Archive for the ‘Yoga’ Category

An Inversion Table is the Perfect Warm Up or Cool Down for Yoga

Yoga is a great way to get a low impact work out.  It stretches out the muscles and joints and can be done by virtually everyone.  Not only is yoga a great work out, but it is also a great way to get in touch with ones inner mind.  A great way to start or finish a yoga work out is by using an inversion table.

Inversion equipment is not expensive and will help to aid you in getting a better work out.  The therapy works by having you hang upside down in order to release the spine from compression.  In yoga you can do a hand stand to get a similar effect.  But the loosening of the spine does not completely come about this way.

This is because you are still using the muscles in the back to complete the hand stand.  You need to be able to completely relax when your body is inverted.  This is not going to happen when you are doing a hand stand.  There are benefits to the hand stand, but these are more of a strength issue, not a back issue.

Another problem with the hand stand is that for those who are new to yoga, a hand stand may be out of their strength range.  Not everyone can do a hand stand.  It takes a good deal of upper body strength to effectively do one.  Until that degree of strength is reached, a hand stand is out of the physical capabilities of a person who is new to yoga.

The alternative to the hand stand is an inversion machine.  An inversion machine will get you upside down without having to rely on your upper body strength.  You can purchase an inversion table that will even rotate with just the push of a button.  You may want to stick with a manual table that you need to adjust yourself as it will help to build up your upper body strength.

You can use the inversion table before you start your yoga session.  It is a great way to get your muscles relaxed.  You can begin your meditation while you are in the inverted position.  Your entire body will become more loose and ready for the yoga exercises that you will be doing.  You can use this time to focus your inner mind and get to the place you need to be to effectively go through the yoga positions.

As a cool down, an inversion table is the perfect partner to yoga.  The inverted position helps to relieve any aches that can occur from some of the more difficult yoga positions.  Some of these positions can cause stress to the muscles of that area.  Spending some time on the inversion table after a yoga session can help relieve a good deal of this stress.  You can also use this time to come out of the meditative state you have been in while doing your yoga positions.

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