1. A Simple Standing Stretch
While there are many types of yoga abdominal stretches, the standing side bend is simple and easy even for beginners. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and lift your hands to the sky. Grip your right wrist with your left hand and inhale deeply, lifting your spine up tall. On the exhale, gently bend to the left until you begin to feel a stretch along your side and through your arm. Look up towards the ceiling and try to turn your right arm out, deepening the side bend abdominal stretch. Hold the pose for 3 to 5 deep breaths and the engage your abdominal muscles and coming to standing on an exhale. Repeat the stretch on the opposite side.
2. Bending for Balance
The extended side angle is a great stretch for the abs, but also helps to strengthen the legs and neck and stretch the arms. Stand with your legs as wide as is comfortable and turn the toes of your right foot so that the are pointing to the side. The toes of your left foot should be pointing straight ahead, as well as your abdomen. Lift your arms to your sides and bend your right knee, dropping into a deep squat. Inhale deeply and exhale, dropping your right hand down to the floor on the outside of your right leg. Your left arm should be lifting straight up as you turn your gaze to look at your uplifted thumb. Hold the pose for 3 to 5 deep breaths, rolling your left arm open and stretching the sides and abdominals. Lift to standing gently on an exhale and repeat on the opposite side.
3. Take a Seat
Sit on a comfortable surface and open your legs as wide as you can comfortably. Bend your right knee, drawing your heel into your body and flex your left foot, drawing the toes in towards your torso. Lift your right arm and on the exhale, bend to the left, dropping your left elbow down towards the floor on the inside of your left knee. Allow the right arm to drop as far as possible while keeping the elbow straight and open the shoulder out. Look up to the ceiling and take 3 to 5 deep breaths before gently coming back to sitting and repeating on the opposite side.
