Monday, November 4, 2013

5 Perks of Doing Inverted Yoga Poses

5 Perks of Doing Inverted Yoga Poses

Going upside down during yoga can be freaky--but if you master the poses, they have major health benefits

Should You Invert?
Check with your doctor before starting. Whether you're in a yoga pose or on an inversion table, inverting can lower your resting heart rate, says Loren Fishman, M.D., medical director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in New York City. This can have long-term perks if you're healthy—a lower resting heart rate may translate to a longer life, according to Harvard researchers. But if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or glaucoma (inverting causes the pressure in your eyes to spike), inverting is not for you.

Healthy Heart
One study found that inversions can be effective at momentarily reversing issues like an abnormal heartbeat.

Breathe Easier
Breathing upside down strengthens your diaphragm, which can improve lung function during tough activities.

Ease Back Pain
Inversion tables can help take gravitational pressure off disks in your spine, says Frank Valente, a NYC-based chiropractor. And strengthening your lower back can help stave off future pain.

Sculpt Your Abs
These poses tone your upper body but zero in on your core. "If you don't brace your core, you'll fall over like a wet noodle," says Budig.

Beat Stress
Research shows that inversions can decrease your body's fight-or-flight response.

RELATED:
Three Inversion Yoga Poses to Try

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5 Perks of Going Upside Down
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October 2013
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