Yoga is beneficial in many ways, and these three yoga poses to reduce stubborn belly fat can help stretch your body and clear your mind.
Using yoga to relax and meditate has long been accepted. The ability to strengthen and tone your body doing these exercises is overlooked but is still very effective.
Tadasana, or Mountain Pose
This pose is a good starting pose, as it gets the blood circulating better and prepares you for the poses that help get rid of belly fat.
This pose begins in a standing position, with feet flat, heels spread and big toes touching each other. Stretch your hands in front of you and touch the palms together. Next, take a deep breath and stretch your spine.
Raise joined hands above your head, stretching as much as possible. Next, stand on toes and point your eyes to the ceiling. Hold pose for 20 to 30 seconds. Take another deep breath and relax to the floor while exhaling.
Ushtrasana, or Camel Pose
This pose includes a backward stretch that tones the abdominal muscles. That helps reduce fat in that area as well. First, sit in Vajrasana, or the Thunderbolt pose. This pose is when you sit with knees together in front of you and feet tucked under your buttocks.
Next, lift your body so your entire weight is resting on your knees and your heels should be perpendicular to the ground. Take a deep breath and arch your back. Reach behind your back and attempt to hold your ankles.
Tilt your head backward and stretch. Hold the pose for 30 seconds. Exhale, relax and return to Vajrasana. Repeat this pose five times. These are the initial recommendations. It is a good idea to work toward holding the pose for 60 seconds each time and to repeat the pose 30 times.
Utanpadasana, or Raised Foot Pose
In addition to your stubborn belly fat, this pose helps the hips and thighs as well. For those struggling with pregnancy weight that has not yet come off, this pose will be extremely helpful. First, Lie on your back, flat on the floor. Put hands on either side of your body, palms toward the floor.
Next, take a deep breath and tilt your back and bring the back of your head to rest on the floor. Raise your legs to make a 45-degree angle with the floor. Breathe normally throughout. Hold the pose for 15 to 30 seconds. After that period, raise your legs so they make a 90-degree angle to the floor. Hold 15 to 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
Using these three poses is a good start to getting rid of belly fat, toning the body and relaxing the mind. However, there are other poses that can be incorporated into your routine if these get boring or stop being a challenge. Practice these poses and get comfortable, then rotate in others to give yourself a challenge and keep reducing your belly fat.
