Looking for a flatter, stronger core without endless crunching? These 9 yoga poses can help tone your abs, improve digestion, and strengthen your body.
Are you struggling with stubborn belly fat that won’t go away no matter how many sit-ups you do? Well, that’s not the only way to achieve your goal. Although workouts and diets are often a must, yoga can be a surprisingly effective way to tone your body and flatten your stomach. But how does yoga actually help reduce belly fat? The answer lies in how certain yoga poses engage your core muscles, boost digestion and reduce stress, a major culprit in fat storage. With regularity and daily practice, yoga not only sculpts your abs but also helps balance your hormones and metabolism.
Yoga poses for a flat stomach
Here are the 9 best yoga poses that target your core muscles and help you get a flat stomach:
1. Rabbit Pose (Shashankasana)
This pose helps massage the abdominal organs, relieve bloating, and stretch the back and core. It’s also great for reducing stress, a hidden cause of belly fat.
Measures:
- Kneel on the mat and sit back on your heels.
- Inhale deeply and raise your arms above your head.
- Exhale and lean forward, placing your forehead on the mat and your hands next to your body.
- Wait for a few breaths, then slowly return to the starting position.
2. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
“Cobra pose strengthens the abdominal muscles while stretching the upper body,” Himalayan yoga expert Siddhaa Akshar tells Health Shots. You’ll feel your stomach engage as you lift, helping to tone and firm your abdomen over time.
Measures:
- Lie on your stomach with your palms under your shoulders.
- Press your feet onto the mat and lift your chest as you inhale.
- Keep your elbows close to your body and look forward.
- Hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds before releasing.
3. Plank pose (Phalakasana)
The plank is one of the best poses for building core strength. It targets the entire abdominal region while improving endurance and posture.
Measures:
- Start on all fours and extend your legs back to form a straight line.
- Keep your wrists under your shoulders and your body tight.
- Hold this position for 20 to 40 seconds, breathing regularly.
4. Side plank (Vasisthasana)
Akshar says: “This pose strengthens your obliques, the muscles along your sides, giving more definition to your waist. »
Measures:
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- From plank pose, shift your weight over one hand and to the side of your foot.
- Stack your feet and lift your other arm toward the ceiling.
- Keep your body in a straight line and hold it.
5. Boat Pose (Navasana)
Boat pose is great for abs and can help flatten your stomach. You’ll feel your core muscles engage instantly, helping to build strength and stability.
Measures:
- Sit with your knees bent and your feet flat.
- Lean back slightly, lift your legs and balance on your sit bones.
- Extend your arms forward and hold for a few breaths.

6. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
This pose tones your lower stomach and glutes while improving digestion and blood circulation.
Measures:
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat.
- Lift your hips as you press your feet into the mat.
- Put your hands under your back and hold them for a few seconds.
7. Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana)
“It strengthens your shoulders and core while stimulating the digestive system, which is great for naturally flattening the stomach,” suggests Akshar.
Measures:
- Start on all fours.
- Lower your forearms to the mat and tuck your toes underneath.
- Lift your hips high, forming an inverted “V” shape.
8. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
This pose tones the waist and improves flexibility in your sides and hips, improving overall balance and digestion.
Measures:
- Stand with your feet wide apart.
- Turn one foot and extend your arms out to the side.
- Lean toward your front leg, touching your ankle or shin.
9. Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
A full-body pose that engages your core, strengthens the arms and improves circulation.
Measures:
- Start on all fours.
- Lift your hips upward, straightening your legs and arms.
- Keep your heels pressed toward the floor.
So, make sure you perform these yoga poses regularly to get quick results!
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