10 Effective Yoga Exercises To Get Toned Abs

Are you looking for a workout regimen to get rid of the stubborn belly fat? Or, do you want to tone your abs, but are overwhelmed with all the fitness buzz around? You’re not alone. I was there, and not too long ago. It took a great deal of research before I could build my fitness routine. And, all thanks to yoga, I practically felt my belly fat melting away. Read on to know how you too can flaunt washboard abs.

Toned abs are more than just goals for next summer. Maybe yes, but that is not all. Yoga improves your overall strength and stability. It uses your body weight and does not require any equipment to do so. All it needs are practice and awareness. So, let’s deep dive and understand how each of these asanas helps in toning your abs.

Yoga For Abs

Time to tone your abs with these asanas

1. Vrikshasana
2. Kumbhakasana
3. Virabhadrasana 1
4. Adho Mukha Svanasana
5. Purvottanasana
6. Setu Bandhasana
7. Virabhadrasana 2
8. Naukasana
9. Matsyasana
10. Dhanurasana

1. Vrikshasana

Also Known As – Tree Pose

How It Works

This asana will work the way it should if your core is tucked in tight while you stretch and stand still. The core is intact the entire time, which boosts the toning of the abdominal muscles. Since this is a balancing act where you need to keep your eyes open, it also improves focus.

Do Not Attempt

If you have low blood pressure or insomnia.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Vrikshasana

2. Kumbhakasana

Also Known As – Plank Pose

How It Works

It is one of the most dynamic asanas for toning your abs. So, the longer you stay in this position, the better it is. The focus is on the core and keeping it intact. It also helps in strengthening your forearms, hamstrings, and thighs. Though it is a straightforward pose, it needs practice, just like anything else.

Do Not Attempt

If you suffer from shoulder pain or high blood pressure.

Video Tutorial

3. Virabhadrasana 1

Also Known As – Warrior 1 Pose

How It Works

A graceful and powerful way of strengthening your abs. It improves your stamina while toning your abdominal, thigh, and shoulder muscles. The Warrior 1 Pose or the Virabhadrasana is all about stretching the lower body while pulling the core.

Do Not Attempt

• If you have diarrhea. This pose might aggravate the bowel movement further due to the pressure on the abdomen muscles.
• If you have arthritis or knee pain. Do it only with the support of a wall.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Virabhadrasana 1

4. Adho Mukha Svanasana

Also Known As – Downward Dog Pose

How It Works

This asana is one of the most famous yoga poses for abs that is known to boost your strength and stamina while toning your abdominal muscles. The balancing act is done completely with the help of the forearms and keeping the core tight.

Do Not Attempt

• If you have a shoulder discomfort or high blood pressure.
• If you are pregnant. Consult your doctor before you add this to your yoga routine.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Adho Mukha Svanasana

5. Purvottanasana

Also Known As – Upward Plank Pose

How It Works

With a little practice, you can master the pose and get closer to your dream of toned abs. This asana counteracts the Chaturanga Dandasana by stretching all the muscles it strengthens. The abs will remain intact, and the lower body is pulled off the ground, which helps you tone your abdomen.

Do Not Attempt

If you have wrist or shoulder injuries or pains.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Purvottanasana

6. Setu Bandhasana

Also Known As – Bridge Pose

How It Works

This asana is an equivalent for crunches. It engages your core by keeping it tight and lifts the lower body. It is probably one of my favorite asanas because it is easy and efficient.

Do Not Attempt

• If you have any neck or back injuries.
• If you are pregnant. Carry out this asana under the guidance of a certified instructor.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Setu Bandhasana

7. Virabhadrasana 2

Also Known As – Warrior 2 Pose

How It Works

This asana is known to stimulate the toning of your abdominal muscles by engaging the entire lower body. With practice, you will perfect the act of keeping the core tight, and strike the perfect pose.

Do Not Attempt

If you have arthritis or slip disc issues. It needs the supervision of a certified yoga instructor.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Virabhadrasana 2

8. Naukasana

Also Known As – Boat Pose

How It Works

This asana triggers the toning of the abdominal muscles by improving your stamina. It balances the entire body on your back and not the tailbone. The focus is on the belly and the lower body. This makes this asana one of the most efficient ways to tone your abs.

Do Not Attempt

If you have arthritis or slip disc issues. You can do this only under the supervision of a certified yoga instructor.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Navasana

9. Matsyasana

Also Known As – Fish Pose

How It Works

It engages the abdominal muscles when you pull the body up off the ground. It is a slightly advanced asana, but with a few variations and practice, one can master it. You will see remarkable changes in no time.

Do Not Attempt

If you suffer from insomnia, migraine or low blood pressure.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Matsyasana

10. Dhanurasana

Also Known As – Bow Pose

How It Works

This asana involves rocking your entire body with your abdomen as the base. It strengthens the muscles while stretching the groin, thighs, and abdominal area. It releases stress and improves blood circulation, which is one of the most important factors for weight loss.

Do Not Attempt

If you are pregnant, suffer from hernia, or if you have undergone abdominal surgery.

Video Tutorial

To know more about this asana, click here: Dhanurasana

Yoga was and is my answer to a lot of fitness and lifestyle woes. I’m positive it will be yours too. So go ahead, try these effective asanas in yoga for abs toning and let us know how they worked for you.

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Author

Shirin MehdiHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecraze, she interned with an advertising firm as a copywriter and as an editorial intern for a luxury fashion magazine.

Read full bio of Shirin Mehdi