Relieve stress and sculpt a stronger, more toned stomach at the same time.
OM-My-Gosh Abs!
There’s not just one formula for toned abs.
Photo: Getty Images
Read on to discover the 11 best poses for sculpting your abs while you find inner peace.
Shift your weight onto your left leg.
If you feel wobbly keep your hand on your ankle while it’s pressed into your thigh.
If you’re finding your balance really easily, press your palms together in front of your chest.
Find a focal point and focus your gaze while you hold the pose for 10 long, deep breaths.
Repeat on the other leg.
Bring your hands into prayer pose.
Lunge forward with your left leg and bend your knee about 90 degrees, keeping your back leg straight.
Brace your abs in tight to your spine and rotate your upper body to the left.
Turn your head to look up toward the ceiling over your left shoulder.
Hold for 10 long, deep breaths and then untwist and return to standing.
Repeat on the other side.
Sit with your legs crossed at the ankles.
Pull your abs into your spine and take a deep breath in.
As you exhale, begin to round onto your back.
Continue rolling until your shoulder blades touch the floor, lifting your hips, still holding onto your ankles.
That’s one rep. Repeat 10 times.
Begin in downward facing dog.
Extend your left leg up to the ceiling, pointing your toes.
Press your hips back up and extend your left leg behind you as you return to downward facing dog.
Repeat 10 times with the left leg, 10 with the right.
Warrior III
This posture is another major balance challenge that keeps your core engaged the entire time.
Shift your weight into your right foot.
Flex your left foot and point the toes down.
Bring your fingertips to the ground to stabilize yourself if you should probably.
Stay here for 3 long, deep breaths then slowly return to standing.
Repeat on the other side.
Camel Hinge
This active pose engages your abs, thighs, and back.
Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart, toes tucked under.
Extend your arms out straight in front of your chest, palms facing down.
Lift your chest and press your pelvis forward as you hinge backwards, arching slightly through your lower back.
Slowly return to the starting position.
That’s one rep. Repeat up to 10 times.
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor.
Extend your arms by your sides, palms facing down.
Brace your abs in tight and press through your heels to bridge your hips off the floor.
Keeping your hips lifted and square, extend your left leg up to the ceiling, foot flexed.
Small, controlled movement is better than big movements with poor form.
Extended Boat Pose
Build core strength and endurance with this challenging, but very effective, pose.
Sit on your hips with both legs extended in front of you.
Reach both arms out to the sides of your thighs.
Lower your legs about 45 degrees, until your body resembles a wide ‘V’.
Hold this position for 10 long, deep breaths (or up to 60 seconds).
Make it easier by bending your knees 90 degrees so your shins are parallel to the ground.
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
Place your hands behind your hips, fingertips facing slightly into your body.
Press down with your arms and lift your hips into tabletop position as shown.
Hold for 1 count, scooping your abs in tight to your spine as you hold the position.
That’s one rep. Repeat up to 10 times.
Lotus Hip Lift
Don’t be fooled by this seemingly simple pose.
The static contraction means your core never gets a break!
Hold for 3 counts and then lower.
Lie on your right side with your knees straight.
Place your right hand under your right shoulder.
Lift your hips off the floor until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders.
Flex your feet and extend your left arm up to the ceiling.
Breath deeply for the duration of the exercise.
Hold this position for up to 60 seconds.
Lower and repeat on the other side.
