Women can benefit from the stress-reducing qualities of yoga, and, by targeting the abdomen, can fight dangerous belly fat as well. Carrying visceral belly fat increases a woman's risk of breast cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been linked to belly fat. Try some core challenging and stress-busting yoga poses.
Pavan-Muktasan
Pavan-Muktasan targets the stomach. You will likely feel a stretch in the hips and lower back when doing this pose. To perform this exercise, lie face up on the floor with your legs straight. Flex your thighs and point your toes toward the ceiling as though you were standing on your legs. Bend your right knee and pull it toward your right shoulder. Interlace your fingers under your knee and pull. Tilt your chin to bring your forehead to your knee and hold for the desired length of time. Straighten your right leg on the floor and repeat with the left. Finish by pulling both knees up together in the center of your body and bringing your head up.
Dolphin Plank Pose
The dolphin plank pose is a core challenging exercise, and also tones the arms and legs. The dolphin plank begins from a dolphin pose. Position your body with your forearms on the floor, your hips high in the air and your legs straight with your heels touching the floor so your body looks like an upside "V." This is dolphin. Lower your hips until your torso is flat. The elbows and shoulders should line up. Pull your shoulders back and squeeze your stomach and buttocks to maintain this position for up to 60 seconds.
Side-Reclining Leg Lift
The side-reclining leg lift tones your abs from a lying down position. You should tighten your abs and glutes while doing this exercise to strengthen your core. Doing the side-reclining leg lift also stretches your hamstrings, calves and the sides of your torso, one side at a time. To do this exercise on your right side, lie sideways on a yoga mat with your left shoulder, hip and leg on the floor. Prop yourself up on your left forearm. Straighten your body so your back is flat and your pelvis is straight with the right hip stacked over the left. Place your right arm straight onto your side and reach toward your foot. Bend your right knee and grasp your big toe securely with your right index and middle finger. A strap may be wrapped around the arch of the foot and held in your right hand if you wish. Straighten your right leg and twist your toes to point to the ceiling. Raise your leg toward the ceiling until it makes a 90-degree angle with your left leg. Repeat on the other side.
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