When it comes to getting defined abs, most men turn straight to crunches, planks, and high-intensity workouts. But yoga is a form of exercise that often gets overlooked and it can be just as powerful in carving out a strong, lean, and visibly toned core. Beyond flexibility and balance, certain yoga asanas (poses) engage the deep abdominal muscles, improve posture, and help you develop that sculpted midsection from the inside out.

1. Naukasana (Boat Pose): The Ultimate Core Activator

This one’s a burner. Sit with your legs stretched out, lean back slightly, and lift your feet so your body forms a “V.” Extend your arms parallel to the floor and hold. You’ll feel your entire core — upper, lower, and obliques — switch on almost instantly.

Tip: Keep your spine long and chest open; don’t round your back. Start with 15–20 seconds and gradually build up to a minute.

2. Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose): The Foundation of Core Strength

You’ve done planks before, but in yoga, it’s about control and alignment, not just endurance. Engage your abs, keep your shoulders stacked over your wrists, and maintain a straight line from head to heels.

Why it works: Holding this position strengthens not only your abs but also your shoulders, chest, and glutes — all vital for a stable, defined torso.

3. Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose): The Yoga Push-Up

Often part of the Sun Salutation sequence, this pose is all about core stability and control. Lower yourself halfway from a plank position, keeping your elbows close to your ribs.

Pro move: Focus on a slow descent — the resistance builds deep abdominal strength while improving upper-body tone.

4. Ardha Purvottanasana (Reverse Plank): The Forgotten Core Sculptor

Most men skip this one, but they shouldn’t. Sitting with legs extended, place your palms behind your hips and lift your body up, pointing your toes and pushing your chest to the ceiling.

What it does: Engages the lower abs and strengthens the posterior chain — an often-neglected group of muscles that gives balance to your core strength.

5. Ustrasana (Camel Pose): Stretch for Strength

This backbend doesn’t just stretch your chest and hip flexors; it strengthens your abdominal muscles by forcing them to stabilise the body as you lean back.

Tip: Improves posture and opens up the front body, counteracting hours spent hunched over a desk or laptop.

6. Parivrtta Utkatasana (Revolved Chair Pose): The Oblique Engager

This twisting squat fires up your obliques and deep core muscles. From Chair Pose, bring your palms together and twist your torso so one elbow crosses over the opposite knee.

Bonus: Great for digestion and detox — a true inside-out core workout.

7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): The Finisher

After all that core engagement, Cobra Pose stretches and tones the abdominal area while strengthening the lower back — ensuring your abs don’t just look strong but are well-supported too.