How Yoga Can Strengthen and Tone Your Stomach

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.

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