Yoga is very inspired by and connected to the elements of Nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.

The Fire Element in Yoga

This post will share yoga poses that really help you connect with the Fire element, increase your strength, improve your discipline & give you a natural energy boost.

Here are five of my favorite ab-working asanas, aka Top 5 Fire element yoga poses each with three variations/progressions of the pose from beginner to intermediate to advanced.

▶️ Try this quick 5 Minute Yoga Fire Breath breathing exercise (pranayama) any time you need a Natural Energy Boost.

Then, choose your challenge:
▶️ Level 1: Beginner 25 Minute Gentle Yoga Flow for Energy & Core Strength
▶️ Level 2: 25 Minute Energizing Morning Yoga Flow (Abs & Core Strength)
▶️ Level 3: 20 Minute Yoga Core/Abs Challenge

Keep practicing these videos once per week (or more) to progress through the levels, flatten your belly and continue building your core strength!

Fire is associated with the third chakra: Manipura or the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is located in abdomen (belly). Fire represents heat, power, strength, transformation and digestion.

The sense most associated with the fire element is sight.

The season most associated with the Fire element is Summer, but it’s good to keep in touch with all the elements year round.

⛔ Contraindications: Heat, intense abdominal yoga poses, fire breath pranayama, hot tubs, saunas and spicy food are not recommended for pregnant women.

Top 5 Fire Element Yoga Poses

Fire element yoga poses focus on strength and discipline. These especially target the abs/core and twisting the trunk of the body.

1. Bird Dog Pose or Balancing Table Pose (Dandayamana Bharmanasana)

This easier posture will help strengthen your abs, hip flexors, spine-supporting muscles and improve your posture. There are many variations/preogressions of Bird Dog pose.

Level 1: Keep the knees on the Earth and only raise one arm.
Level 2: Extend and hold the opposite arm and leg.
Level 3: Add the crunch and extend the opposite arm/leg on the inhale and being the elbow to the knee on the exhale.

Top 5 Fire Element Yoga Poses: 1. Bird Dog Pose or Balancing Table Pose (Dandayamana Bharmanasana)

2. Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)
This popular yoga pose strengthens the abdominal muscles as well as the upper body, especially the arms and wrists. There are many variations/progressions of plank pose.

Level 1: Keep your knees on the Earth.
Level 2: Your knees are lifted off of the Earth.
Level 3: Keep both knees lifted and also raise one leg or one arm parallel to the Earth.

Top 5 Fire Element Yoga Poses: Plank Pose (Kumbhakasana)

3. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

Any poses that twist the spine/trunk of the body are Fire element poses. This one strengthens core, thigh and back muscles. Try one or all of these chair pose variations/progressions.

Level 1: Classic chair pose with both feet and arms parallel.
Level 2: Chair Twist: Bring the hands together, lead forward and take one knee to the outside of the knees.
Level 3: Keep the twist and step the opposite leg back into a lunge.

Top 5 Fire Element Yoga Poses: Chair Pose (Utkatasana)

4. Side Plank Pose (Vasisthasana)

This pose challenges your balance in addition to strengthening your side abs/obliques. There are many variations of side plank pose.

Level 1: Keep the bottom knee & lower leg on the Earth for more stability.
Level 2: Keep both legs lifted off the Earth together.
Level 3: Lift the top leg higher than the bottom leg so you’re making an X shape.

Top 5 Fire Element Yoga Poses: Side Plank Pose (Vasisthasana)

5. Boat Pose (Navasana or Naukasana)

This is a more advanced posture that will strengthen your ads & back and can also help relieve bloating and gas. There are many variations of boat pose.

Level 1: Keep your toes gently grazing the mat/Earth.
Level 2: Balance with your knees bent and arms, feet and legs parallel to the Earth.
Level 3: Balance with your arms and legs extended out straight. (Extra challenge: arms behind you so you make a complete V shape.)

Top 5 Fire Element Yoga Poses: Boat Pose

Quick 5 Minute Yoga Fire Breath For A Natural Energy Boost

This breathing exercise/technique (pranayama) called Fire Breath will help give you a natural boost of energy if you're feeling sleepy, tired, bored or sluggish.

I like to practice this in the morning if I'm having trouble getting out of bed and during that time when you're trying to work right after eating lunch. It's also great if you work odd shifts or hours or are out of your regular sleep/wake cycle.

There are some contra-indications for this pranayama. If you feel dizzy, giddy, or light headed, slow down your pace and ensure that both the inhale and exhale are equal. Breath of Fire is generally not recommended to be done by menstruating or pregnant women, or children younger than 16 but I would consult your doctor as he/she will be able to further advise you. :)

Level 1: Beginner 25 Minute Gentle Yoga Flow for Energy & Core Strength

This energizing 25-minute practice will focus on stretching and strengthening the body - especially the core & abs.

Level 2: 25 Minute Energizing Morning Yoga Flow (Abs & Core Strength)

This 25 Minute energizing morning yoga flow is a great way to start your day! This practice is themed around the fire element and is going to work your abs and improve your core strength.

Sequence: Fire Breath, Cat/Cow, Arm/Leg Extensions, Thread the Needle, One Legged Planks, High Lunge, Sun Salutations, Boat Pose, Leg Circles.

Level 3: 20 Minute Yoga Core/Abs Challenge

Strengthen your core (upper abs, lower abs & obliques) with this yoga challenge!

You ARE the Fire Element!

Your body transforms food into energy through your digestive process in the belly.

Spend time in the sunshine, around campfires and admire sunrises and sunsets to appreciate and connect more with the Fire element in Nature.

Fire Element Health Challenge

If you’d like a fire challenge to practice off the mat, try incorporating more spices into your diet that heat up the body but still have anti-inflammatory properties like ginger and turmeric. These spices also aid in digestion.

Namaste & Have A Great Day!

💖 Miranda

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