How to Tone the Stomach With Yoga

Yoga is an exercise routine designed to engage your body, mind and spirit as you work out. Many yoga poses and stretches will help tone your stomach while giving you better posture and more flexibility over time. Yoga stretches help elongate and strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Instructions

1. Relax by taking a few minutes to clear your mind. Yoga relies on a strong connection between your mind and body, so it is important to give yourself some time to unwind before starting a yoga workout. Taking the time to properly prepare will ensure that your stomach and the other parts of your body are toned as much as possible during the workout.

2. Use slow and controlled motions as you do each yoga pose and stretch. It is very important to move slowly to ensure that each muscle group is involved its maximum amount. This will also help you make sure that you are getting the most out of your workout by giving yourself time to feel the strain and tightening in each muscle group.

3. Practice the yoga pose referred to as the "mountain tilt," usually considered one of the best poses for toning the stomach, by beginning with your feet apart about the width of your hips and with your arms at your side. Hold one arm above your head and reach your fingers towards the ceiling as you bend over at your waist towards your left. Hold this pose for a few seconds, then alternate to your right side and repeat about five times for each.

4. Try the "bridge pose" by lying on your back with your knees bent and your legs spread a comfortable width apart. Keep your arms at your side as you lift your hips off the floor, repeating about five times, using your abdominal muscles. It is very important to concentrate on allowing your stomach muscles to do the work with this pose in order to make sure you tone those muscles in particular.

5. Do the "locust pose" about five times in each set to tone your stomach. Lie flat on the floor on your stomach with your chin touching the ground and your arms reaching out in front of you. Tighten your abdominal muscles as you lift your arms, legs, head and chest off the ground, hold for a few seconds, then lower your body down to the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid holding your breath while doing yoga as inhalations and exhalations will actually help deepen the stretches that will ultimately tone your stomach. Regular breathing will stabilize your body as you work out and strengthen your core muscles.