Entries Tagged 'Stomach Exercises' ↓

Yoga is a relaxing total-body workout that not only helps in reducing stress, but also exercises major problem areas. If you want to target your midsection, incorporating some yoga exercises can help. However, be aware that numerous yoga exercises are available, so it is best to start off with the easier ones before you work your way to more complex exercises. Here are some of the easiest positions you can use:

Bhujangasan

You start this exercise by lying flat on your stomach and placing your hands under your shoulders. You then raise your upper body off the ground using your back muscles until your head is upright. Make sure not to push using your hands because the goal of this exercise is to use your back muscles. Hold in that position for 30 seconds before lowering yourself to the starting position slowly.

The Bow

This exercise is similar to Bhujangasan, but you have to curl your legs upward and lift your upper torso. You should first bend your knees to make your feet come towards your head. Using both your hands, grab your ankles and pull with your hands, while pushing with your legs. Your stomach should be the only part on the floor and keep your knees together all throughout the exercise. Hold for 30 seconds and go back to the starting position.

Pavan-Muktaasan

Start by lying on your back and bending both knees up to the chest until the thighs reach your stomach. You then hug your knees and lock your fingers in place. Lift your head up until your nose reaches the knees. Breathe deeply, while holding this position for 30 seconds. Release your knees slowly and go back to the starting position slowly.

Paad-Pashchimottanasan

First you need to lie on your back and have your arms overhead, while keeping your legs straight, extending all of your limbs. You should then place your palms flat, pointing up to the ceiling. Put your hands together and contract your stomach muscles on your way to a sitting position. Keep you back straight and arms still on your head. Bend forward, grabbing your toes and placing your head between both arms. Hold this position for two minutes and release slowly.

Although some of the yoga exercises focus on other body parts, you will feel your stomach contract with each move. Doing these easy yoga exercises can help you strengthen and flatten your stomach easier.

Toning your abdominal muscles may seem hard, but there are several tried-and-tested ways to achieve this. Traditional stomach exercises and machine-assisted exercises can help tone your stomach. If you’re looking for effective methods that you can do from home, listed below are some abdominal exercises for you to choose from:

The Bicycle

Without any pricey equipment, the bicycle is one of the oldest and most effective abdominal exercises around. You begin by laying down flat on your back and placing your hands behind your head with your fingers laced together. You then bring your knees to the chest and rotate them at about 45 degrees. As you do this, touch your left elbow to your right knee and vice versa. As its name suggest, the bicycle is an exercise that involves movements similar to peddling a bike.

The Balance Ball

Not only does using a balance ball tone your stomach muscles, it also improves core stability and provides a great exercise for the entire body. The goal of this exercise is to stay balanced on the ball by keeping your abdominal muscles tight.

The Red Exerciser

Although this machine is relatively new, it is an effective tool in keeping your body at place while your lower body moves back and forth using your abdominal muscles. Regular use of the red exerciser often produces noticeable results.

The Hindu Pushups

To start this exercise, place your hands and knees with your legs spread wide and your rear end pushed up. Just like a pushup, you then bend your knees and bring your back down in an arc. Straighten your arms to make your back arch upwards, while your hips remain just above the ground.

The Rowing Machine

The rowing machine aims to tone your legs, triceps, biceps, forearms and shoulders, but because of the position needed to complete the exercise while on the machine, your stomach can also be toned and strengthened.

Whether you use a machine or not, it is important that you follow a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables while exercising. In addition, a variety in your abdominal workout can prevent you from becoming bored with the routine while giving your abdominal muscles more definition.