Five Yoga Moves to Slim Abdominals

When done together or apart these simple yoga poses will work all areas of the core abdominal focusing on a tighter, leaner body as well as better posture.

Always stretch before doing any type of exercise, yoga is no different. Before beginning these lessons follow these stretching exercises to get the maximum benefit of your poses without risk of injury.

First Stretch: Lay back on your mat, back flat against the floor and stretch arms upward away from your head. At the same time stretch your legs away from the torso on the ground, toes pointed upward. You should feel the abdominal muscles stretching and loosening and remember to breathe in deeply while you stretch.

Second Stretch: Sit upright and place both legs out in front of you. Put arms above your head and bring them down to touch your toes or as close as you can go to your toes without feeling uncomfortable.

Third Stretch: This is formally known as Monkey Pose in yoga. Stand on your mat, arms above your head, and glide downwards into a touch your toes position. Breathe deeply, and while inhaling bring your arms and torso up to your knees while keeping your arms in the same position. On an exhale, push yourself downward until you touch the floor. Repeat 5-6 times,

1. Boat Pose: Start sitting on your mat, knees bent in front of you and feet flat on the floor. Put your hands under your thighs and lift one foot off the ground and then the other so your balancing on your butt with all your weight on your lower back. Put your hands out from your body, arms bent, palms downward like you're gripping onto air. Your posture should be great, back straight, neck straight, eyes straight ahead. If this is done right you should feel the core working a slight burn in your abdominal. Hold this pose for a breathe count of ten and then relax. Your breathing should always be consistent.

2. Leg V: From Boat Pose move onto your back, palms down on your mat and arms straight for balance. Move both legs straight up in the air and move your left leg downward from its vertical position halfway between the floor and your other leg. Hold your leg in place for five secs till you feel a burn in your lower abs and lift back to center, breathing deeply. When your left leg is back to center, move it outward, to the side, from your body as far from the other leg as it can go without it being uncomfortable. Hold that for five breathes and move back to center with your other leg. Repeat with your other leg for ten reps.

3.Body V: From Leg V lay on your mat in the first stretch with your arms and legs extended, then move your arms and legs, straight and stiff, until they meet each other on your knees or lower if its comfortable. Breathe deeply and do as many of these as necessary to feel a significant burn throughout your midsection.

4. Alligator: Lie on your stomach, balancing on your forearms, almost in a push-up position. Breathe deeply and balance yourself in a push-up with your toes extended. Bring in your forearms so your hands are clasped together and your arms form a triangle, rest your head on your clasped hands. Hold this for as long as possible focusing on making your body a straight board from toes to head. You should feel this all though your core muscles as you support yourself with only those muscles.

5. Bike: Go back to lying down and bring your legs up vertical rotating them in a bicycle-like motion. While doing this put your hands behind your head, fingers touching but not laced, elbows out and not used to propel your head. Slowly bring your upper body into a side crunch starting with the left and moving to the right while continuing the leg bicycle. Breathe deeply and do several sets.

All of these exercises within two weeks of repeated use for an hour twice a week show vast improvement in abdominal muscles and posture. They are simple, easy to do, and lead to a stronger, leaner core for that bikini body this summer. Just make sure to stay hydrated and don't forget to breathe deeply. When you've reached your point of sensation, either a tingling or hot burning in your core, you know your doing well. Take a break and do a few relaxing stretches and then start again.