Traditional abdominal exercises can help strengthen the body, but one yoga position may provide additional benefits. Boat pose, also known as Navasana, places the body in a “V” shape while challenging several muscles involved in core stability.

A stronger core improves balance and stability, supporting both movement and physical performance, experts say. Melissa Leach, a certified yoga instructor and strength and conditioning coach in Philadelphia, said core strength creates an important foundation for exercise and daily activities.

“Ab exercises help support that by strengthening key muscles such as the obliques, lower back and deep stabilizers like the transverse abdominis,” Leach told Fox News Digital.

“Together, these muscles work to stabilize your spine, creating a strong foundation for movement and allowing you to transfer force more efficiently between your upper and lower body.”

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

The core is involved in many routine activities, including carrying groceries and rising from a chair. During those movements, the muscles help stabilize the trunk, preserve balance and support controlled motion.

Core strength can also help lower the risk of lower back pain by improving spinal stability and supporting control during lifting and other physically demanding movements, according to Leach. However, she noted that core strength alone does not determine injury risk.

Boat pose challenges the abdominal muscles while engaging the hip flexors, glutes and back. Leach said that combination develops functional core strength instead of isolating only one muscle group.

A traditional situp takes place in “one plane of motion,” while boat pose asks the entire core to work together to keep the body balanced and lifted, Leach said. Therefore, the pose places greater demands on stability, balance and control.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Holding the position or moving through it dynamically trains the muscles responsible for stabilizing the spine and pelvis, according to Leach. A situp, by comparison, primarily strengthens the muscles used for trunk flexion.

“Both have their place, but boat pose challenges the core to work as an integrated system rather than focusing on one movement pattern.”

Boat pose can develop both stability and muscular endurance, Leach said. Its position requires the deep core muscles that support the spine and pelvis to remain active throughout the movement.

Over time, Leach said this may lead to better posture, a stronger lower back and a core that supports everyday movement. She also shared steps for completing the pose with proper form.

Begin by sitting on a mat or the floor with the knees bent and the feet flat. Lean back slightly onto the sit bones while keeping the lower back straight.

Next, lift the feet from the ground and keep the shins parallel to the floor. If possible, extend the legs upward to enter the full pose, then reach the arms forward so they remain parallel to the ground.

Use the core muscles to raise the legs and upper body away from the mat until the body forms the final “V” shape. Lower the body back toward the floor or mat before repeating the movement.

People who want a more dynamic exercise can move into and out of boat pose instead of holding the position. Keeping the legs bent in a half boat pose can reduce the strain and effort placed on the core.

Holding the backs of the thighs lightly can provide support and make balancing easier. Those who have difficulty maintaining a straight spine can also sit on a folded blanket or cushion to help tilt the pelvis forward.

Another option is sitting with the back a few inches from a wall “for reassurance,” Leach said, while leaving enough room to complete the crunching movement without hitting the head.

For seniors and people with limited core strength, Leach recommends a version supported by a sturdy chair. Sit near the front edge, hold the sides for support, lean back slightly and lift one or both feet a few inches from the floor.

“This builds the same engagement without the demand of balancing unsupported, and you can progress to the floor version once you feel steadier,” she advised.