesn’t look like a balancing pose, but as you are strengthening the arms and wrists, it is a great prep pose for other arm balances. To increase the challenge, you can take your gaze to the hand reaching upward. And as you get more proficient with the legs stacked, you can lift the top leg perpendicular to the ground, ala B.K.S. Iyengar. Talk about finding balance and strength!
- It improves concentration, as you are focusing intently to stay in the pose.
If you don’t quite feel up to the challenge of the “full pose,” it is fine to keep the lower knee on the mat. Always practice the pose equally on both sides. And remember, it is a process. . . you WILL become stronger, more balanced and focused as you practice Side Plank.
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher and a registered children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She has taught children and family yoga in many settings and would welcome an opportunity to help your family stay physically active during this time of quarantine. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. www.TheYogaPlaceHS.com.
