Ever wonder why Yogi’s like to hang out, up-side down? Sure, yes, because it looks bad-ass… but there’s more to the story than the cool visual that meets the eye…

So there’s this thing called gravity… (A guy named Newton discovered it while sitting under an apple tree)… and this gravity is what we can thank for keeping our feet flat on the ground. There’s a lot we can thank Gravity for! Like…keeping the moon and planets in their orbits, and creating tides in the ocean, and allowing earth to be habitable for human life! Okay, so gravity is pretty awesome… but there’s a yin and a yang to everything- so what’s the down side?

Well, the down side is, that gravity weighs pretty heavy on our vertical frames. What does this even mean??? It means that as we get older, gravity takes its toll. Our spines begin to compress, our organs start to prolapse (fall) from their functional position, we stiffen up, and our blood suddenly has trouble flowing upward.

Depressing, right? Well…if you don’t practice yoga it is. Have no fear, the flip-side is here!

Inversions have been said to be the “yogi’s martini”, they don’t only look cool but they feel great and when done correctly, will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

The secret to inversions is simple…. They reverse the effects of gravity!!! By literally flipping yourself up-side down for a few minutes each day, you can reap the benefits that will keep you looking, and feeling, young and healthy for years to come!

Important to note is that, it’s not always the “flashiest” inversion that takes the cake on the “good-for-you” radar. Make sure you stay within your comfort level and always honor your body while inverting. Remember, this will be much more beneficial if you’re experiencing the pose in a relaxed manner. Stress and pain is always an indication that you’ve gone too far.

Here are a few inversions, guaranteed to tickle your fancy.

Supported Headstand Salamba Sirsasana

Benefits Include:

• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression • Stimulates the pituitary and pineal glands • Strengthens the arms, legs, and spine • Strengthens the lungs • Tones the abdominal organs • Improves digestion • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause • Therapeutic for asthma, infertility, insomnia, and sinusitis

Supported Shoulder Stand Salamba Sarvangasana

Benefits Include:

• Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression • Stimulates the thyroid and prostate glands and abdominal organs • Stretches the shoulders and neck • Tones the legs and buttocks • Improves digestion • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause • Reduces fatigue and alleviates insomnia • Therapeutic for asthma, infertility, and sinusitis

Legs up the WallViparita Karani

Benefits Include: • Relieves tired or cramped legs and feet • Gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck • Relieves mild backache • Calms the mind

Benefits supplied by the Yoga Journal Website, learn more at their site! www.yogajournal.com