Not only is there a single formula to get a flat stomach, and since few people really enjoy traditional abdominal exercises, the best way to achieve it is to incorporate other dynamics and workouts that help achieve this goal. Yoga not only helps improve flexibility and relieve stress , but its practice also makes your abs work and eliminate fat from this area – some studies show that it helps reduce abdominal fat. Read on to discover the 5 best yoga poses for a flat stomach.
Include these yoga poses in your routine to achieve a flat abdomen
Regular yoga practice can help you achieve a strong flat abdomen, as most poses require you to use your abdominal muscles for stabilization. The flexibility needed to do most yoga poses also helps increase the range of motion of the joints for other activities.
Tree position
This pose will overwork your abs to help you stand on one leg.
Instructions
- Shift your weight onto your left leg.
- Place your right knee on your chest and, with your ankle, press the lower part of your right foot on your left thigh.
- If you feel unsteady, keep your hand on your ankle as you press against your thigh.
- If you find your balance very easily, join the palms of your hand in front of your chest.
- Tighten your abs, making sure you can still breathe easily.
- Find a focal point and focus your gaze while holding the pose for 10 long, deep breaths.
- Do it again with the other leg.
Warrior stance
This is another of the best yoga poses to achieve a flat abdomen. In this position, your abs will not only help stabilize you, but the twisting motion fully engages your obliques, difficult-to-tone muscles .
Instructions
- Put your hands in a prayer position.
- Move your left leg forward and bend your knee about 90 degrees, keeping your back leg straight.
- Squeeze your abs and twist your upper body to the left.
- Keep your back straight as you lean over your left leg and move your right elbow toward the outside of your left leg.
- Turn your head to look up at the ceiling over your left shoulder.
- Hold this position for 10 long, deep breaths and then return to the starting position. If you have trouble keeping your balance, focus your eyes forward instead of looking up at the ceiling.
- Repeat with the other side.
Lotus position
This fun and functional move strengthens your core , making it one of the best yoga poses for a flat stomach.
Instructions
- Sit cross-legged at the ankles.
- Hold the outside of each ankle with your opposite hand and lift your legs off the ground for balance.
- Tighten your abs and breathe deeply. As you exhale, start rolling onto your back. Continue rotating until her shoulder blades touch the ground, lifting your hips, still holding your ankles.
- Keeping your abdominal muscles contracted, return to the starting position and find your balance again.
- Repeat up to 10 times.
Dog pose
This version of yoga dog pose maintains intensity in your abs both during retention and during transition.
Instructions
- Begin in the downward facing dog position.
- Extend your left leg up to the ceiling, pointing your toes.
- Shift your weight forward and begin to lower your hips into a plank stance, but instead of lowering your left toes, bend your left knee toward your chest, squeezing your abs throughout the movement.
- Roll your hips back and extend your left leg behind you as you return to the starting position.
- Repeat 10 times with the left leg and 10 times with the right.
Bridge position
This amplified bridge pose sculpts your glutes and hamstrings while also using your abs as stabilizers to help control leg movement.
Instructions
- Lie on your back with your knees bent, with your feet flat on the floor.
- Extend your arms at your sides, palms down.
- Squeeze your abs and press your heels onto the floor.
- Keeping your hips raised, extend your left leg up to the ceiling, foot flexed.
- Slide your left leg to the right, then twist to the left again, just past the left hip.
- Repeat 10 times (back and forth) with your left leg, then switch legs and repeat 10 more times before leaving this pose.
- Try not to drop your hips as you move your leg from side to side, using your abs and glutes to keep your pelvis lifted and elevated. Small, controlled movement is better than large movements with little form.
