Belly fat is something nearly everybody has to battle at some point in their life. Even if you eat a balanced diet and work out regularly, getting a flat stomach can definitely take some time. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged because some easy yoga moves will work wonders on your midsection.
Yoga has been an effective form of exercise for over 5,000 years. WebMD describes yoga as a full body workout that not only tones and tightens muscles, but relaxes and calms the mind. With over 100 forms that range from simple to complex, anybody can incorporate this exercise program into your daily routine. Let’s take a look at 10 easy yoga poses that help tackle abdominal fat.
1. Board (Kumbhakasana)
The board pose proves to be nearly a full body workout. This move focuses on the thighs, buttocks, shoulders, back, and the stubborn belly area.
2. Pontoon Posture (Naukasana)
Lay on your back with your legs straight out and your arms on each side of your body. Breathe in and raise your legs but keep them straight with your body (Don’t bend your knees). Now raise your legs as high as they can go. While in this position try to reach for your toes to make your body into a 45° angle.
How to do it:
Step 1: Breath normally as you hold the post for 15 seconds.
Step 2: Release the pose and allow your body to rest for 15 seconds.
Step 3: Repeat the pose 5 times with a rest in between each one.
3. Bow Posture (Dhanurasana)
Lie down on your stomach with your legs stretched out and arms on each side of the body. Bend your knees and grab the ankles (or feet) with your arms and hold the position. Then take a breath and lift your head up and start to bend it backwards while trying to lift your legs as high as you can.
How to do it:
Step 1: Hold the position 15-30 seconds while breathing normally
Step 2: Exhale and return to the lying position allowing your body to rest for 15 seconds.
Step 3: Repeat 5 times with rest time in between each pose
4. Bridge (Setubandhasana)
This pose has a number of benefits including relief for stiff muscles, strengthening the hips and spine while also stretching the abdominal muscles to promote useful exercise. It has even been proven to help with high blood pressure, improve digestion and curb symptoms of menopause.
Start by lying on your back. Exhale as you push off the floor with your feet.
Raise your body so that your buttocks and back are off the floor, but your neck remains down Push your hands down on the ground for additional support. Hold the position for as long as you can.
The correct posture for this asana can be achieved by striving to touch your chest to your chin, all while holding the breath. Also, you need to push your belly and the chest upwards in the air. This brings a healthy pressure to your lower back.
How to do it:
Step 1: Push your hands down on the ground for additional support.
Step 2: Hold the position for as long as you can.
5. Cobra Posture (Bhujang asana)
Lay on your belly with your legs straight out and your hands should be placed under your shoulders. Breathe in through your nose slowly and raise your upper body with your arms, try bending back as far as you can go but leave your head straight forward.
How to do it:
Step 1: Rest for 15 seconds.
Step 2: Repeat 5 times with a break in between each pose.
