Basic SittingBeginner

Half Boat Pose

Ardha Navasana

Half Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana) lowers the torso and legs closer to the floor while maintaining boat-shaped lift, intensifying core endurance.

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How to Perform

  1. 1

    Begin in Paripurna Navasana with legs extended and spine tall.

  2. 2

    Interlace fingers behind head or extend arms forward for added challenge.

  3. 3

    On an exhale, lower torso and legs toward the floor until shins hover and low back stays broad.

  4. 4

    Keep belly drawing in, ribs soft, and thighs squeezing together as you breathe steadily.

  5. 5

    Hold 3–5 breaths, then inhale to rise back to full boat or exhale to release.

Benefits

  • Strengthens deep abdominal and hip flexor muscles for spinal support.
  • Builds stamina and stability for transitions between seated and supine shapes.
  • Improves control of breath under muscular demand.

Alignment Cues

  • Shoulder blades lift away from mat while neck stays long.
  • Legs hover at a consistent height without dropping feet.
  • Elbows stay wide if hands cradle head.
  • Spine remains in one long line without arching or collapsing.

Common Mistakes

No common mistakes listed.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Lumbar disc injury
  • Hip flexor strain

Recommended Props

Strap around thighsBlock between thighs

Tags

Basic SittingBeginnerCoreLegsSpineStaff and Boatasana