09/08/2015
Upside Down Tuesday! (Not convinced it's a good idea?!...Shhs!)
10 Reasons to Yoga Upside Down
Get a Glow On: When upside-down, fresh nutrients and oxygen are flushed to the face, creating a healthy glow that will look like you just came from a spa facial.
Tone and Strengthen: Performing headstands and handstands work the muscles of the shoulders, upper back and core in the constant attainment of balance. To hold a handstand for any length of time requires control over the obliques, the re**us abdominus and the transverse abdominus.
Gray Away: Because inversions increase nutrients and blood flow to the scalp, some yogis claim that these poses can help stall the onset of gray hair – maybe even reverting some gray back to the original color. Not sure if this is true, but worth a try and much cheaper than a colorist!
Brain and Body Booster: Being in a headstand or handstand increases blood flow to the brain and improves cognition. It also stimulates the glands in charge of sleep-wake cycles, digestion, s*x hormones, blood pressure, and more.
Confidence Kickstarter: Mastering a handstand or headstand will take your self-esteem to new levels. With good instruction and practice most of us can eventually accomplish these yoga poses or modified versions.
Mood Lifter: The adrenal glands are flushed and detoxified with yoga inversions and this creates a better outlook on life, some yogis even say preventing mild depression thanks to the release of happy hormones. In any event, doing a handstand while frowning turns it into an automatic smile!
Happier Gut: The gravitational pull of being upside stimulates digestive juices and keeps things moving along. Inversions stimulate the pituitary gland, the endocrine glad that is in charge of regulating metabolism and turning food into energy.
Reduce Swelling: Getting feet above the head in an inverted yoga pose is an effective way to alleviate edema (swelling) in legs, ankles and feet.
Improve Focus: Practicing yoga inversions will help you learn to tune out distractions, listen and respond to the feedback from your body, and lock in on the task at hand.
Party Trick: Add some swagger to your step by impressing friends and family with your upside-down balancing talent!
GET UPSIDE DOWN LADIES! SHOW ME WHAT YOU'VE GOT!!!!