These Yoga Poses Will Strengthen Your Abs

Yoga is a powerful way to build core strength while maintaining flexibility and balance. Here are a few poses that specifically target your abdominal muscles and help create a strong, stable core.

1. Boat Pose (Navasana)

Boat pose engages your lower abs, upper abs, and hip flexors. Sit on the mat, lift your legs, and balance on your sit bones while holding your arms outstretched.

2. Plank Pose

Plank pose

Plank is one of the most effective poses for strengthening the entire core, including your abs. Start in a high push-up position and hold your body straight like a plank.

3. Side Plank (Vasisthasana)

This variation of the plank specifically targets your obliques, helping to tone the sides of your abs. Start in plank and rotate to balance on one arm, stacking your feet and hips.

4. Dolphin Pose

This pose strengthens both your abs and shoulders.

It’s like a downward dog, but you rest on your forearms,

pulling your belly in towards your spine.

5. Crow Pose (Bakasana)

This arm balance requires core engagement to keep your body stable. Start in a squat, place your hands on the mat, lift your feet, and balance on your arms.

6. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Although often thought of as a backbend, this pose engages your lower abs and glutes, helping to stabilize your entire core.

7. Warrior III (Virabhadrasana III)

Balancing on one leg while extending the other leg and arms requires core engagement, especially in your lower abs, to keep your body balanced.

8. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

While this pose primarily strengthens your legs, it also requires core engagement to maintain stability and posture.

9. Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)

Adding a twist to the chair pose activates your obliques and strengthens your entire abdominal region.

10. Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana)

This standing pose activates your side body and obliques, stretching and strengthening your core.

Incorporating these poses into your regular practice will help build strength in your abdominal muscles, improving your posture and balance while protecting your lower back. The key to success is consistency—your abs will thank you for it.