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Strike a Yoga Pose: Inversions

FitSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Inversions, in yoga, are the poses where you put your feet above your head. Meant to give your mind a new perspective, they allow blood to flow to your head to improve circulation, which can cure headaches and help relieve depression. Going upside down also increases strength in your upper arms, back, and abdomen. These poses require skill and patience, so be sure to practice these regularly.

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Couch Time: Scorpion

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Since I run a lot, my hip flexors and lower back get really tight, so I love stretches that focus on opening these areas, such as Scorpion. This is actually a yoga pose that's a balancing backbend. It feels amazing on the front of your body and your spine, but it's a really difficult pose to get into, let alone hold long enough to get a good stretch. You can do it using a ball, but here's another way using a couch.

Music: "Field of Green," by Careless

To give it a try read more.

Kneel down in front of a couch, and place your forearms on the ground, so your fingers are a few inches away from the base of the couch. You want your elbows directly underneath your shoulders. Look between your hands, not at your feet.
Shift all your weight into your arms, straighten your legs and walk your feet as close as you can towards your elbows.
Lift your right leg up into the air. Then kick off the ground with your left foot, and let your right and then left foot gently fall to rest on the couch.
Walk your feet so your heels are on the edge of the couch - focus on pressing into your hands to help lift your head up as high as you can.
Stay here for thirty seconds, feeling the stretch in your belly, hip flexors, quads, and back. Then lift your right foot off the couch, and slowly kick your feet off and release them back to the ground. Stretch out your lower back by coming into Child's Pose.
Repeat this move again, this time with your left leg in the air.

Get on the Ball: Forearm Stand into Scorpion

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:15:00 -0700

Getting into Scorpion pose from Forearm Stand requires incredible upper body strength, a flexible back and good balance. If you use an exercise ball, it makes this pose so much easier to get into.

Music: "Deva Loka" by Drala

If you want a more detailed description read more

Lay your belly on the ball and walk your hands out so they're directly under your shoulders in plank position.
Drop your forearms down to the ground so your elbows are under your shoulders and keep your gaze forward between your hands.
Let the weight of your body fall into the ball and keep your upper body stable and strong. When you're ready, lift your legs up and work on bending your knees.
Continue lifting your head and dropping your feet. Stay for as many breaths as you want and then kick your legs back towards the floor. Walk your hands in towards the ball and drop your feet down.

Fit's Tip: Really concentrate on keeping your forearms parallel because if your elbows start to slight out passed your hands, you may end up with a face plant on the floor (which I can tell you from experience does not feel good).

Yoga Inversions and Your "Moon Time"

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Not all women feel the same during menstruation. Some feel like sitting on the couch cuddled up with a heating pad and a pint of Ben & Jerry's, and others have tons of energy to go for a run. I'm a firm believer in listening to your body, but I also know that a little exercise can help alleviate cramps (and your rotten mood).

Doing yoga is great when you have your period because the movements are slow and gentle, and leave you feeling completely relaxed. The ongoing debate though is whether or not a menstruating woman should do inversions such as shoulderstand, headstand, forearm stand or handstand.

Some instructors think inversions disrupt the natural flow of your period, that it can cause retrograde menstruation, where blood flows in the opposite direction and can cause endometriosis. However, there is no scientific evidence that inversions can cause this.

Also, you're only upside down for a couple of minutes, so can that short amount of time really affect your flow that dramatically? Only you can answer that question. It all goes back to doing what is right for your body. If inversions give you energy and make your period symptoms more bearable, then I say go for it. On the other hand, if inversions put pressure on your uterus or make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, skip them. This applies whether you have your period or not. Yoga is all about feeling good, so do what feels right to you at that moment, and don't let anyone make those decisions for you.

Challenge Your Sense of Balance

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Many people take up Yoga as a way to relax, reduce stress and bring a sense of inner calmness. For me, balancing poses are the most effective at reducing the stresses of life because they require all my attention and focus, that I am forced to forget about everything else. Staying in the pose and not falling requires all your effort and concentration. Once you release the pose, you feel an amazing wave of relief and contentment.

Here are some of my favorite balancing poses. Some of them solely challenge your sense of balance, and others also challenge your strength and flexibility. Just click on the name of the pose to learn how to get into them.

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Crane Pose Also Called: Crow
Sanskrit Name: (beginner's) Vasisthasana English Translation: Sage Pose Also Called: Side Plank

Want to see the others? Then read more

Sanskrit Name: Bakasana English Translation: Half Moon Pose Also Called:
Sanskrit Name: Upavishta Konasana English Translation: Seated Angle Pose Also Called: Balancing Wide Legs
Sanskrit Name: Baddha Hasta Sirsasana B English Translation: Bound Hands Headstand Pose Also Called: Double Arm Headstand

Sanskrit Name: Pincha Mayurasana English Translation: Feathered Peacock Pose Also Called: Forearm Stand
Sanskrit Name: Garudasana English Translation: Eagle Pose Also Called: Eagle
Sanskrit name: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana A English translation: Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose Also called: Standing Hand to Big Toe A

Strike a Yoga Pose: Forearm Stand

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I love inversions. I love the challenge of trying to stay balanced. I love how strong my upper body feels while I'm in it, and I love how energized I feel getting fresh blood circulating to my brain.

Headstands, forearm stands, and handstands are all kinds of balancing inversions.
Headstands are the easiest inversion since your head and your forearms are planted on the ground. Handstands are the hardest (I think), because only your hands are holding your body up.

So that leaves forearm stands right in the middle with a moderate level of difficulty. You may find them easier than handstands, since both your forearms are helping you to stay balanced. Plus, you are lower to the ground, so you may find this easier to get into - it's less scary. This pose has a lot to do with shoulder and upper back strength, but it's also about engaging your core muscles.

Sanskrit Name: Pincha Mayurasana
English Translation: Feathered Peacock Pose
Also Called: Forearm Stand

Want some tips for getting into it? Then read more

If you are new to this pose, bring your mat up to a stable wall. Drop onto your hands and knees with your fingers about 3 feet or so away from the wall.

In order to measure how far apart your arms need to be, grab a hold of opposite elbows with your hands (so your forearms are parallel with the front of your mat). Now straighten your arms out creating a straight line between both elbows, forearms, and middle fingers. Try to keep your arms parallel, and don't let your elbows slide out to the sides (or you'll end up doing a face plant).
Walk your feet as close as you can towards your head and gaze between your hands - NOT at your feet.
Now lift your right leg straight up. Stay here or work on taking little hops. Do this by bending your left knee slightly, and popping off the ball of your left foot. Keep your right leg lifted and work on holding your legs in split position (like the picture to the right). If you are near a wall, make sure you are close enough to touch it with just your toes.
Once you've found your balance, you can work on bringing your legs together straight up towards the ceiling. Tucking your tailbone and your ribs in will help you stay balanced.
Don't forget to try kicking up with the left leg too.
After you've had enough of forearm stand, come down into Child's pose and rest.

Keep practicing and I know you'll soon have that "aha" moment where you finally feel yourself staying balanced. It's a feeling like no other.

Class Act: Ashtanga Yoga's Second Series

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Do you remember this pose? It was one of the yoga challenges called Crow pose. It's part of Second Series in Ashtanga yoga, known as Nadi Shodina, which means nerve purification. It involves a lot of hip openers, backbends, and arm balancing poses.

Just as in Primary Series, you'll do Sun Salutations A and B, standing poses like Triangle, and then move onto the poses in Second Series. It takes 1 1/2 hours to complete and by the end, you'll feel amazing.

Depending on who you talk to, some Ashtanga yoga instructors think you need to master Primary Series before moving onto Second Series. I don't agree. Primary Series is all about forward bending, and Second Series has a lot to do with back bending. I am a firm believer that your body can benefit from all yoga postures, and you shouldn't be restricted from doing any - you should be encouraged to try them all.

Also, if you are constantly bending forward and stretching the back of your body, you'll need to strengthen those muscles too. You need the poses in Second Series to counterbalance the poses in First Series and vice versa. The two Series' complement each other brilliantly.

Want to know more about Second Series? Then read more

Second Series is so much fun. You get a chance to try out some more advanced poses like Crow, Forearm Stand, Bow, and Leg Behind the Head. You never know what your body is capable of doing unless you try.

After you finish a Second Series class, your body will feel different. Since it involves a ton of backbending poses, you'll feel a sense of lightness and love from stretching through and opening your chest.

Fit's Tips: I recommend trying Second Series 100%. It's challenging and you'll strengthen and increase flexibility in the muscles of your entire body. Locate an Ashtanga Yoga studio near you and find out if they offer Second Series classes or workshops. You can also check out David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga Second and Third Series DVD for $24.95.

Check out some pictures of poses from Second Series. Just so you know, these aren't in order.

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Strike a Yoga Pose: Forearm Stand Scorpion

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:30:00 -0700

I know this pose looks extremely difficult, but if you've practice doing it with a ball and in front of a couch, then you're ready to try it on your own. Scorpion pose will strengthen your shoulders, abs, back muscles, and improve your balance.

Sanskrit Name: Vrschikasana
English Translation: Scorpion Pose
Also Called: Forearm Stand Scorpion

To learn how to get into this pose read more.

To do Scorpion, you first need to get into Forearm Stand. Come onto your hands and knees and place your forearms on the mat. Straighten your arms out, creating a straight line between both elbows, forearms, and middle fingers. Try to keep your arms parallel, and don't let your elbows slide out to the sides (or you'll end up doing a face plant).
Walk your feet as close as you can towards your head and gaze between your hands, not at your feet.
Now lift your right leg straight up and work on taking little hops, so your left foot comes off the ground. Do this by bending your left knee slightly, and popping off the ball of your left foot. Keep your right leg lifted and work on holding your legs in split position.
Once you've found your balance, bring your legs together straight up towards the ceiling. Tucking your tailbone and ribs in will help you stay balanced.
To come into scorpion from this position, slowly bend your knees as you shift your chest forward slightly. This part takes a lot of practice, so if you lose your balance, just try again. If your back is extremely flexible, your feet will have no problem touching your head. If your spine isn't so bendy, you can hold Scorpion pose with your feet dangling above your head.
Hold for five deep breaths and then straighten your legs and lower your feet back to the floor.

Strike a Yoga Pose: Handstand Scorpion

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:57 -0700

There are so many variations of scorpion pose like Locust Scorpion and Forearm Stand Scorpion, but Handstand Scorpion is my favorite. It's one of the most challenging poses you can try because it requires the three zingers - balance, strength, and flexibility.

Sanskrit Name: Vrschikasana B
English Translation: Scorpion B Pose
Also Called: Handstand Scorpion

To learn how to do this pose read more.

I know this pose is insanely difficult, so if handstand isn't happening for you quite yet, practice this pose in front of a wall.
Begin in Downward Facing Dog. If you're in front of a wall, place your fingertips 15 inches away from the wall.
Walk your feet as far as you can toward your hands. Lift your right leg in the air, coming into Three-Legged Dog.
Bend your left knee slightly and jump off the ball of your left foot, coming into handstand. Find your balance and slowly bend your knees, arching your back and lowering your toes toward the top of your head. If you're in front of a wall, lean the tops of your feet into the wall and inch them down toward your head.
Hold this pose for five breaths, then straighten your legs up to the ceiling and lower them back into Down Dog.

You Asked: Issue With Inversions

FitSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:50:02 -0700

Hi Fit,
I have been practicing yoga on my own for years, and I love it all . . . sun salutations, backbends, forward bends, you name it . . . except for the inverted poses. Despite my best efforts, I have never been able to get into them! Can you recommend any exercises to strengthen my upper body so that I will be able to do them, or do you have any other tips to help me take my practice to the next level? Should I have someone help me? Any advice you can offer will be much appreciated!
Thanks,
secrethoughts

In my yoga classes, inversions are the poses most people have problems with, so you're not alone. They require balance, strength, and most of all the guts to be upside down. I believe it's possible for all healthy people to do them, so to hear my tips on how to get yourself there, read more.

Strengthening your upper body is a great way to feel stronger when inverted. I recommend regularly doing all variations of push-ups, the challenging Walking Elbow Plank exercise, and Dolphin Dive. I also recommend practicing Crow pose since it will also work your balance.

Flexible hamstrings are also helpful, since they allow you to walk into the inversion. This is much better than jumping into it, which makes you more likely to lose your balance and not be able to hold the pose. So also incorporate Tipover Tuck and Seated Straddle into your stretching routine.

When you're ready to go upside down, start off with the easiest inversion, Tripod Headstand. It's normal to feel nervous that you'll fall, so practice in front of a wall (with your head about eight inches from the wall). Place your head and hands on the mat, straighten your legs, and walk them in as close as you can toward your head. This is considered an inversion even though your feet aren't in the air. If you're feeling ready, rest your knees on your triceps, coming into Tripod Balance. From here, you can work on lifting one leg at a time into the air. If you're in front of a wall, you can easily place your feet on it for support. As you feel more brave you can lift your feet away from the wall and try balancing on your own.

My best advice is to keep practicing and don't give up. As you become stronger and more confident, Tripod Headstand will become easier for you. Once you master that variation, you can move on to other inversions including headstand variations, forearm stand, and handstand. And if you have access to a yoga studio, taking classes and getting one-on-one help from the instructor will help you master inversions even faster.