How did you get those arms? Do you lift weights every day? You must do a million squats to get that booty! People who do yoga get a lot of questions and assumptions made about how they’ve been able to achieve their strong bodies. People are always surprised by the simple answer, “Nope, I just do yoga.” Yoga requires nothing but you. No weights, no machines, just the ability to lift and hold your own body weight.
While some yoga classes are gentle and relaxing, yoga can provide a heart-pounding, cardio-burning and muscle-toning workout. What I love the most about yoga is the variations with every pose.
Just when you’ve mastered a pose, you’ll learn a new transition that will take your mind and body to the next level.
This kind of training creates a long, lean body that shows flexibility and strength without bulking you up. The bonus is, it doesn’t matter how young or old, big or small you are, yoga is great for anyone.
Try These Body-Toning Yoga Moves
Do these four muscle-toning yoga poses as a sequence three to five times a week to tone your entire body.
Plank
Begin on all fours with your arms straight and shoulders stacked over your wrists. Have your palms flat and shoulder-width apart. Curl your toes under and step both feet back until your legs are straight and your feet are hip-width apart.
Bring your shoulders, hips and heels into one straight line with your core and quad muscles engaged. Distribute the weight of your knuckles evenly and slightly look past your fingertips. Hold for 5 to 10 breaths.
Chaturanga
From the plank pose, extend your gaze forward and keep the front ribs in as you bend your elbows halfway to the ground. Keep your elbows in and over your wrists, and lower your shoulders so they’re in line with your elbows.
Keep looking forward with your shoulders lifted. Your upper back should be broad and the tips of your shoulder blades should