Losing belly fat can feel like an uphill battle, but including yoga into the routine can make it easier. Yoga not only burns calories, but it also strengthens your core and reduces stress, which is frequently associated with weight gain. Here are 10 basic and powerful yoga poses to help you lose stubborn belly fat. These poses are simple enough for beginners to fit into their regular routines.
Boat pose (Navasana)
The boat pose targets the abdominal muscles and improves digestion.
Sit on the floor with your legs extended.
Lean back slightly and lift your legs to form a "V" shape with your body.
Stretch your arms forward parallel to the ground and hold for 15-20 seconds.
Gradually increase the duration as your core strengthens.
Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)
This pose stretches the abdominal muscles while burning fat.
Lie on your stomach with your palms under your shoulders.
Inhale and lift your chest off the ground, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
Look up and hold the pose for 15-20 seconds, then release.
Repeat 3-4 times for optimal results.
Plank pose (Kumbhakasana)
An amazing yoga pose for core strengthening, the plank pose engages your entire body.
Begin in a push-up position with your body in a straight line.
Keep your elbows under your shoulders and your core tight.
Hold the pose for as long as you can, aiming to increase the duration over time.
Bow pose (Dhanurasana)
This pose tones the abdominal region and improves digestion.
Lie on your stomach and bend your knees.
Reach back to grab your ankles and lift your chest off the floor.
Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds, breathing steadily.
Lower yourself gently and repeat.
Warrior pose II (Virabhadrasana II)
This standing pose works on your lower belly and tones the waistline.
Stand with your feet wide apart.
Turn one foot outwards and bend the corresponding knee.
Stretch your arms out at shoulder height and gaze over your fingertips.
Hold for 30 seconds on each side.
Camel pose (Ustrasana)
A great pose for stretching the abdominal muscles and strengthening the back.
Kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart.
Place your hands on your lower back and gently lean backward.
If comfortable, reach for your heels and hold for 20 seconds.
Return to the starting position slowly.
Seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana)
This pose burns belly fat and improves flexibility.
Sit with your legs extended in front of you.
Inhale and stretch your arms upwards.
Exhale and fold forward, reaching for your feet or shins.
Hold the pose for 20-30 seconds while breathing deeply.
Wind-relieving pose (Pavanamuktasana)
This simple pose massages the abdominal area and helps release gas.
Lie on your back and pull your knees towards your chest.
Hug your knees and lift your head to touch your nose to your knees.
Hold for 15 seconds and release. Repeat this 4-5 times.
Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana)
This pose strengthens the lower back and core, targeting the belly area.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Lift your hips towards the ceiling, keeping your shoulders grounded.
Hold for 15-20 seconds, then lower slowly.
Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
This pose alternates extending and contracting the abdominal muscles.
Begin on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
Inhale, arch your back (Cow pose), and look upward.
Exhale, curve your spine (Cat pose), and tuck your chin towards your chest.
Repeat for 1–2 minutes.