When the word “inversion” is mentioned, most people experience a mental flash of images from the yogis of Instagram, who make us question whether gravity is still a thing. The highly publicized beast-mode approach to inversions elicits fear and bewilderment, making the general population of practitioners wonder if it will ever be possible to integrate inversions into their daily practice.
Take one of my favorite Los Angeles-based yoga instructors, Dylan Werner, for example. For me, his Instagram photos spark the following train of thought: “Whoa. Ouch. How? Amazing.” May we all let his incredible strength and dedication serve as inspiration, but please also know that there are inversion options for all levels.
While there are indeed complex variations, an inversion is simply any posture where your heart is raised above your head. I can assure you that the following, more gentle, inversion options offer the same incredible benefits for your body, mind, and spirit:
► Legs up the wall
► Downward facing dog
► Forward fold
So, why should you be regularly turning your body upside down? Let’s explore:
WellWellWell recently posted this article about the benefits of doing inversions as part of your regular exercise routine. According to the author, the benefits range from boosting your circulatory and respiratory system to helping your self-confidence and balance. Great – now I won’t be the only one taking headstand breaks in the office! Here are a few more reasons why going heart-over-head is all the rage:
Inversions will sharpen your focus.
As you work toward finding balance and stillness in your inversions, there is no choice but to focus in on that task alone. As WellWellWell aptly put it, “Your mind is engaged in the deceptively simple task of not toppling over. Inversions are a great time to connect ones thoughts and emotions to the physical self.”
Going upside down can tone your physique.
Inverting requires a substantial amount of work for your body and also tests your balance. Your glutes, hamstrings, and especially your core become highly active to hold the inverted postures. Adding inversions to your regular yoga practice, or as a supplement to any exercise regimen, will engage your stability muscles in new ways.
This is a chance to stop taking life so seriously.
Let’s face it, inverting is fun. We all need more laughter in life and more time to connect with our inner child. Inverting is a time to play, to put forth effort without setting expectation or judgment, and to detach from the roles you play in life. Let your next inversion serve as a reminder that you are not the pose, you are the energy working toward it!
Inverting acts as an all-natural energy booster.
Integrating inversions into your practice, or even just a lunch break, is the perfect solution for those who are sleep deprived. Going upside down stimulates the brain by increasing oxygenation of the blood, adding that caffeine-esque zing to your day.
Turning your body upside down offers a literal shift in perspective.
Personally, some of my most profound thoughts, realizations, and awakenings have occurred during downward facing dog. Inversion-realizations in yoga are the equivalent of shower-epiphanies, but with added health benefits.
Inversions provide you with a break from sitting.
Take a gander at the serious health risks associated with sitting for the majority of your day. Believe me, you will be happy to stand up and fold forward after reading the many reasons the human body isn’t meant to be stationary for extended periods of time.
Please keep in mind that inversions aren’t for everyone. Please read this perfectly-stated caution from Yoganonymous: “Like all things in life, the suggestion to get upside down should not be universally prescribed. There are certain contraindications that should be observed so as not to cause or exacerbate previous injuries or illnesses: unmedicated high blood pressure, some heart conditions, neck injuries, recent stroke, detached retina, glaucoma, and epilepsy are common issues that should be addressed before inverting. Talk with your doctor and teacher if you are unsure about your status.”
©Emily Hudson, WorldLifestyle
Take one of my favorite Los Angeles-based yoga instructors, Dylan Werner, for example. For me, his Instagram photos spark the following train of thought: “Whoa. Ouch. How? Amazing.” May we all let his incredible strength and dedication serve as inspiration, but please also know that there are inversion options for all levels.
While there are indeed complex variations, an inversion is simply any posture where your heart is raised above your head. I can assure you that the following, more gentle, inversion options offer the same incredible benefits for your body, mind, and spirit:
► Legs up the wall
► Downward facing dog
► Forward fold
So, why should you be regularly turning your body upside down? Let’s explore:
WellWellWell recently posted this article about the benefits of doing inversions as part of your regular exercise routine. According to the author, the benefits range from boosting your circulatory and respiratory system to helping your self-confidence and balance. Great – now I won’t be the only one taking headstand breaks in the office! Here are a few more reasons why going heart-over-head is all the rage:
Inversions will sharpen your focus.
As you work toward finding balance and stillness in your inversions, there is no choice but to focus in on that task alone. As WellWellWell aptly put it, “Your mind is engaged in the deceptively simple task of not toppling over. Inversions are a great time to connect ones thoughts and emotions to the physical self.”
Going upside down can tone your physique.
Inverting requires a substantial amount of work for your body and also tests your balance. Your glutes, hamstrings, and especially your core become highly active to hold the inverted postures. Adding inversions to your regular yoga practice, or as a supplement to any exercise regimen, will engage your stability muscles in new ways.
This is a chance to stop taking life so seriously.
Let’s face it, inverting is fun. We all need more laughter in life and more time to connect with our inner child. Inverting is a time to play, to put forth effort without setting expectation or judgment, and to detach from the roles you play in life. Let your next inversion serve as a reminder that you are not the pose, you are the energy working toward it!
Inverting acts as an all-natural energy booster.
Integrating inversions into your practice, or even just a lunch break, is the perfect solution for those who are sleep deprived. Going upside down stimulates the brain by increasing oxygenation of the blood, adding that caffeine-esque zing to your day.
Turning your body upside down offers a literal shift in perspective.
Personally, some of my most profound thoughts, realizations, and awakenings have occurred during downward facing dog. Inversion-realizations in yoga are the equivalent of shower-epiphanies, but with added health benefits.
Inversions provide you with a break from sitting.
Take a gander at the serious health risks associated with sitting for the majority of your day. Believe me, you will be happy to stand up and fold forward after reading the many reasons the human body isn’t meant to be stationary for extended periods of time.
Please keep in mind that inversions aren’t for everyone. Please read this perfectly-stated caution from Yoganonymous: “Like all things in life, the suggestion to get upside down should not be universally prescribed. There are certain contraindications that should be observed so as not to cause or exacerbate previous injuries or illnesses: unmedicated high blood pressure, some heart conditions, neck injuries, recent stroke, detached retina, glaucoma, and epilepsy are common issues that should be addressed before inverting. Talk with your doctor and teacher if you are unsure about your status.”
©Emily Hudson, WorldLifestyle
