10 Yoga Poses for Toned Abs
These yoga poses will firm up your core, just in time for summer.
Aren’t you tired of doing hundreds of crunches a day and seeing little to no results? Plus, a standard crunch can put unhealthy strain on your neck and shoulders, causing pain and discomfort. If you’re looking for a workout that will get rid of stubborn belly fat and tighten your abs, try yoga. The practice improves your overall stability and strength using the weight of your body. The yoga poses below will specifically target your core and get you the flat belly you’re hoping for so you can rock that tight tank top or teeny bikini this summer. Get ready to burn that belly fat and get washboard abs in no time!
By Pratima Ati
Tree Pose
Image credit: YouTubeThis asana will work the way it should if your core is tucked in tight while you stretch and stand still. The core is intact the entire time, which boosts the toning of the abdominal muscles. Since this is a balancing act where you need to keep your eyes open, it also improves focus.
Plank Pose
Image credit: YouTubeIt is one of the most dynamic asanas for toning your abs. So, the longer you stay in this position, the better it is. The focus is on the core and keeping it intact. It also helps in strengthening your forearms, hamstrings, and thighs. Though it is a straightforward pose, it needs practice, just like anything else.
Warrior I Pose
Image credit: YouTubeA graceful and powerful way of strengthening your abs. It improves your stamina while toning your abdominal, thigh, and shoulder muscles. The Warrior 1 Pose or the Virabhadrasana is all about stretching the lower body while pulling the core.
Downward Dog Pose
Image credit: ShutterstockThis asana is one of the most famous yoga poses that is known to boost your strength and stamina while toning your abdominal muscles. The balancing act is done completely with the help of the forearms and keeping the core tight.
Upward Plank Pose
Image credit: ShutterstockWith a little practice, you can master the pose and get closer to your dream of toned abs. This asana counteracts the Chaturanga Dandasana by stretching all the muscles it strengthens. The abs will remain intact, and the lower body is pulled off the ground, which helps you tone your abdomen.
Bridge Pose
Image credit: YouTubeThis asana is an equivalent for crunches. It engages your core by keeping it tight and lifts the lower body. It is probably one of my favorite asanas because it is easy and efficient.
Warrior II Pose
Image credit: YouTubeThis asana is known to stimulate the toning of your abdominal muscles by engaging the entire lower body. With practice, you will perfect the act of keeping the core tight, and strike the perfect pose.
Boat Pose
Image credit: ShutterstockThis asana triggers the toning of the abdominal muscles by improving your stamina. It balances the entire body on your back and not the tailbone. The focus is on the belly and the lower body. This makes this asana one of the most efficient ways to tone your abs.
Fish Pose
Image credit: ShutterstockIt engages the abdominal muscles when you pull the body up off the ground. It is a slightly advanced asana, but with a few variations and practice, one can master it. You will see remarkable changes in no time.
Bow Pose
Image credit: ShutterstockThis asana involves rocking your entire body with your abdomen as the base. It strengthens the muscles while stretching the groin, thighs, and abdominal area. It releases stress and improves blood circulation, which is one of the most important factors for weight loss.
