I know what you're thinking. You hate this pose. And you hate your instructor when she casually asks you to flow into it like it's NBD. It's a toughy for sure, but it's great for improving balance and side-to-side spinal flexibility, opening tight hamstrings, getting your digestive juices flowing, and totally working your butt. The more times you do it, the easier it will become to hold, and that means more tush-toning action!

• Come into Downward Facing Dog. Inhale to step the right foot forward between the hands and rise up into Warrior 1.
• Exhale to lean forward, lifting your back leg off the ground, and plant your left hand on the ground. Raise your right arm into the air, gazing at your lifted fingertips. If this is difficult, rest your bottom hand on a block and your right hand on your hip.
• Flex or point with the ball of the left foot to engage the backside of the left leg, targeting the glutes.
• Try to stay balanced, increasing the twist with each exhale, holding here for five deep breaths.

Related: The Perfect Yoga Sequence to Open Up Tight Hamstrings [1]