1. The Fish Pose Feels Fantastic
The fish is one of the easiest yoga poses for the upper abs and also works to stretch the front of the neck and the chest. Sit on your mat with your feet extended in front of your and your legs together. Place your hands palm down under your buttocks with your fingers pointing down your legs. Point your toes and gently roll back until you are resting on your forearms. Allow your head to drop back and then lift your chest as high as possible to stretch the upper abs. As you breathe deeply into the stretch, try to lengthen your body, stretching your legs long and lifting your chin to the ceiling. Hold for 3 to 5 full breaths before carefully lifting your head and coming back to a sitting position on an exhale.
2. Twisting Away Tightness
Lie flat on your back and bend your knees so that both of your feet are flat on the floor. Extend your arms to the left so that your right arm is resting on your left shoulder and your left arm is extending to your side with your palm face down on the floor. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, drop your knees to the right, keeping your feet together. Turn your head towards your left arm and breathe deeply, stretching the upper abdominals, low back and outer thighs. Hold the upper ab stretch for at least 5 full breaths and then lift your knees on an inhale. Repeat on the opposite side.
3. Bend Like a Bow
Yoga back bends are also fantastic abdominal stretches; however, the bow pose targets the upper portion of your abdomen. Lie on your stomach with your chin on the floor and your hands at your sides. With your legs together, bend your knees up and reach back to grasp your ankles. You hands should grip the outside of the legs just above the ankles with your thumbs pointing down. Flex your feet, lifting your toes to protect your knees and pull your legs back. This action will draw your chest off of the mat and give a nice stretch to your upper abdominals. Lift your chin and if possible, move a bit further into the stretch by lifting your upper thighs off of the mat. Hold the bow pose for 3 to 5 full breaths and gentle release your legs. Turn your head to one side and rest for a moment before continuing with your stretches.
Member Comments