Using Yoga Exercises have become the new and revolutionary way to develop abs and core!

Using Yoga Exercises have become the new and revolutionary way to develop abs without the use of exercise equipment .

For more than seven years I worked long stressful days in corporate America. One day I was introduced to the Yoga practice by a fellow colleague. It has been one of the best discoveries I've ever made.

It really helped with not only my stress level, but also my flexibility, and strength.

The wonderful thing about Yoga is along with engaging your abs and core using many of the poses, it will also work your mind, entire body, and spirit.

Trust me, if you think yoga exercises are easy or non-masculine exercises for "girls", I've seen first hand some of the toughest guys in the gym not make it through their first Yoga workout.

No one expects you to put the bottom of your foot on the back of your head. A simple forward bend touching your toes done right is just as effective as any poses you may see from an advanced yogi.

4 Basic Questions answered for Yoga

Yoga exercises seem to be the new mantra for the generation X. Some people have the misconception that yoga is all about tangled limbs and impossible gymnastics or only about breathing and blowing techniques. It is neither. It is a complete package that enhances your stamina and calms your mind. One of the reasons it is gaining in popularity across the globe as the stress and strain rises. There are various books, which have flooded the market and an equal number of sites to tell you all you need to know about yoga. There are however some basics, which you should know before you start yoga:

When should I do yoga?
When? This is the million-dollar question. People want to do yoga but stay away because they have no time. I hear the general plea "I have no time "This is because people believe that in order to do yoga one has to get up at unearthly hours with the skylark. It is true that ideally yoga should be done early morn for it keeps you fresh and revitalized the whole day but some people like to do it at night because it helps them sleep. The reality is that you can do it any time of the day whenever it is convenient for you. Just make sure that you do not do it immediately after a heavy meal. Have at least a two hour gap between the meal and the yoga.

Where to do yoga?
'Anywhere' is the answer. Just make sure there is enough place to stretch your limbs and there is fresh air. Some people like to do it outdoors, which is very refreshing as it gives one the chance to connect with nature. The bottom line is that the place should be conducive to calm and comfortable for you. You may place a mat or blanket to add to your comfort. Whether it is inside or outdoors is not important.

What should I wear?
What to wear? There is no prescribed dress for yoga exercises. The only thing you need is to have comfortable clothes, which do not restrict movement. Make sure the lowers do not keep rolling back when you lift your legs or flop uncomfortably over the knee. Preferably have them fitted at the ankles. The clothes should be loose enough to breathe. As for footwear normally yoga is done barefoot. There are a few yoga accessories you may find in a yoga class.

How long should I do yoga?
Yoga is a balanced amalgamation of breathing exercises and asanas. The length or duration basically depends on your life style and your purpose of doing yoga. The minimum time one should spend is at least 15 minutes of breathing exercises and another 15 minutes of asanas. Depending on your needs and time available you can stretch it to two hours. If you go in for meditation then of course time is no limit.

Once you start, there will be no stopping you. You are hooked for life because it is addictive!

A Sample Yoga Weight Loss Video...

If you want to see how you can use Yoga to not only increase your flexibility and better your circulation ;but how to also lose weight, check out the video below. You can get an idea of the type of movements you will perform. Click to Play Video

The Best Yoga Exercises For Your Abs.. Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose)

The Triangle Pose is one of my favorites Yoga Exercises. It's a full body pose which engages your core very effectively.

1. Stand up straight with both feet about three feet in width apart.

2. Turn your left foot (back foot) until its at a 45 degree angle. Meanwhile your right foot should forward toward. (see pic)

3. Extend both arms out shoulder height. Bend at the waist keeping both legs straight and your chest facing forward placing your right hand on the floor if possible. If not place hand on you chin as low as possible. Be sure to keep you butt tucked in.

4. The key to this workout is to hold this pose for at least 15-20 seconds. It's very effective for your abs and your entire body's flexibility.

Overall this pose is good for:

Strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles, hands and shoulders
Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and spine
Stimulates and improves digestion, including abdominal and pelvic organs

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

1. While lying on your back, bend your knees and place your feet about hip width apart.

2. Place your arms by your side and allow both arms to rest on the floor beside you.

3. Lift your hips toward the ceiling as high as you can go. If possible interlock both hands while holding this pose for 5 to 10 seconds per rep.

4 Repeat this pose about 5 to 10 times. Its a very effective yoga exercise for your abs.

Overall this pose is good for:

Stretches the chest, neck, and spine
Calms the brain and helps alleviate stress and mild depression
Stimulates abdominal organs, lungs, and thyroid

Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose)

For a beginner this yoga exercise may take a little practice. It requires a little balancing which get easier the more you practice it.

1. Lie flat on your back

2. Next, as if your doing a sit, and bring you knees into you chest at the same time.

3. Slowly while balancing on you tail bone begin to extend your legs at a 45 degree angle while reaching both arms past you legs.

Overall this pose is good for:

Strengthens the abdomen, hip flexors, and spine
Stimulates the kidneys, thyroid and prostate glands, and intestines

Yoga is an excellent method to maintain excellent body-and-mind fitness. The practice of yoga, does in fact, have to be undertaken at an individualized level. Contrary to popular belief, yoga can be learned in group – but it is best practiced alone, at your own pace.

Everything Is Easy – If You Know How

Many people say that yoga can perform real miracles for your health – both mental and physical; and many people join yoga because they are fed up with methods that have failed them in the past or are desperate for some major change in the way they feel or think. Yoga can indeed work miracles – but it has some basic rules.

1.Learn from a guru
The best method of learning yoga is from a human guru. Videos and DVDs are excellent for giving information – but only a human being (one who knows what you are doing) can actually help you practice this correctly. You also need to know that yoga works only when the postures (or asanas) are done correctly. This explains why a good number of people do not experience the relief that yoga can bring. Only a guru can see and correct you when you are wrong. You cannot observe yourself (even if you have mirrors surrounding you) when you do the postures.

2.Work regularly
To have best results yoga needs to be done on a daily basis, preferably every day at the same time. Traditionally, yoga is practiced at dawn, facing the rising sun, on an empty stomach.

3.Wear loose clothing
For all the amazing benefits it offers, yoga needs next to nothing for starting its practice. Wear comfortable, loose clothing though, since you will have to move your body in varied stretching postures. Avoid wearing socks or shoes, as this will interfere with your efficiency in attaining the correct postures (unless your doctor recommends otherwise due to personal injuries or physical conditions).

4.Adjust to your own pace
Yoga is not like aerobics or a gym workout, where you need to push yourself to your limits in order to get results. Yoga is something that you do at a comfortable pace. If it hurts or feel uncomfortable, then you are either not doing things right or you are progressing too quickly for your body’s comfort. Yoga has a hierarchy in postures that should be performed in their given order, or your body might not be able to cope.

Before you even think of taking up this regimen, you should go through some basic research on yoga so you understand its philosophy, application, and outcome. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise or fitness program or regimen.

Yoga Workouts are very effective full body workouts. I do this particular series of poses every morning as soon as I wake up in the morning. Repeat this sequences of poses at least 5 times. This is not only good to build strength but its great for flexibility and really gets the blood flowing to all parts of your body.

Repeat this sequences of poses at least 5 times