Yoga is a form of exercise that has been growing in popularity all over the world because of its ability to strengthen the muscles and build stamina. A lot of fitness gym such as YogaWorks and LA Fitness offer yoga classes for those who would like to try this unique workout routine.
Yoga is also an effective way to tone your muscles, especially the abs. There are yoga exercises that are designed to build and strengthen your stomach muscles so that you will get firm abs that you can be proud of.
Different Yoga Exercises for the Abs
Perhaps you can try these yoga exercises and eventually choose one that will really produce the results that you want. Some of the best yoga exercises for the abs include the Yoga Boat Pose for abs muscles firming, the Stretch Pose for abdominal strength, and many others.
One of the key elements in muscle training, especially abdominal muscle development and strengthening is the variations in the workout routine. The variations in movements will enable your abs muscles to adapt to the different types of stress and strain which eventually help in a faster and more effective muscle development.
Settling for just two variations, the Boat Pose and the Stretch Pose should give your abs enough movement variations that will produce the best results. The Boat Pose is a little more advanced than the Stretch Pose. Therefore, if you are a yoga beginner, starting with the Stretch pose is recommended.
Or, if you are already caught in a different abs workout, you can still add the Boat Pose or the Stretch Pose to your routine. You can do them from time to time, just to break the monotony of your usual workout regimen.
A) Stretch Pose
Here are the details of the Stretch Pose for abs muscle strengthening.
- Movements
- Lie with your back on the floor.
- Put your hands under your buttocks with your palms touching the floor. This will support your lower back.
- Start raising your heels about 6 inches from the floor while pointing your feet and toes away. Slightly raise your head and look at your toes. Your abdominal muscles will start to feel the strain right away.
- Start breathing rapidly through the nose just like very fast sniffing, and keeping the breath shallow.
- Required time – you will be able to complete these movements in about 11 minutes.
- What you can expect
- Strengthening of your abdominal muscles
- Increase in your power and core energy
- Development of the desired 6 pack abs
- The opening, healing and balancing of the Manipura Chakra or Solar Plexus Chakra which is recognized as the seat of power of a person. You are advised to build this vital center while you are still beginning your yoga exercise. It will enable you to have the capacity to see things through.
- Improvement in your digestive system.
- Tips in performing the Stretch Pose
- Try performing this pose with your legs bent on your knees, and do it one leg at a time. Both ways will help you cut down the pressure you are feeling on your abs muscles.
- Take care of your lower back while executing this pose. You can roll a bigger part of your arms underneath for more body support.
B) Boat Pose
These are the details on how to perform the Boat Pose for developing solid abs muscles.
- Movements
- Lie with your back on the floor.
- Place your arms straight out on your sides with palms facing forward, while keeping your legs together and your toes facing forward.
- Start raising your legs and torso and keep your balance on your sacrum. Keep focusing your eyes on your toes as this will enable you to maintain your balance. You have now formed a V shape using your torso and legs.
- Start breathing rapidly through your nose just like very fast sniffing, and keep your breaths as shallow as you can.
- Required time – the normal time you can complete this routine is around 11 minutes.
- What you can expect
- Development and firming of your abdominal muscles by building your Navel Center.
- Activation and balancing of the Solar Plexus Chakra.
- Strengthening of your character and willpower.
- Awakening of your entire bodily systems including the endocrine, nervous, circulatory, digestive and so forth.
- Development of your core energy and vigor.
- Enhancement of your balance and focus.
- Tips in performing the Boat Pose
- You can vary the exercise by holding on to your thighs or knees.
- Keep a steady focus on your toes because it will enable you to maintain your balance while doing the exercise.
- You can also take a break if you need to but return to the Boat Pose as soon as you are rested. To sustain this exercise, you are recommended to do it 3 times, but to have breaks in between.