Looking to change up your perspective? Why not do so physically by allowing yourself to get upside down for a while? Yoga inversions are a great way to shift your mindset and they’re also wonderful for the body. In today’s yoga class, I’ll walk you through yoga inversions for beginners and give you the basic steps for beginner headstands.
An inversion, put simply, is any pose that has you upside down. It is any time your hips are higher than your heart, which is higher than your head. Usually when people think of inversions, they envision fancy handstands or crazy balancing poses. Sure, those are inversions too, but you can gain the same benefits from much easier postures, such as a standing forward fold.
Benefits of Inversions
As mentioned before, one of the things I enjoy most about inversions is the change of perspective. It seems silly that by changing our physical world, we can make shifts in the way we think of things, but it works! When I am having a difficulty seeing a situation in a new light or can’t find a solution to something, I’ll throw myself up in a headstand and see what I come up with.
The benefits on your body are superb:
- Improve circulation: Do you ever feel that immediate rush of blood through the body after standing up from a forward fold? Inversions do wonders for circulating new blood throughout the body and can even be helpful to improve mental function.
- Release back pain: Generally, all the weight of the spine is resting on the lower half, causing an increase in lower back pain. By getting upside down, we bring the weight to the top of the spine, allowing the lower spine to expand and relax.
- Improve your mood: The increase of blood flow is also rumored to release an influx of endorphines, increasing happiness. This is why inversions are suggested to those who are dealing with anxiety or depression.
- Enjoy a boost in metabolism: Inversions can help activate the pituitary gland, which sits at the base of your brain and helps to regulate hormones, metabolism, and other functions.
Other benefits may include: reduced blood pressure, stimulates the nervous system, soothes headaches, improves balance and core strength, increases confidence, and many more.
What about energy levels? It depends on the style of pose. Some relaxing postures, such as forward folds and legs-up-the-wall can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause you to relax. More active poses, such as headstands and forearm balances, can increase energy levels.
Inversions for Beginners
Ready to defy gravity with me? This forty minute class will walk you through inversions that are designed for beginners. I will also introduce you to the basics of a headstand and how to start building the stability, strength, and shoulder mobility to add it to your practice (without lifting into a full headstand).
Please listen to the suggestions I make throughout the class regarding each pose and how it feels on your body. You may choose to skip some poses or try the suggestions that I give you. Let’s keep it safe, okay?
What yoga would you like to try next?
This inversion class was created after a request was made for inversions. I’d love to know, what type of yoga would you like to try? Comment below and let me know!
Keep on practicing!
Namaste,
