Yoga has the power to transform your mind and body. And, while we know yoga is a powerful tool in stress reduction and finding our inner peace, this ancient practice has tons of other mind blowing benefits too.
Some find their way to yoga for digestive support, while others turn to the mat using yoga for abs and a stronger core.
Wherever your motivations lay, yoga has got your back.
Here are five ways harnessing the power of yoga can help lead to powerful results.
So, What’s the Scoop on Yoga For Abs & Digestion? Here’s What Science Says
Yoga For Tighter Abs
First thing’s first —yoga offers a killer ab workout. Sure, we all appreciate that yoga is a spiritual and emotional practice — but we’ll take the toned abs, too!
A study found five basic yoga poses to be especially beneficial for building core strength and flexibility.
These include:
- Inclined plane
- Warrior
- Shoulder stand
- Low plank
- Side plank
If you’re looking for a practice that really focuses on tightening up the midsection, give one of these workouts a try:
- Ignite Your Core with Elise Joan
- Yoga Sculpt with Sydney Benner
- Yoga Strong with Jacquelyn Umof
Yoga For Digestion
Feeling bloated, constipated, or fatigued? Studies suggest that yoga can actually help with certain digestive complaints (like bloating) thanks to different postures, stretching, and the use of deep breathing to help relax the whole body.
And, if your find that your upset tummy often comes during times where you’re feeling extra stressed, give one of these centering yoga routines a try:
- Stretch to Restore with Vytas
- Heart Opening Flow with JVN
- Feel Better Yoga with Sydney Benner
3 Bonus Reasons to Get Zen With The Power of Yoga
#1 Better Body Image
Researchers at Harvard have found that yoga helps develop more bodily awareness, leading to an overall more positive body image! They found that yogis are more “satisfied with and less critical of their bodies.” For these reasons, yoga is an amazing way to help promote positive body image and self-esteem, and we totally love that.
#2 Yoga May Help Lessen Aches & Pains
Research has suggested that yoga may be a beneficial way to help with those stubborn aches and pains. For example, studies have shown that yoga may help reduce pain, like lower back pain, arthritis, and headaches. One study found that among 313 people with chronic lower back pain, a weekly yoga class was effective for improving mobility. If you suffer from aches and pains, yoga might be that secret sauce you’ve been searching for!
Note: It’s always a good idea to check with your health care provider first before starting a new fitness routine.
#3 Better Sleep
Getting enough good quality sleep is crucial for all aspects of your health. From improved concentration and memory to better moods — sleep makes the wheels keep turning. But did you know that yoga may actually help you get better quality sleep? According to the Sleep Foundation, yoga may help support sleep quality.
Here are some yoga poses that may help get your mind and body ready for bed:
- Neck Stretches: Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ears to your shoulders, and holding as you take a few breaths. Repeat on the other side. Try rolling your shoulders back a few times as well to loosen them up.
- Legs up on the Wall Stretch: Grab your mat, and pull it close to the wall. Scoot your booty as close to the wall as you can, lie on your back, and have your legs up. Make sure your arms are relaxed and your shoulders are back. Sit here for a few minutes to just let all the tension of the day go.
- Butterfly Pose: Sit up with the soles of your feet touching and your hips out to form almost a butterfly shape. Sit like this for a few minutes to really stretch out those hips and legs.
- Child’s Pose: Here’s a great pose to fully relax the entire body before bed.
Or, try one of our FitOn before bed yoga flows like Relax Before Sleep with Vytas or Yogi Stretch with Elise Joan.
Just Say Om
You may have come for the stress reduction, but you’ll stay for the toned abs, better-feeling tummy, and improved zzz’s. With all the amazing benefits yoga has to offer, there’s no time like today to get your yoga practice started!
