The boat yoga pose is one of the easiest yet most challenging poses. It seems easy at first glance, as you only need to hold your body in a ‘V’ shape for a few minutes. However, you will realize it is not as easy to practice as it may seem. It challenges the core muscles in order to build strength in them.
Due to the typical challenges of holding the pose, the practitioners usually compromise the position a bit. It may seem a slight deviation, but it leads to bigger mistakes that not only hinder core engagement but may also cause dull or throbbing pain. Practicing the pose perfectly is extremely crucial to secure the desired outcomes.
Scroll down into the details of this article to get your hands on mistakes you must watch out for in boat yoga poses and refine your practice to secure better outcomes.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid In Boat Yoga Pose
The boat yoga pose is the go-to pose for many who want to strengthen their core muscles and refine their posture. However, due to typical mistakes in practicing the pose, they fail to achieve these goals. Knowing these mistakes can help you correct them and refine your overall practice. You can also refer to certified trainers to improve your practice professionally.
Here are the most common mistakes you must avoid in a boat yoga pose and make your practice more effective and rewarding.
1. Curved Spine
Curved spine is the first and foremost mistake you need to watch out for in the boat pose. Extending the spine and keeping it flat is the basic purpose of the boat pose. However, many people fail to practice it perfectly and curve or hunch up their spine. It not only compromises the engagement of core muscles but can leave you aching from the posture.
You can start the pose by sitting and bending your knees. Push back your upper body and then extend the legs to shift the pressure. Doing so without guidance is often hectic. It prompts people to join yoga studio Dubai and practice boat and other poses with experts to ensure perfection and better outcomes.
2. Arched Neck
An arched neck is the next common mistake in a boat yoga pose you must avoid. People generally believe that they need to throw back their neck while inclining the spine; however, this is not true. Your body should be in a ‘V’ position for the perfect pose, and an arched neck will significantly compromise that.
You must tuck your chin towards the chest to maintain the perfect position. It will create a little pressure in your neck area, which is the ultimate goal. An arched neck will wrongly distribute the pressure and cause a dull ache in the neck, so make sure to avoid it.
3. Shrugged Shoulders
Shrugged shoulders are the next typical mistake in boat pose practice you must be aware of. People usually tend to fold their shoulders when under pressure or in stress. With time, it becomes their posture, leading to the development of rounded shoulders.
Not opening up the shoulders and keeping them shrugged while practicing boat pose is a common mistake. The pose makes them feel as if they are falling. In order to protect the body, the shoulder shrugs even more. It hinders core engagement and compromises the outcomes of the pose. Try to expand your shoulder blades and take rest breaks to avoid rounding them.
Read more: Why Is Boat Pose Crucial For Your Body?
4. Floppy Legs
Floppy legs are another common mistake in boat pose practice you need to watch out for. Raising the legs above the floor while balancing the weight only on the sit bones is not easy. It can make you feel like falling down and looking for support. It usually happens when you do not position your legs perfectly.
You need to keep a slight distance between your knees and feet. It will make the pressure and weight shift to the core instead of being trapped in the legs. Moreover, stretch your toes and keep the feet flexed to maintain the perfect position. It will significantly improve the posture of the pose and engage the core to offer the desired outcomes.
5. Ignoring Tailbone Pain
Ignoring tailbone pain is the last mistake you should never make in boat pose practice. Some people experience bone in their lower back while practicing boat pose. This is due to the extreme pressure on the sitting bones and the hard ground surface.
Tolerating this pain does not mean you will secure the best outcomes of the pose. Instead, it will only add to your suffering. You need to take quick action and opt for a softer yoga mat or sit on a blanket to practice the pose. You can also join yoga studio and practice hot yoga poses with certified practitioners to ensure painless and effective yoga practice.
Are You Struggling With Boat Yoga Practice?
Knowing these mistakes will help you not repeat them and improve your practice. In case you are still struggling, practice with certified trainers to ensure perfect guidance that will lead to refined practice and goal achievement.
Learn more: Effective Strategies for Managing Neuropathic Pain