You have probably read a million articles on both the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Yet, despite all this I am guessing some of you have yet to pick up the yoga mat and try it out. Well I am here to give you more inspiration to give yoga a try. Flat Abs. Two simple words that many of us would kill to achieve. There are many great yoga moves out there that can bring you closer to those elusive flat abs, and I am here to share some of them with you!

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First up, the plank. Many people have said the plank is much greater for your abs than crunches, but most people do not know this is in fact a yoga pose. Side planks are great for your obliques (those stubborn side abs that some call “love handles” even though I see nothing to love about them). Stack your feet with your hip and left forearm on the mat, then lift your hip up and hold while extending your right arm in the air. Hold for 5 seconds, switch sides, and repeat.

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Next, the twisting chair. This move is great for your obliques, your butt, and your thighs. Put your legs together and bend your knees until you are almost sitting in an invisible chair. With your hands in a prayer position twist your left elbow to the outside of your right knee. Hold this for 5 seconds, return to the chair position, and twist to the other side.

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Another great, but slightly more tricky move that helps more than just your abs is the three-leg down dog position. This move helps build strength in your shoulders as well as your butt and legs. You start off this position with your feet and hands on the floor and your butt up in the air. Then you extend your right leg up straight up in the air, making a straight line from wrist to toe. Next move that leg in towards your chest, as you shift into a plank position. Hold, then kick the leg back out. Switch legs and repeat!

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There are so many other yoga moves that help to flatten out your stomach. Since this is a goal for so many of us out there, I say why not give these yoga moves a try. Head on down to a class and learn the proper way to do them so you can the best results. The beauty salon downtown Pittsburgh, Verve 360 offers great yoga classes at a variety of convenient times. So why not go on down and give it a try? Best case scenario, you fall in love with yoga and reap all the great benefits, including flat abs, that come along with it!