Inversions and the health benefits of going upside down

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Health professionals say that going upside down is beneficial for your health, even if just for a few minutes per day. And, it can look like inversions in a yoga class, going upside down on an aerial apparatus, lying on the floor with your legs vertical along the wall, and everything in between.

"There are so many benefits of inversions," said Robin Berkery, owner of Yoga with Robin. "Stimulating your cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, helping with your nervous system, sleep, rest... to the fact that they're just really fun and empowering."

Berkery couples her yoga practice by teaching on a beach in Santa Cruz on the weekends. She says that inverting is as easy as "taking your legs up the wall, laying on the floor, a forward fold standing."

You don't have to be a yoga teacher or aerialist to reap the health perks of inverting.

"I can just bring my head down and I'm inverting," said physical therapist, aerialist and teacher Ruby Straehley. "There are simple things that you can do... you can lie down and bring your legs up."

Straehley also happens to be an aerial advocate, having overcome her own physical challenges while integrating inversions.

"I've had people come up after doing aerial for a while and they said, 'I went to my doctor's and I'm an inch taller,'" she said. "Well, they're not really an inch taller, but their posture has improved, they've strengthened those muscles long.

"You're creating that space in the spine and also your lungs are getting more capacity, your organs," she continued.

If you're looking to adopt a new inversion habit to help your health, professionals suggest not to rush; take your time and slowly make advancements incrementally. Otherwise, this can throw off your equilibrium.

Straehley also suggests working with a professional, especially if the inversion style is particularly skill-based.

"Taking private lessons really helps," said Straehley. "Also, assistance. Making sure you're not going from sitting all day to trying a handstand."

Professionals say that starting inversions in shorter durations or performing simple, functional upside down moves are a great place to start.

"In yoga, we love downward dog..." said Berkery. "Anything as basic as a forward fold, anything where your hips are above your heart."

Again, experts say that anyone wanting to start a new workout regime to check with their health professional first.