10 Great Yoga Moves to Burn Fat and Slim Your Waist

Keeping your weight in check doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. Sometimes, all it takes is a mat, your breath, and the right movements. Twisting yoga poses are great for strengthening your core, improving digestion, and yes helping you burn fat. Here are 10 effective twisting poses you can try at home.

What Is Seated Spinal Twist and How Do You Do It?

1. Ardha Matsyendrasana

• Sit on the floor with your legs straight.
• Bend your right knee and place the foot outside your left thigh.
• Bend your left leg and tuck the foot near your right hip.
• Inhale, lengthen your spine.
• Exhale, twist to the right. Place your right hand behind you and left elbow on your right knee.
• Look over your right shoulder and hold for 5–10 breaths.
• Switch sides.

How Does the Standing Twist Activate Your Core?

2. Parivrtta Hasta Padasana

• Stand tall with feet hip-width apart.
• Interlace fingers and raise arms overhead.
• Inhale, reach up and exhale, twist to the right.
• Step your left foot behind, right knee bent.
• Hold for 5–8 deep breaths.
• Return and repeat on the left side.

Is the Revolved Chair Pose Good for Burning Belly Fat?

3. Parivrtta Utkatasana

• Stand and bend into a chair-like squat.
• Press your palms together at your chest.
• Inhale and lift your arms overhead.
• Exhale, twist to the right, hooking your left elbow outside your right knee.
• Keep your knees aligned and back straight.
• Hold for 5–8 breaths and switch sides.

What Are the Benefits of Revolved Triangle Pose?

4. Parivrtta Trikonasana

• Stand with legs wide, right foot pointing forward, left foot turned slightly.
• Extend arms out and hinge at your waist.
• Place your left hand on the floor or a block beside your right foot.
• Extend your right arm up and twist your torso to the right.
• Look at your raised hand and hold for 5–8 breaths.
• Repeat on the opposite side.

Can Supine Twist Help Your Digestion?

5. Jathara Parivartanasana

• Lie on your back with arms extended.
• Bend both knees and bring them toward your chest.
• Drop your knees to the right while turning your head to the left.
• Keep shoulders grounded.
• Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Switch to the other side.

How Does Half Moon Twist Improve Balance and Strength?

6. Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana

• Start in a wide stance with your right foot pointing forward.
• Bend your right knee and place your right hand on the floor in front of your foot.
• Lift your left leg parallel to the ground.
• Extend your left arm up and twist your torso left.
• Hold and balance for 5–8 breaths, then switch sides.

Why Should You Try Revolved Side Angle Pose?

7. Parivrtta Parsvakonasana

• From Warrior II, bend your front (right) knee to 90 degrees.
• Place your left elbow outside your right thigh.
• Extend your right arm over your head or place it on your waist.
• Engage your core as you hold the twist for 5–10 breaths.
• Switch to the left side.

Is Twisting Low Lunge Safe for Beginners?

8. Parivrtta Anjaneyasana

• Begin in a lunge with your right foot forward.
• Place your left hand on the ground and lift your right arm up.
• Twist your torso to the right while keeping your hips square.
• Look at your raised hand and breathe deeply.
• Hold for 5–8 breaths, then repeat on the left side.

How Is Revolved Downward Dog Different?

9. Parivrtta Adho Mukha Svanasana

• Start in Downward Dog.
• Reach your right hand back to touch your left ankle or shin.
• Twist your torso to the left, looking under your arm.
• Keep your feet and one hand grounded.
• Hold for 5–6 breaths, then switch hands.

What Is Twisted Locust Pose and How Does It Work?

10. Salabhasana

• Lie on your stomach.
• Lift your chest and legs off the ground.
• Reach your left hand toward your right ankle as you twist.
• Engage your glutes and lower back.
• Hold for 5 breaths, return, and repeat on the other side.

How Do Twisting Yoga Poses Help With Weight Loss?

These twisting poses don’t just stretch muscles they support your weight goals in many ways:

• Burns Calories: Dynamic movements engage multiple muscles, helping burn more calories.
• Improves Digestion: Twisting massages abdominal organs, aiding gut health.
• Boosts Muscle Tone: Most twists require core activation, helping build lean muscle.
• Balances Hormones: Helps reduce cortisol and manage PCOS-related weight gain.
• Enhances Sleep and Focus: Better rest and reduced stress can support better lifestyle choices.

What Should You Watch Out for While Practicing?

While these poses are safe for most people, some precautions are needed:

• Avoid deep twists if you have back injuries.
• Don’t practice after eating heavy meals.
• If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, exit the pose slowly.
• Pregnant individuals should consult a doctor or yoga therapist before doing twisting poses.

Final Thought :

Twisting yoga poses are a powerful way to support your weight loss journey from the comfort of home. They don’t just help burn calories—they also tone your core, improve digestion, and bring balance to your hormones. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, adding these poses to your routine can boost both your fitness and focus. Just listen to your body, move with control, and breathe deeply as you twist your way to better health.