Learn To Target Your Stomach With Yoga
Yoga is wonderful for both reducing stress and exercising the body and should be part of any wellness routine. In case you are wondering, yoga can be used to target the abdominal region. Yoga positions are called asanas and there are a number of them that can be used to exercise the stomach. Keep in mind that some are more advanced and therefore more difficult than others. You will want to carefully assess your comfort and skill level before trying any new asanas. If your not sure you will be able to do one asana, then start with another and build up your strength and flexibility level until you’re able to perform the more advanced ones. Before starting out, as with any workout routine, you should consult with a doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to begin exercising. Also, be sure to warm up before exercising to avoid injury.
Pavan-Muktasan
This is the first of our stomach exercising asanas and to perform this one you will first need to lie on your back. Use something to cushion your spine, preferably a yoga mat but a towel will work in a pinch. Start by bending your knees and bring them up to your chest so that your thighs are touching your stomach. Now take a deep breath and hold the position for thirty seconds before releasing and slowly lower back to the starting position. You can also do this exercise one leg at a time.
Bhujangasan
You need to stay on the floor for this stomach exercise but you will need to rollover onto your belly. Start by putting your hands under your shoulder like you’re getting ready to do a push-up. Without pushing with your hands, carefully raise your upper body off the mat, using only your back muscles, so that your head is up and you’re looking parallel with the ground. Hold this position for thirty seconds and then lower yourself back down. Even though you are primarily using your back muscles, you are also keeping constant tension on your core which in turn will help to reduce belly fat in your stomach area.
The Bow
The Bow is similar to the last asana we did but a little more complicated. You start by lying on your stomach just as before but in this one you curl your legs up while lifting your upper torso. Bend your knees so that the soles of your feet come up toward the back of your head. Now grab your ankles and pull with your hands until only the stomach is touching the mat. In-vision your body as a circle. Keep your knees together and hold this position for thirty seconds before returning to the starting position.
Paad-Pashchimottanasan
Don’t let the name scare you. The name of this asana is more complicated to pronounce than it is to perform. However a fair amount of flexibility is needed here. You want to start this one by lying on your back with your legs straight and your arms extended overhead. With your body straight from head to toe, point your palms to the ceiling and put your hands together. Use your stomach muscles to sit up. Keep your arms overhead and your back straight. Now bend forward and grab your toes. Bring your head down between your arms toward your knees. You want to hold this one for two minutes before releasing.
