5 yoga poses to reduce waistline

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Sitting for hours at home or at work can cause the abdominal corset and pelvic muscles to lax and become atrophied. Here are 5 yoga poses that are designed to work these muscles and reduce the waistline.

1.    Plank to side plank and back

Michelle Alva recommends this active pose to engage your Transversus Abdominus area. Start with the basic plank pose, similar to how you do a push-up.

When you inhale, rise to do a side plank. You can feel your abdominal muscles working as your arms support your weight.

Exhale to return to your basic plank pose. Do this slowly to fully engage the corset area. Repeat this move for 5-10 sets or breath cycles.

2.    Forearm plank hip taps

This waist whittling move is featured on Shape. Start with a forearm plank with your hands touching the ground and elbows positioned below the shoulders.

Twist your lower abdominal area to face the left side, allowing the right hip and feet to tap the ground. Go back to the forearm plank.

Do the same to your left hip then return to the forearm plank pose. Repeat the pose until you perform 10 on each side.

3.    Bridge pose

Yahoo's Australian Women's Health suggests performing this pose to strengthen your core.

First, lie down with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Keep the distance between your feet the same as the width of your hips.

Your fingers should be able to reach your heels. If not, move your heels closer.

Use your feet to elevate your hips up. Try to reach and clasp your hands together underneath your raised body.

Bring your shoulder blades closer together and hold this pose for up to a minute. Slowly release and go back to your initial position.

Repeat this pose twice more.

4.    Asana pose

This side stretch pose is recommended courtesy of the NDTV Good Times page.

Begin by bending your right knee and extending your left leg towards the side.

Raise your right hand and bend your abdominal area towards the left side. Feel the right side stretch as you hold this pose for approximately half a minute.

5.    Supine twist

The supine twist is another pose featured on the Yahoo site. First, lie on the floor with your knees close to your chest.

Keep your shoulder blades on the ground while you twist your knees towards the left side. Face the right side to complete the twist.

Hold this pose for up to a minute before bringing your knees back to your chest. Do this for the other side.