How can yoga help me get my body back?

Answered by Kathleen Kastner, owner of Maya Yoga studio, in Kansas City, MO.

I have had 5 children and the abdomen/pelvic area has no firmness to it. How can yoga help me get my body back post-baby? -Carol

Yoga can help you tone up your abdominals and pelvic floor by engaging your energy locks, called "bandhas." Your bandhas include: your lower abdomen, about 2-4 inches beneath your navel; and your perineum muscle, located at the floor of your pelvis.  As you move through your yoga practice, with deep Ujjayi breath, you want to focus on contracting the bandhas every time you exhale. After a 60-90 minute class of contracting your bandhas, these areas will begin to feel and appear more toned, especially if you are doing yoga 3 or more days a week.


Kathleen Kastner has been teaching ashtanga, vinyasa and power yoga for ten years and is also the owner of Maya Yoga studio, in Kansas City, MO

---