For all of the naysayers around the world – yes, Yoga does play its part in improving our physique. So, with the current trend for six packs and love handles, some Yoga poses do come in handy for that washboard effect. However, more than just looks, enhanced abs also define our fitness. And, in this regard, let us check out some of the poses that can help in building the abdominal muscles.
Boat Pose
Also known as Navasana, this abs and spine flexing posture requires you to move your knees towards your chest. This is to be done with the lower pelvic region as the ground support. Now, you have to move up your straightened legs along a linear line, so that they form around 45 degrees with the ceiling. This should be done with your spine being still kept firm without hunching. However, if your back begins to bend, you should stop straightening your legs for a half boat pose.
Bridge Pose
Also known as Setubandha Sarvangasana, this is an inverse position which makes your abs flexible. For the pose, you require to lie on your back with your knees bent and feet slightly apart. Then you need to reach your heels with your fingertips. Finally, when this is achieved, you have to raise your hips from the ground by pressing through your knees and heels. During this posture, you need to take your arms up and keep them grounded below the glutes. After this you need to roll your shoulder blades for around 45 seconds.
Revolved Triangle Pose
Also known as Parivrtta Trikonasana, this posture has been developed to act as a warming up session for more complex Yoga poses. Extremely helpful in preparing the body for various twists and bends, the pose in itself requires you to stand in Tadasana. Then you need to bend forward, with your upper torso parallel to the ground, and your right palm touching your left feet. Correspondingly, the left arm needs to be outstretched towards the ceiling in alignment with the downward right arm.
Bow Pose
Also known as the Dhanurasana, this is a sort of an inverse exercise which might be a tad bit difficult for newcomers to Yoga. The posture requires you to bend your body inversely like a bow, with your hands holding on to your feet from behind. The beneficial effect results in enhanced flexibility and back strength.
Crane Pose
Bakasana or the Crane Pose tests out the true strength and endurance level of both your arms and core muscles. So, while squatting on all four, your arms lift up the mass of your body, as you need let go off your feet at least a few inches from the ground. The ultimate posture will look like one is sitting with his palms on the ground (much like the fore limbs of the crane), and feet in the air. At that stage only balance and stamina are your true friends.
