8 Yoga Poses For A Flat Tummy And A Stronger Core

Six-pack abdominal muscles are a rage in the fitness world. Getting that flat tummy, shedding those love handles, and strengthening the core are on everyone’s bucket list these days.

It isn’t just about being skinny anymore, it’s about being fit. And clearly a lot of people have taken it very seriously, including our favourite celebrities. From Deepika Padukone’s slender figure, to Katrina Kaif’s defined muscles, a flat tummy seems to be the ultimate goal.

Besides working out, there are a lot of other things one can do to strengthen one’s abdominal muscles, including yoga stretches and poses.

Now you might think that yoga doesn’t really break you into a sweat, but in reality, it does. By holding each pose for a while, your body builds up a lot of strength allowing you to increase the duration of the pose with time.

Along with being highly relaxing for the mind, yoga also invariably builds your muscles. I mean, have you seen the crazy poses and fascinating twists serious yogis can morph into?!

Starting from the very beginning, here are 8 yoga poses that will help you strengthen your core, aiding you in your quest to get the flat tummy you want.

 

1. Wheel Pose or Chakrasana

All you need to do is lie down on a mat and lift yourself up, with your core pushing towards the ceiling. Want a little more stretch? Start with the basic posture of resting your back on the mat, lifting your belly upwards.

 

2. Shoulder Stand or Sarvangasana

The shoulder stand highly engages your core and strengthens it too. Lie down on a mat and lift your legs up, butt off the floor. Use the support of your hands to hold the pose in case you feel unbalanced.

 

3. Hand to Foot Pose or Padahastana

Stand straight and slowly roll your upper body over to your lower body. Fold in half, keeping your legs as straight as possible, and hold them to keep steady. Tuck in your core as you do this — this will help elongate your spine as well as engage your core.

 

4. Bow Pose or Dhanurasana

This pose helps your back, while giving your stomach a good stretch. Lie flat, stomach first, on the mat and slowly lift your upper body and legs off it. Hold your legs to give your core a stronger stretch and rock forwards and backwards to engage the core.

 

5. The Plank or Kumbhakasana

The age-old plank is the greatest pose to strengthen your core. Push your body upwards, keeping your feet on the mat. Make sure your back is straight, at the same level with your butt. Hold for as long as you can, keeping your core engaged.

 

6. Locust Post or Shalabasana

Go into Superman mode with this pose. Lie stomach down on the mat and lift your upper body and legs, keeping your stomach on the mat. Hold this pose for a bit, without straining your neck. Want to be a little experimental? Fold your right leg and hold it with your right hand.

 

7. Seated Pose

This is probably one of the most difficult poses in the list, but it really helps with engaging the core. You can either split your legs, or put them together to form a boat. Keeping hands to your side (or holding your legs for balance), concentrate on tightening your tummy.

 

8. Corpse Pose or Shavasana

The most relaxing pose of the lot, Shavasana concentrates on your breathing while lying down on the mat. Make sure your spine is relaxed and breathe in and out heavily.