Obtaining a six-pack or achieving the flat stomach of your dreams doesn’t necessarily mean spending the rest of your days performing crunches or repping out sit-ups in a dark corner of your local gym, when gyms reopen.
Yoga, often perceived as a spiritual undertaking to cleanse the mind, is also fantastic for building overall strength, especially when it comes to the core muscles. We think it’s one of the top 5 reasons you should try yoga, other than the attractive athleisure-wear buying opportunities it brings. In fact, it plays a starring role in our drive to help you get fit in 2020, and it’s a great way to find out how to get a six pack.
Hannah Barrett (@yoga_girl_london), a yoga instructor, author and health and fitness specialist, believes yoga is the perfect way to increase happiness, while improving overall fitness levels and strength.
“This quick workout aims to fire up your core with five of my favourite yoga-inspired core-burning drills. They will help you build strength, power up your practice and work up a sweat. No need for gym equipment, just roll out your mat and put on some favourite tunes,” she says.
On top of this, Hannah believes working the core is the best way to move from her basic yoga for beginners workout to more complex yoga moves.
“If you’re looking to get into arm balances and inversions, or simply hold these moves for longer, then strong core muscles are key.
“They also can help alleviate back pain, improve posture and keep the stomach toned. This fiery sequence builds your core from the inside out,” she says.
Also, make sure you follow Hannah on Instagram for plenty more tips, workout videos and expert advice to get you feeling chilled and improving fitness levels.
Find you inner Zen with this yoga workout
(Image credit: Chevanon Photography from Pexels)
Hannah Barrett’s Yoga-Inspired Core Blaster
“Focus on moving mindfully with your breath and keeping a strong core to help you control the movements. Listen to your body and take it to the level that is right for you. It is always possible to adapt the moves slightly to work with your level of strength and flexibility,” she says
Yoga Burpees
Main muscles targeted: Deep core, quads, glutes, hamstrings and shoulders
Start at the top of the mat, feet slightly wider than hip width and at 45 degree angles. Now, exhale and slowly sit the hips down towards the mat into a ‘yogi squat’. Keep the chest lifted and the core engaged.
Place the hands on the floor in front of you, shoulder distance apart. Jump the feet back to plank and then jump straight back into the yogi squat (keeping the core
strong and a gentle bend in the elbows). You can always step the feet backward instead of jumping, if required.
Inhale and pushing through the balls of the feet and engaging the glutes, return to standing position for one rep. Repeat this ten times.
A quick look at yoga’s version of a classic burpee
(Image credit: Hannah Barrett)
Chair to Warrior 3
Main muscles targeted: Deep…