Posted: July 2, 2018

A toned abdomen is glorified in today’s world and is recognized as a sign of a healthy body. However, achieving six-pack abs is much easier said than done. For those struggling to get well-toned abs, yoga can be a secret weapon. While working out in the gym certainly tones the belly, yoga refreshes the body and mind, improves metabolism, and can reduce body fat.

Overall, yoga can provide one of the best abdominal workouts. A couple of hours practicing yoga throughout the week will equip you with the tools you need to achieve a calm mind and flat belly.

Try out the following yoga poses and experience their power as you bring out your six pack:

Kapal bhati (skull shining breathing technique)

A breathing technique that tones the abs? Yes! The skull shining breathing technique improves the metabolism and digestive tract functioning, thus helping to reduce weight. Begin your yoga routine with this breathing technique.

Viparita shalabhasana (superman pose)

Superman pose stretches and strengthens the muscles of the chest, shoulders, arms, legs, abdomen and lower back. It’s an excellent posture to tone the abdomen and lower back, and is also one of the most effective workouts for the abs and stomach.

Bhujangasana (cobra pose)

Cobra pose strengthens the shoulders and entire back. It also tones the abdomen and improves blood circulation.

Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend)

Seated forward bend stretches the lower back, hamstrings and hips. It also tones the abdominal organs.

Hastapadasana (standing forward bend)

All the muscles of the back are stretched in the standing forward bend pose. This posture tones the abdominal organs and improves blood supply to the nervous system.

Virbhadrasana (warrior pose)

Warrior pose stretches and strengthens the shoulders, chest, belly and groin. It also tones the body and mentally builds confidence.

Setu bandha sarvangasana (bridge pose variation)

This variation of bridge pose stretches and strengthens the abdominal muscles and helps improve digestion by stimulating the abdominal organs.

Boat pose (naukasana)

Boat Pose is a challenging posture that activates the entire body, especially the abdominal muscles, back and legs.

Mill churning pose (chakki chalanasana)

Mill churning pose is a fun and excellent workout that tones the back, abs, and arm muscles. Consistent practice of this posture helps reduce abdominal fat.

Shavasana (corpse pose)

End your yoga routine by lying down for 5-10 minutes in corpse pose. This posture helps rejuvenate the body by relieving stress and repairing tissues and cells. Lying in corpse pose also brings deep rest to the body, reducing stress hormones like cortisol, which cause the buildup of fat in the belly.

To practice these yoga poses intensively with the loving guidance of experienced teachers, you might want to check out the Sri Sri Yoga Foundation program. As you gain experience with this type of yoga, you may become interested in the Teacher Training Program, offered several times a year. Who knows, you might be able to inspire others to workout the same way you do!

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.