These last few weeks, I’ve focused on core strength. I’ve just come across this short mini core workout using yoga poses from a favourite blog on yoga anatomy. Read the brief article for helpful tips about activating the muscles of your core – the author offers some slightly different tips for your arms, feet and pelvis – all worth a try.
Here are a few tips I suggest to help you activate more muscles.
Forearm plank pose
Try squeezing your thighs towards each other (as if there was a block be
tween them), squeeze your buttocks and gently tighten your armpits. The advantage of this pose is you have to use more muscle strength in your back and core, because you don’t have as much help from the arms to keep you up.
Side plank pose
Again, squeeze the thighs and buttocks and gently tighten the armpit that is closest to the ground. While you do want to focus on lifting your pelvis – it’s only to the point that it forms a straight line from shoulder to foot.
The photo offers a more gentle variation with the top foot stepped in front of your bottom leg.
Bridge pose
As you lift your hips, ever so slightly let your buttocks sink a little – then imagine squeezing a block between your thighs. Keep that muscle action while you gently squeeze 
your buttocks.
Try all the different cues and remember it’s always about moderation. The challenge is get all the different muscle cues going at the same time, but only with about 50% effort. If you can find an even amount of effort you should feel stable and avoid pain in tight areas.
