Yoga is not just about flexibility or calm breathing; It’s a powerful tool for sculpting your body and tackling stubborn belly fat. By engaging the core through specific postures and aligning breath with movement, yoga not only changes how you look but how your body feels and functions. This exercise provides a unique blend of strengthening, toning and stress relief, making it a game-changer for anyone looking for a leaner, healthier waistline.
However, it is important to note that along with yoga, a balanced approach involving regular physical activity, dietary modifications, and behavioral and lifestyle changes is important to achieve lasting results. To get started, here are some yoga asanas that you can practice to help lose belly fat.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose) 1
· Kneel on a yoga mat with your knees hip-width apart, thighs straight on the ground and hands close to your hips.
· Slowly lean back, lift your chest up, and place your hands on your legs. Push your hips forward, allowing your head to drop back slowly if comfortable, keeping your thighs still. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds with slow, deep breaths.
Ustrasana 2
Ustrasana-2
· To release, bring your hands to your hips and return to an upright position, then relax into child’s pose.
Ardha Matsyendrasana 1
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord Fish Pose) 1
· Sit on the mat with your legs spread.
· Bend your right knee and place your foot flat on the floor, crossing it over your left leg. Bend your left leg and bring your left foot close to your right hip. Keep your spine straight.
Ardha Matsyendrasana 2
Ardha Matsyendrasana 2
· Place your right arm behind you for support and your left elbow on the outside of your right knee. Twist your torso to the right while looking over your shoulder. Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
Ardha Matsyendrasana 3
Ardha Matsyendrasana-3
· Release the twist and repeat on the other side.
Mandukasana (Frog Pose)
Note – People with knee or hip injuries, back problems, heart problems or pregnancy should avoid Mandukasana.
· Sit in Vajrasana, knees bent and legs tucked under the hips.
Mandukasana 1
Mandukasan-1
· Open the fingers of both hands and turn your fingers inwards.
Mandukasana-2
Mandukasana-2
· Roll on your toes and make fists inside your fingers.
Mandukasana-3
Mandukasana-3
· Place your fists close to your navel with your fingers pointing inwards.
Mandukasana 4
Mandukasana-4
· Exhale and gently press your fists into your stomach as you bend forward. With your back straight, hold the pose for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
Mandukasana 5
Mandukasana-5
· Slowly return to upright position and relax.
(Singh is a Master Trainer at Art of Living’s Sri Sri School of Yoga)