Burn Belly Fat in Your Sleep: 5 Yoga Poses to Do Before Bed
The journey to a flatter belly isn’t only about hitting the gym or going for long runs. If you’re looking for a holistic, stress-relieving, and highly effective approach to shedding belly fat, yoga could be your solution. By practicing the right yoga asanas (poses) before bedtime, you can stimulate digestion, reduce stress, and enhance metabolism—all factors that help in burning belly fat.
Here’s a closer look at five yoga asanas you must do before bedtime to melt away belly fat.
1. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
The Cobra Pose is one of the most effective yoga poses for toning the abdomen and strengthening the core. This gentle backbend not only helps stretch and relax the spine after a long day but also engages the abdominal muscles, helping in reducing belly fat.
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How to Perform Bhujangasana:
- Lie face down on the mat with your legs stretched out.
- Place your palms flat on the ground beneath your shoulders.
- Slowly lift your upper body while keeping your lower body pressed into the mat.
- Hold the position for 15-20 seconds, feeling the stretch in your abdomen and back.
- Slowly return to the starting position.
By stretching and strengthening the abdomen, Cobra Pose promotes better digestion and metabolism, aiding in belly fat reduction. Plus, doing this before bed helps relieve tension, allowing you to relax into a peaceful night’s sleep.
2. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Bow Pose is excellent for working on your core muscles and improving posture. This asana stretches your abdominal region and helps burn belly fat while strengthening the back and chest.
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How to Perform Dhanurasana:
- Lie flat on your stomach with your legs hip-width apart and arms by your sides.
- Bend your knees and bring your feet up toward your hips.
- Grab your ankles with your hands and lift your chest off the ground as you pull your feet upward.
- Hold the position for 15-30 seconds, then gently release.
By engaging your abdominal muscles, the Bow Pose stimulates digestion and blood circulation, both of which are key to losing belly fat. Performing this asana regularly helps tone your midsection and brings balance to the body and mind before bedtime.
3. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
This asana is known for its ability to stretch the hamstrings, lower back, and abdominal muscles. It enhances flexibility while promoting digestion and relaxing the mind—making it a perfect yoga posture before bedtime.
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How to Perform Paschimottanasana:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
- Inhale, and as you exhale, lean forward from your hips, keeping your back straight.
- Try to reach for your toes with your hands, or hold onto your calves or ankles.
- Hold the position for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply.
Paschimottanasana not only stretches the belly muscles but also reduces bloating, which is a significant contributor to belly fat. The deep forward bend also induces relaxation, calming the nervous system and setting you up for a restful sleep.
4. Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose)
Wind-Relieving Pose is one of the best yoga asanas to perform before bedtime, especially if you struggle with bloating and indigestion. This pose specifically targets the lower abdomen, helping to release trapped gas, improve digestion, and relieve tension in the belly area.
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How to Perform Pavanamuktasana:
- Lie flat on your back with your legs extended.
- Bend your knees and bring them toward your chest.
- Hug your knees with your arms, pulling them closer to your chest.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute while breathing deeply.
- Release the pose and relax.
By helping with digestion and releasing tension in the belly, Pavanamuktasana can be a great way to reduce belly fat and prepare your body for a good night’s rest.
5. Navasana (Boat Pose)
Boat Pose is a dynamic core-strengthening pose that directly targets belly fat. It requires you to balance on your sit bones while lifting your legs and torso off the ground, which engages the abdominal muscles intensely.
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How to Perform Navasana:
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
- Lean back slightly while keeping your back straight.
- Lift your legs off the floor and extend your arms forward, parallel to the ground.
- Hold the position for 20-30 seconds, keeping your core engaged and breathing deeply.
- Release the pose and relax.
Navasana strengthens the core, improves digestion, and boosts metabolism, making it an excellent choice for burning belly fat. Doing this pose before bed helps tone your abdominal muscles and improves your overall body posture.