Get rid of belly fat with Vasisthasana or the sage pose

If your belly fat is bothering you a lot, try this yoga pose for the best results.

By: Shraddha Rupavate | | Updated: March 10, 2015 6:16 pm

If you want to lose weight specifically around your waist then this yoga asana will help you the most. Vasisthasana is a yoga pose dedicated to the sage Vasistha, who practised several versions of this pose. It is also known as the side plank pose or the sage pose as well. It works extensively on the shoulder, arms and the core muscles. It also improves flexibility and sense of balance. But the most challenging part about this asana is aligning the spine and the legs in a straight line and using the arms in the right way to hold that position against gravitational force. Also Read - 10 reasons to start your day with Surya Namaskar

Also Read - International Yoga Day - 13 weight loss Yoga poses that work!

Steps to do the pose: Also Read - Weight loss: Best yoga asanas to burn off your extra kilos

Lie down on your stomach. Bend your elbows and place your palms below your shoulders
Now tuck you toes in and push the floor to straighten your elbows such that your upper body along with your pelvis is lifted off the floor. Make sure your body is in the same alignment as it was while you were lying down
Now slowly twist your upper body to the left as you release your left hand from the floor. Simultaneously turn your right foot to its outer edge and stack your left foot on the right foot. Don’t let your hips or pelvis drop. Hold it in the same alignment as it was earlier
Look up and stay in this position for five breaths
Repeat the pose to the other side

Vasisthasana variations

Once you have successfully balanced yourself in this position, you can try variations of this pose to increase the difficulty levels and further engage your muscles.

Variation 1: From the Vasisthasana pose, lift off the foot that you have stacked upon the supporting foot resting on the floor. This is also called the tree pose. If your arms are strong enough you can even try holding the toe of the released foot with the left hand you released above the head.

Variation 2: Once you’re able to lift the rested foot off the floor, try bending the knee of the lifted foot and bring it closer to the knee of the supporting foot. Remember, irrespective of the movement of your feet and arms, your alignment remains the same.

Image source: Getty images

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Published : September 11, 2014 6:55 pm | Updated:March 10, 2015 6:16 pm

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