Whether you’re giving your fitness routine a much-needed refresh or just want to try something new, consider taking inspiration from the go-to exercise that incredibly fit people do. Grab your yoga mat and get ready to put on your namaste. We spoke with Matt Weston (he/her/him), San Diego Area Lead Instructor at Core Power Yoga, about the #1 yoga exercise people do to live the best, healthiest, fittest life. If you’re intrigued, read on to find out more.
Seasoned yogis and beginners alike will be happy to hear that yoga is full of incredible health benefits. This form of exercise and wellness is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Along with improving your flexibility, you’ll improve your muscle tone and strength, get an energy boost, maintain a balanced metabolism, and even be able to lose weight while you’re at it. Yoga is also a great way to unwind after a long day at work, and it will help you deal with that stress in the future.
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Weston tells us that a strong core is “the foundation of all yoga practice.” A classic plank is the best yoga exercise people do to target their abs. He adds, “A strong core is essential for mastering more advanced poses, but it also helps stabilize and ground your body, strengthen your overall balance, and reduce your risk of injury. Plus, who doesn’t love toned abs? an isometric exercise that targets all major abdominal muscles, deltoids, glutes and more.”
Having strong core muscles will not only have a positive impact on the way you perform daily tasks, but will also improve your athletic performance. Doing basic movements teaches the muscles of the lower back, pelvis, hips and abdomen to work together.
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To perform a classic plank, make sure your wrists are aligned directly below your shoulders. Assume a push-up position as you come up on top of your toes. Make sure your back stays neutral when looking at the end of your yoga mat. Squeeze your navel into your spine and activate your abdominal muscles.
Weston explains, “I recommend everyone incorporate plank pose into their daily yoga routine for maximum benefits and to tone the whole body. For a challenge, hold the position for as long as you can. without sacrificing your form.”

Incredibly fit people make fitness and self-care a daily priority, no matter how busy their schedules may be, Weston points out. You will make both your mind and your body one huge favor by moving daily. So create a little yoga and meditation oasis in your own space, or head to the studio for rejuvenating workouts you’ll be glad you did.
If you need help getting started, CorePower has an incredible selection of over 350 online yoga classes, lessons, and meditation videos to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. It’ll help you stay on track when you’re traveling or having an incredibly busy day at work. And if you prefer to attend a yoga class in person, CorePower has more than 200 studios to choose.
Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the associate editor of Eat This, Not That!’s Mind + Body, overseeing the M+B channel and bringing readers compelling stories about fitness, wellness and self-care. Read more