Page 109 - Demo

www.MOSTmag.com || FITNESS MAG A ZINE || 109eadstand, Salamba Sirsana, is the King of all asanas (postures). Turning oneself upside down (inverting) is known to have several key health benefits. Foremost, it is known to have a calming effect on the mind and heart. When upside down the heart is not required to work as hard to get blood and oxygen to the brain. It is thought to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can be done anywhere and anytime. Headstands offer a variety of cosmetic bonuses as well. Inverting, getting the head below the heart, helps increase nutrients and blood flow to the scalp, which decreases onset of grey hair. The calming inversion is also anti gravity effect for the face, being upsides down flushes oxygen and nutrients to the face simulating a mini %u201cface lift%u201d providing a glowing effect to the skin. Being upside down also gives our legs a much needed break, goodbye varicose veins, and helps build core strength, hello abs! Lastly, headstands offer an alternate view of life, and quite frankly are fun and the ultimate party trick. So let%u2019s get started!Remember when you first try you do not have to take your feet off the floor. Get used to the pressure and weight on your head. If you have any neck sensitivity consult your doctor first.Roll out your yoga mat (make sure it is not a pilates mat, the extra padding will throw off your balance). If you do not have a mat find a soft surface.Salamba means with support. To support your head, press your palms together and interlace your fingers as though you were holding hands with yourself. Personally I prefer my wrists to touch, however, some people feel more stable with hands interlaced and open so the palms are rested against the hairline with thumbs towards back of head.Come down to a kneeling position on the mat or floor, with fingers interlaced, place your head on the floor, bring the elbows in so that your head is on the floor, forearms are on either side of your head and elbows are hugged in and in line with shoulders. Tuck your toes under, lift up your hips. The goal here is to get your feet as close to your base (head) as possible. If your hamstrings are tight, bend your knees and walk in, try to get your hips over your shoulders as much as possible.Breathe! Make sure to keep breathing. People tend to get excited and nervous all at once and consequently stop breathing. But relax! Going upside down, especially for the first time is fun (and a little scary), but holding the breath out of excitement, fear, or both will only bring you down. If you are not breathing the body knows something is wrong/dying and will quickly collapse. So, walk the feet in. Breathe. If your heart is racing stay there. Chillax. Breathe. Repeat the process until you feel more comfortable. Then slowly lift one leg up. To recap, your head is bound into the mat, hiney is above shoulders, one foot is up and tucked in, and the other is still gently but securely on the floor. Take 5-10 breaths there and switch legs. Repeat until you feel comfortable with head on the ground and one foot lifted.By: Georgia Gerstein