A consistent yoga practice can offer the lean, toned arms you're looking for, but unfortunately, hanging out all day in relaxing and restorative postures isn't going to cut it. If you're ready to work for a strong upper body, yoga teacher Kate Mak is all about spending time in these yoga plank variations. Learn more about each, and start incorporating them into your practice today! Source: Shutterstock; Front Page
Straight-Arm Plank works the whole body, and Kate is a huge fan! If your upper body isn't ready to hold the full extension of this plank (yet!), simply drop both knees to the floor. This way, you can concentrate on holding the weight of your body with your arms as well as your core.
This is the perfect plank variation for anyone working with wrist issues.
Your whole body will feel the burn in Beginner's Sage (also known as Side Plank), so get ready to breathe deep! Kate's a big fan of this arm-activating and balance-challenging posture.
Photo: Jenny Sugar at Laughing River Yoga Studio
When it comes to upper-body strengthening, there's no better pose than Four-Limbed Staff. Years later, Kate's teacher will still pick apart her pose — it is not an easy Asana to do with proper alignment and control! When your forearms and shoulders are in 90-degree angles, your muscles are working at their absolute maximum, she says.