03/08/2024
What Are Inversions in Yoga?
Yoga inversions are a type of yoga pose where your body is turned upside down with your head below either only your heart and hips (half inversion) or your heart and legs (full inversion). While tricky, inversions can offer a new perspective on your practice as well as a number of health benefits for the body and mind. Some of the most popular fully inverted postures include Headstand, Handstand, and Shoulderstand.
What Muscles Do You Use for Inversion Yoga Poses?
Inversion yoga poses are an amazing way to strengthen and stretch different muscles in your body. When you practice inversions, you use a variety of muscles in your core, arms, legs, back, and shoulders to help support your body weight and maintain proper alignment and balance.
1. Core Muscles
Your core muscles, including your re**us abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis, are essential for stabilizing your body during inversions. These muscles help you maintain a strong and stable base which is key to mastering inversions like the Forearm Stand.
2. Upper Body Muscles
Inversions also target the muscles in your upper body, including your shoulders, arms, and chest. In upside down yoga poses like Crane Pose, Bridge Pose, and Headstand, we rely on these muscles to support our body weight and ensure we don’t collapse.
3. Neck Muscles
Depending on the inversion, you may also use your neck muscles to support your head and neck. It's important to be careful not to strain your neck muscles during inversions, so always listen to your body and only go as far as feels comfortable.
4. Leg Muscles
Some inversions, like Headstand and Handstand, require you to engage your leg muscles to help lift your body up and maintain your balance. These muscles include your quads, inner thighs, hamstrings, and glutes.
Inversions can help you work major muscles throughout body, from your core to your arms and your legs. With regular practice, you'll build strength and flexibility, and unlock a new dimension of your practice.
