Yoga will help tone up the muscles of the abdomen, make them taut and help shed superfluous fat, with ease. It assures leaner, flatter and well toned abs by burning calories. The organs of digestion get a good massage through the asanas and they rev up metabolic activity. Consequently, fat burning is enhanced. Stored fat gets efficiently burned and surplus fat is eliminated. The following are two yoga asanas that aid in gaining a flat belly.
Bhujangasana (the Cobra Pose)
This strong back bend stimulates the organs of digestion, peps up digestive and assimilative processes, boosts metabolism and helps do away with belly fat. It gives the muscles of the abdomen a powerful stretch and does away with protrusion and sagging, especially of the lower abdomen muscles.
The technique for the Cobra Pose :
- Lie face down on to the mat.
- Place the palms on the floor, under the shoulders, fingers stretched forwards.
- Extend the back and spine. Make the body as long as possible, right from the neck to the tips of the toes.
- Raise the body up on the palms, arching the spine back.
- Keep the shoulders soft and straighten the arms. Expand the chest. Tilt the head backwards.
- Hold the asana for 10 seconds, then relax.
- Six sets of the Bhujangasana are recommended every day, to speed up the process.
Ustrasana (the Camel Pose)
The Ustrasana is an important yoga posture that works impressively on the abdomen, front of the thighs, chest and the spine, eliminating all unwanted fat. This pose works particularly for "belly fat" and "love handles."
The technique for the Camel Pose :
- Kneel on the floor with the feet and knees together, and the thighs and body vertical. The toes should point backwards.
- Place the hands on the hips.
- Roll the shoulders back.
- Gently and gradually arch the spine backwards. Slowly move the arms away from the hips and reach back with the arms. Drop back, reaching the heels, placing the palms on the soles of the feet, fingers pointing back.
- Arch the back, as much as possible.
- Tilt the head back without straining or tensing the neck.
- Hold the pose for five to 10 breaths.
- To finish, sit on your feet.
- Beginners may experience slight trouble with this asana, but regular and sustained practice makes its performance easy.
- Three sets of the pose are recommended.
While practicing yoga, create a balanced routine. Ensure that the movements are fluid and flowing, and help develop an awareness of the breath. Experts advocate, that a standing pose, a forward bend, a backbend, a side stretch, a twist, an abdominal strengthener and a final relaxation pose be a part of the program.
Reference:
The Yoga Bible, Christina Brown, ‘Backbends‘, Godsfield Press, a Division of Octopus Publishing the Group Ltd, London, 2003
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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