5 Simple Yoga Exercises to Strengthen Your Core

Yoga is not just for inner peace or spiritual connection—it’s also great for sculpting your body. If you want to reduce belly fat and build a stronger core, yoga offers many useful exercises. With the help of a fitness expert, here are five yoga poses that help burn belly fat and strengthen your core muscles.

Boat Pose (Navasana)

The boat pose is one of the best yoga exercises for toning your core and reducing belly fat. In this pose, you balance on your sit bones while forming a "V" shape with your body. This position forces your abdominal muscles to work hard, giving you a powerful core workout.

Fitness expert Zucker explains, "In the boat pose, you balance on your tailbone with your legs and torso lifted off the ground. You can either keep your legs bent or straighten them for a more intense workout." Holding this position engages your core and strengthens your abs, helping you burn belly fat.

Hold the boat pose for 30 seconds and repeat it three times. For an advanced variation, lower into a hollow body position and then return to the boat pose. Do three sets of 10 reps for a more challenging core workout.

Plank Pose (Phalakasana)

The plank pose is a classic exercise that works your entire body, particularly your core. It helps strengthen your shoulders, arms, and back while targeting your abs. Think of it as a full-body workout with a focus on flattening your belly.