Yoga: Good for the abs!

Someone who has never tried yoga before may think that yoga is something people do to relax or become more flexible. While both of these points are definitely benefits of yoga, when done properly yoga can be a full body workout, and for many yogis becomes a way of life - on and off the mat.

I love yoga for many reasons. When I practice daily, I feel calmer, have better digestion, deeper sleep, and feel more focused and fit. A major "theme" in yoga is strengthening and engaging your core. Yes, I am still aiming for my goal to have ripped abs, but strong abs are also important for protecting your low back muscles from injury and also helps your overall posture.

Some of my favorite yoga poses for the abs:
(Images from www.yogajournal.com.)

Plank














Boat Pose
Paripurna Navasana












Bridge Pose
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Bow Pose
Dhanurasana

If you'd like to learn how to do each of these poses, you could visit Yoga Journal's website for step-by-step instructions. Caution: if you are pregnant or have neck and/or back issues, these postures are not recommended for you. To learn more about these poses and many others, you could also try a yoga class for yourself! Yoga Journal (if you can't tell, my top favorite online yoga resource) also has a yoga directory that may help you find a yoga studio near you. Of course, many studios are not in the directory, but the directory may give you a starting place (as will your Yellow Pages).