Kareena didn't focus on weight loss, only waist size reduction: 6 yoga asanas for a smaller waist naturally

Kareena is an epitome of fitness and good looks even at 44. The K3G actress still has that sass and small waist that made her fit for her most loved character, ‘Poo.’ Now a mother to two little munchkins, Kareena still dedicates a lot of her time to fitness through various workout forms, including yoga. Her yoga instructor, Anshuka Parwani, revealed in a recent interview with ETimes that Kareena was her first-ever student who has consistently focused on fitness rather than weight loss. Parwani, who also trains actors Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, shared insights about Kapoor's dedication to yoga and her comprehensive fitness routine. Parwani emphasized Kapoor's deep understanding of her body and commitment to yoga. She noted that Kapoor has never explicitly expressed a desire to lose weight, focusing instead on maintaining overall fitness and occasionally adjusting her waist size.

"Kareena is the most aware of her body. I know this because I have been with her... she was my first-ever student, not just the first actor I worked with. There is so much to learn from her because she is so aware. She has always loved yoga, and she understands her body as well. So, we know when to push a little and alter the workout or when to do variations and just do breathwork. Right now, we are very balanced. It is also about pausing. With experience and age comes pausing; she knows when to pause."

"Right now, she looks beautiful—inside and out. She is really glowing. Sometimes, I feel like there's a torch behind her cheeks because it is so beautiful."

Kapoor's current fitness regimen combines various exercises, including yoga, animal flows, strength training, and cardiovascular workouts.

"We do a lot of mixes of animal flows, and strength as well as cardiovascular-based workouts... there is no 'I want to lose weight'. Honestly, that has never really happened. There has never been a time when she said, 'I want to lose weight.' The most that has happened is 'I would like to drop a waist size'."



Many of us aspire to a toned, healthier body just like Kareena's—and achieving a smaller waistline is often a top priority. But crash diets and extreme workouts aren't the answer. Yoga offers a sustainable, holistic solution, combining fat-burning, muscle-toning, and core-strengthening benefits — all while calming the mind. Here are six powerful yoga asanas (postures) that can help you naturally trim inches off your waistline like Kareena and improve digestion and sculpt a stronger core:

1. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Shiv Rajvanshi, Yoga and Spiritual Practitioner says, “This classic pose not only strengthens the thighs and knees but deeply works on your obliques and side waist. The stretch across the torso helps burn accumulated fat and improves your balance.”

How to do it:
Stand with your legs wide apart.
Stretch your arms parallel to the floor.
Bend at the waist to your right, placing your right hand near your ankle or shin, and extend your left arm upward.
Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply, and switch sides.
Benefit: Targets love handles and improves digestion.

2. Naukasana (Boat Pose)
If there's one pose that's a master-sculptor of the core, it's Naukasana. It fires up the abdominal muscles, strengthens the back, and promotes a flatter stomach.
How to do it:
Lie on your back with your arms beside you.
Inhale and lift your chest and legs off the floor, stretching your arms toward your feet.
Form a "V" shape with your body.
Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat.
Benefit: Intense core activation helps burn stubborn belly fat.

3. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose)
This seated spinal twist detoxifies internal organs, massages the abdominal muscles, and enhances metabolism — all essential for trimming the waist. It will give you a slimmer waist in no time if done everyday.
How to do it:
Sit with legs stretched out.
Bend your right knee and place your right foot over your left thigh.
Twist your torso to the right, placing your right hand behind and left elbow outside your right knee.
Hold, then switch sides.
Benefit: Aids digestion and tones the waist.

4. Parivrtta Utkatasana (Revolved Chair Pose)
Often called a "yoga squat with a twist," this pose deeply engages your thighs, glutes, and core while activating the oblique muscles along the waistline.
How to do it:
Stand in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
Bend your knees and sink into a squat.
Bring palms together at the chest.
Twist your torso to the right, hooking your left elbow outside your right thigh.
Hold, breathe, and repeat on the other side.
Benefit: Powerful for tightening and slimming the waist.

5. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Apart from strengthening the back, Cobra Pose works the abdominal region, helps burn fat, and improves posture, which can make your waist appear smaller and more defined.
How to do it:
Lie flat on your stomach.
Place palms under your shoulders.
Inhale, press into your hands, and lift your chest off the ground, keeping elbows slightly bent.
Hold for 15-20 seconds.
Benefit: Strengthens the core and opens up the abdominal muscles.

6. Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose)
A challenging pose, but one of the most effective for tightening the sides of the waist, toning the arms, and building overall core strength.
How to do it:
Start in Plank Pose.
Shift weight onto your right hand and edge of your right foot.
Stack your left foot over the right, and lift your left arm upward.
Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch sides.
Benefit: Builds strong, lean obliques and slims the midsection.