Practicing yoga can help you strengthen your core muscles, while increasing flexibility. In addition to these benefits, yoga poses can tone specific body parts. According to Women Fitness, when you are stressed, your body stores extra fat in your abdomen. Yoga poses that target your midsection can relieve stress, improve your digestion and stretch your spine.
Torso Stretch
Also called Upward-Facing Dog, Torso Stretch prepares your body for exercise. This pose stretches your midsection muscles, and is a great backbend, helping to keep the back flexible. Lie on your stomach and place your hands directly under your shoulders. Push into the floor, keeping your elbows pulled in against your sides, until your entire upper body is lifted up. Your arms should be mostly or entirely straight. Hold the pose for 2 to 4 breathes, as you feel your stomach stretch and lengthen. When you are ready, gently lower your upper body back down to the floor, without disturbing the placement of your hands.
Triangle Pose
Triangle Pose focuses on your core by working your spine and torso. It is a great pose to help you begin to tone your waist. Stand with your feet approximately 3 feet apart. Keep your legs straight. Turn your left foot out 90 degrees, keeping your other foot steady, or slightly turned in. Raise your arms parallel over your legs, then tilt at the waist towards your left foot. Your back hand reaches towards the sky, while your front hand comes to rest beside your left foot.
If you have trouble reaching the floor in Triangle Pose, reach for your foot or lower leg. Gaze up at your hand in the air. If this strains your neck, you can gaze straight ahead. Try to align your body as if you were up against a wall. If you are a beginner, you may want to actually lean your back against the wall. Keep your chest facing forward as you hold the pose for 4 to 5 breaths. Then raise your torso and switch the positions of your feet to repeat on the other side.
Bridge Pose
This pose raises your hips above your heart, which provides a counter-stretch for your body, working those abdominal muscles. Lie on your back with your feet as wide as your hips. Bend your knees so they are directly above your feet and lay your arms at your sides. To reduce pressure on your spine, roll from side to side as you move your upper arms slightly underneath your shoulders. Breathe in as you use your abdominal muscles to lift your torso. Keep your core tight, and your shoulders flat on the floor. Your hips should be approximately as high as your knees. Take 3 to 4 breathes before lowering your hips back down to the floor. Repeat this pose two to three times, or as long as the stretch feels good for your body.
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