Can Half Moon Pose Help Reduce Belly Fat? Here’s What Science Says

Yoga offers lots of benefits, but can one pose help reduce belly fat?

While no single movement can spot-reduce fat, research suggests that dynamic, balance-focused poses like Half Moon Pose can:

• strengthen the core
• improve metabolism
• aid weight loss

when combined with a healthy lifestyle (Cramer et al., 2016).

Want to save this for later?

I’ll deliver this straight to your inbox, so that you can refer back to this post any time you’d like! 🧘🏻‍♀️

Name(Required)

First

Email(Required)

Δ

Why Half Moon Pose Helps With Core Strength & Fat Loss

1️⃣ Engages deep core muscles – Builds stability and improves balance (Schoenfeld, 2010).
2️⃣ Boosts metabolism – Holding balance poses activates multiple muscle groups, increasing energy expenditure.
3️⃣ Supports digestion – Twisting and stretching movements stimulate internal organs, aiding detoxification (Ross et al., 2010).
4️⃣ Reduces stress & cortisol levels – Chronic stress is linked to abdominal fat; yoga helps regulate stress hormones (Pascoe et al., 2017).

How to Do Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana)

✅ Start in Warrior II, shifting weight onto your front leg.
✅ Place your front hand on the mat (or a block) a few inches ahead of your foot.
✅ Lift your back leg parallel to the ground, flexing the foot and engaging your core.
✅ Extend your opposite arm toward the sky, opening your chest and hips.
✅ Hold for 5-10 breaths, then switch sides.

…Is This Enough to Burn Belly Fat?

While Half Moon Pose strengthens the core, a combination of yoga, strength training, and a balanced diet is essential for fat loss.

Adding poses like Boat Pose, Plank, and Twists can enhance core engagement and fat metabolism.

If you’re looking for the best way to drop

💬 Would you try this pose?

Set an intention!

In yoga, you set an intention at the beginning of your practice. As a Christian, I like to choose bible verses that can lead my practice- and day- in a positive direction. Here are some of my favorites:

• Psalm 16:9 – “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.“
• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”