Lose Belly Fat Through Yoga
Yoga is a type of exercise originated in India thousands of years ago. Most people consider yoga a lifestyle and many become lifelong practitioners. For modern-day practitioners, the goal of practicing yoga is to achieve a physically fit body as well as a peacefully sound mind. Physical fitness is achieved through a series of yoga poses that strengthen and stretch muscles, and also burn fat. There are a number of poses that specifically target the belly area, reducing fat and increasing muscle.
Instructions
1. Do the standing side stretch. This is a great exercise to work out the obliques (or sides of your belly) while burning off belly fat. Stand up straight with feet shoulder-width apart with arms at your side. Raise one arm straight up and bend your body from the waist as far to the side as possible. Return to center and repeat with the opposite arm.
2. Do the cat pose. This is a great stretching pose that tightens and tones the abdominal muscles. Get on your hands and knees, positioning them about a foot apart. Make sure your face is looking forward and your back is perfectly flat. Arch your back upwards so that it resembles a dome. Then slowly arch back downwards and lift your head to face the ceiling. Hold each position for about two seconds, and repeat about five to 10 times.
3. Do the locust pose. Lie flat on your stomach on your yoga mat, extending your arms and legs as far as possible. Lift your arms, chest, head and legs simultaneously, and hold for about two to five seconds, then lower. You can extend your arms out in front of you, or move them around toward your buttocks. This exercise pose engages your abs and fully utilizes your ab muscles to burn fat.
4. Do the bridge pose. This is a great exercise for burning belly fat and strengthening ab muscles. Lie down flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet about a foot apart. Place your arms flat on your side, and lift your hips off the floor while leaving your head, shoulders and feet on the floor. Hold for about five to 10 seconds, then lower. Do about 10 to 15 reps.
5. Do yoga crunches. Lie down on your back on a yoga mat. Raise your legs toward the ceiling, and put your hands behind your head to support your back. Using your abdominal muscles, push your legs up toward the ceiling, lifting your buttocks about two or three inches off the ground. Do 15 to 20 reps about three times a week.
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