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Benefits * strengthens hips, thighs and abdominal muscles
* develops focus and concentration
* improves balance and coordination
* improves digestion
* stimulates the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands
Contraindications/ Cautions * low back injuries or concerns
* late term pregnancy and obesity (issues with balancing)
* headache
* medical conditions that affect balance
* diarrhea
* heart problems
* low blood pressure
* menstruation
Step by Step Navasana (nah-VAHS-anna)
nava = boat
1. From sitting, place feet and knees together as you bend your knees. As you hold the back of the knees or thighs, lengthen the spine creating space through the low back and abdomen. Lean slightly back without collapsing into the abdomen and find the back edge of the sit-bones.
2. Maintaining your gaze on a focal point, inhale and lift your feet a few inches off the ground balancing on the sit bones. Continue to breath as you discover your balance. Keeping the spine tall, slowly raise the heels to the height of the knees. Keep knees bent as you feel how this variation is for your lower back.
3. If the spine easily stays tall and the back is comfortable, slowly release the legs reaching arms forward. Keep your chest open and broad. If the unsupported version feels strong and steady, slowly lengthen legs diagonally up without rounding into the low back.
4. To exit, take one final inhale, and then exhale lowering the feet softly to the ground. Cross the legs, take a few slow breaths and sit with stillness feeling the energy of boat.
Modifications/Cautions
* For easier variation, keep knees bent and hold back of knees
* For extended leg variation, lengthen legs as you hold onto the back of the knees or thighs.
