Yoga is capable of flattening one’s belly and training the abs. According to Kathryn Budig, yoga instructor and author of The Women’s Health Big Book of Yoga, almost every single yoga pose engages and tones your abdominal muscles.
“Yoga makes your core strong by forcing you to be in tune with how it engages and moves,” she stated. In fact, most core exercises in yoga has the additional benefit of simultaneously toning and strengthening the shoulders and upper back aside from the abdominal muscles. In other words, each yoga pose has to ability to help you in training a couple of areas. These are some of the poses that will aid you to fire up your abs and tighten your tummy.
“Boat pose strengthens abs,quadriceps, back muscles, and hip flexors. You can also modify the move to fit all fitness levels – feet can hover above the ground, be parallel to the mat, or extend into full boat,” explains Kathryn. Begin the pose in a seated position with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly lean back till you are able to get your feet off the ground. Then, straighten your legs together to form a V shape with your body. While doing that, keep your arms extended and parallel to the ground. After that, balance your tailbone and sit bones, lift up your chest and look forward. Maintain this for 5 to 10 breaths and repeat between 2 to 5 times.
“Do half boat pose in reps – lift your arms and legs off the mat into position and then relax down onto the mat. It creates an awesome total-body tremble that strengthens the lower abs,” she said. Start with the boat pose before lowering your body till your legs and chest hover above the ground in almost a straight line. Then extend your arms and look forward.
Another popular pose is known as the plank. This pose engages your core, teaching one to use the body as a whole. At the same time, it also activates front and side abdominal muscles. First, start in the all fours position. After that, curl your toes under and step both feet back till your legs are straighten and your feet are hip-width apart. Slowly bring your shoulders, hips, and heels into a straight line by engaging your core and quads. Then, press your outer arms inward and distribute the weight of your knuckles evenly, while looking slightly past the fingertips. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths. For more yoga poses to help attain flat abs, do refer here.
If you are looking for assistance in attaining flat abs, check out OMG Yoga Singapore. Our private yoga classes can be tailored towards your needs, so that you get the best out of each session.