This pose helps to strengthen the core and hip flexors.Boat pose is for strengthening abs, thighs and hip flexors while activating energy in the arms. Translated as boat pose due to the way the body looks when this posture is fully expressed, boat pose is a powerful pose unto itself. Navasana requires a moderate level of balance and a high level of mental willpower, but this pose is a great way to strengthen primarily the abdomen. Although not necessarily as initially heating to the body as some other postures, it's level of difficulty is higher. And the longer you can hold the pose, the more you'll definitely begin to feel the burn. Like every posture in yoga, it tests our mind's focus and will power to work through what we may be resistant to and/or uncomfortable with. Emily doesn't really like this pose, but she does it because of how it shapes those particular areas of her body.