5 Yoga Poses To Keep Your Tummy Flat During Isolation

While you are caught up in isolation and gyms are closed, it's important to remember that physical activity still needs to be done to remain healthy. One of the best and easiest ways to stay fit and healthy is yoga, so here's five great yoga poses that target the abdominal region and keep away all those extra treats you've been eating while in isolation. 

Forearm plank 

1. Begin in a kneeling position. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees and pitch forward to place your hands and forearms on the floor.
2. Extend your legs behind you with toes tucked under to press into the plank. Distribute your weight on your arms evenly by keeping your arms stiff and facing forwards. 
3. Hold for between 30 seconds and 2 minutes, depending on your strength. Set a goal and work towards it. 

Bridge 

1. Lie faceup on the floor, with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Keep your arms at your side with your palms down.
2. Lift your hips off the ground until your knees, hips, and shoulders form a straight line.
3. Hold your bridged position for a couple of seconds before easing back down.

Boat 

1. Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Grasp your legs under your thighs, slightly above your knees.
2. Lean back slightly. Lift your feet off the floor so that your shins are parallel to the floor.
3. Extend your arms straight out in front of your at shoulder height, with palms facing up.
4. Straighten and raise your legs toward the ceiling until your body forms a V shape (as shown). Focus on keeping your abdominals pulled in deep and your spine long. Hold this position for 30 seconds to one minute.
5. Place your feet back on the ground and relax for a few breaths and repeat. 

Side forearm plank 

1. Lie on your right side, legs extended, and stacked from hip to feet. The elbow of your right arm is directly under your shoulder. Ensure your head is directly in line with your spine. Your left arm can be aligned along the left side of your body.
2. Engage your abdominal muscles, drawing your navel toward your spine. Lift your hips and knees from the mat while exhaling. Your torso is straight in line with no sagging or bending. Hold the position.
3. After several breaths, inhale and return to the starting position. The goal should be to hold for between 30 and 60 seconds. Change sides and repeat.

Locust 

1. Begin lying on your stomach with your arms at your sides. Rest your forehead on the mat. Extend your legs straight behind you, hip-width apart. Do not roll your heels inward or outward. Instead, press your weight evenly across the tops of both feet.
2. Inhale and raise your head to look forward. On your exhale, lift your chest and arms. Keep your arms alongside your body with your palms facing down. Lift your upper spine and reach your arms back toward your feet.
3. Use your inner thighs to lift your legs up toward the ceiling. Reach straight back through the balls of your feet. Your weight should rest on your lower ribs, belly, and front pelvis.
4. Keep your chest lifted as you widen across your collarbones. Draw your shoulder blades into your back ribs and extend them away from each other. Keep your breath smooth and even.
5. Hold for up to one minute. On an exhalation, slowly release your body to the ground. Place your right ear on the mat and relax your arms at your sides for a few breaths. Repeat the pose for the same amount of time, then rest with your left ear on the mat.

If you enjoyed these yoga poses, be sure to add them to your daily routine, and also check back on Hippie Hut for more yoga poses to add to your now growing library. Stay safe!