Yoga Exercises for Tummy

Yoga contains many exercises that are particularly helpful for the tummy. Doing these abdominal exercises is important for yoga practitioners, as it helps you not only strengthen and tone these muscles, but it also helps you perform the yoga postures more effectively. Having stronger stomach muscles also helps you digest food better and helps prevent back problems.

Standing Forward Bend

In addition to helping you decrease excess fat around your tummy, this yoga exercise helps you develop better posture, invigorate the nervous system and stretch the back and legs. To do this exercise, stand erect with your feet together. Inhale as you raise your arms over your head. Keep your arms straight and next to your ears. Exhale slowly as you stretch your body forward and down, bending from your hips and keeping your knees straight. Make sure your weight is centered on the balls of your feet. Keep your knees straight. Hold the pose for up to a minute. Inhale and come up until you return to your original standing position with your arms stretched over your head. Do this exercise four times per week for optimal results.

Locust Pose

This yoga exercise increases the pressure on your abdominal area. It regulates your intestinal functions and strengthens the abdominal muscles. It removes sluggish digestion, massages the liver, pancreas and kidneys. To do the locust pose, start by lying on your abdomen. Make fists out of your hands and bring your arms and hands underneath your thighs. Your hands should be turned so that your inner wrists touch and the thumbs are on the floor. Stretch your chin forward as far as you can and put it on the floor. Inhale and raise your left leg off the ground. Do not twist at the hips or bend your knees. Hold this pose for 15 seconds. Exhale and lower the leg to the ground. Repeat this exercise on each side of your body two to three times. Remaining in the position with your fists beneath your thighs and your chin stretched forward, raise both legs off the ground as high as you can. Hold the pose for up to 30 seconds. Lower your legs to the floor. Do this pose at least three times a week for the best results.

Extended Triangle Pose

The extended triangle pose tones the abdominal organs and the spinal nerves. It helps assist your digestion, promotes hip and leg flexibility and helps your body feel lighter. To do the extended triangle pose, stand erect with your feet a bit more than shoulder-width apart. Inhale and bring your right arm up parallel to your right ear. Make sure your arm is straight. Rest the left hand on the outside of your left thigh. Bend to the left side as you retain this stretch. Do not twist your body; make sure your arms and knees stay straight. Hold the pose for a minute. Inhale and return to the standing position. Repeat on the other side. Practice triangle pose at least three times per week for the best outcome.