Yoga for Abs & Follow-Along Routine

Getting cut defined abs with yoga requires two things: a developed strong core & a diet that lowers your body fat percentage enough to show off those abs. Essentially, abs are made in the kitchen & the studio. Below I’ll share with you why yoga is great for your abs & one of my favorite yoga flows for abs and a strong core.

Why Yoga Is Great at Developing Abs

Contrary to popular belief, yoga isn’t just about your legs. In fact, many strength-based yoga practices involve a lot of core work that targets your abs, obliques, and posterior chain. Unlike traditional exercises like crunches or sit-ups, yoga can target your lower, mid, and upper abs through an array of exercises.

Even movements such as warrior 2, though not directly targeting your abs, still involves your abs to properly engage and hold the position.

You’ll seldomly find any position in yoga that doesn’t require activating and engaging your core to get that full ab activation.

Why Sit-Up Are Bad for Abs

For many people, sit-ups are their go-to for an ab focused exercise, but let me tell you why it’s bad.

1. It’s inefficient – The sit-up movement only works on your abs in the crunch, but after moving up it works your hip flexors
2. It can cause back pain – The movement isn’t optimal for your lower back and tail bone.
3. There are better exercises for targeting your abs.

So don’t waste your time doing countless sit-ups, because truthfully there are better exercises that can target your abs with more intensity and save you time.

Why You Focus on Your Core Not Just Abs

Most of us would love a chisel 6-pack. However, focusing too much on your abs can lead to imbalances that cause back-pain or even knee-pain. This is because without also working your posterior chain (the muscles on your back), your spine won’t be adequately supported.

In fact, you might even have a slightly rounded back, which causes poor posture & further back-pain. That’s why it’s important to do exercises like cobra or supermans that work your posterior chain.

Follow-Along Yoga for Abs & Core

Here’s one of my favorite challenging yoga routines that targets your core & abs to help you with crow pose! Try it out!