THE normal response I get whenever I’m asked about my age would be along these lines: ‘Atilia, you cannot be 47 years old as you look so much younger. Are u lying?’
However, I do agree with them that I look young for my age. I’m sorry if I sound like a snob, but there are times when it seemingly escapes me that I’m past my mid-40s and, in a few short years, I’ll be considered a senior citizen.
Oh, my God! Did I just say that? The truth is, I don’t mind getting older as I believe experience comes with age.
In my 20s, I was always being treated like a kid, simply because I looked like a teenager. Since nobody took me seriously, I desperately wanted to look older. Perhaps, the fact that I was always beaming and skipping about ─ pretending to be Moana ─ didn’t help much either.
So, what’s my secret? Well, I can sum it up in one word: Inversions.
Not only does it improve blood circulation, incorporating inversions into your stretching and strength building workouts will make your yoga practice more interesting and enjoyable.
How do you do it? Well, an inversion is performed anytime you place your head below your heart area. It’s as simple as that!
I always tell my students that if you don’t feel like lifting yourself off the ground, keep your legs down. It may not look like it but it works just as well.
Inversions help propel blood to both the nervous and endocrine system, producing an uplifting and rejuvenating effect.
Sirsasana ─ or headstand ─ not only promotes good balance and steadies your breathing, it makes you more focused and aware.
This week, I want to share with you the following Yoga Inversion Poses:
No. 1: The Downward Dog ─ Yes! This is actually an inversion pose
No. 2: The Child’s Pose ─ Best inversion, ever!
No. 3: The Dolphin Pose ─ This is a great for shoulder mobility as well
No. 4: Headstand ─ Although it’s fun to do, an appropriate amount of awareness and upper body strength is required for this pose
Here’s a reminder of why we should be doing inversions:
• Rehydrate discs ─ for better hips
• Reduce nerve pressure
• Realign the spine
• Relax tense muscles ─ beyond helping with pain relief and spinal health.
Inversions also offer the following benefits:
─ ease stress levels
─ improve the health of your joints
─ increase flexibility
─ build core strength
─ improve overall fitness
Have fun, everyone! ─ The Vibes, 10 February, 2021
