Search Results for: blog what is inversion

Inversion Is Not for Everyone

Inversion — hanging or otherwise positioning yourself upside down — can be beneficial for your health. Sometimes called the “perfect stretch”, inversion can reverse pressure on muscles, joints, and organs. However, inversion may not be right for everyone. Certain health conditions may make inversion a dangerous practice. If you are concerned that inversion may not be good for you, talk to your healthcare provider before attempting any kind of inversion. Bone problems — like osteoporosis, spine injury or trauma, or fractures. Inversion may worsen bone problems. Circulatory problems — like high blood pressure, heart disease, and clotting problems. While some … Continue reading →

What is Inversion?

I caught a commercial the other day for one of those pieces of equipment that let you hang upside down. Thanks to the commercial, I now know that hanging upside down is known as inversion therapy! But is it really beneficial for your health? Before doing any research, I had two theories: hanging upside down could possibly be beneficial for joints and circulation. Hanging upside down could relieve pressure on particular joints, like your knees and spine — or at least, reverse the pressure! And hanging upside down does make the blood rush to your head, so maybe that’s a … Continue reading →

The Fitness Blog Week in Review Jan 13-19

What a week – a very long week here. I’m writing these weeks in review ahead of time to give myself some down time this weekend so – if you haven’t had some down time recently and find yourself in the need of it – create the time. We all need that down time here and there and I said goodbye to two old friends this week and I am not afraid to admit – that emotionally, I’m tired. So without further ado – here is a quick cool down of our week in fitness. Saturday, January 13 Great Myths: … Continue reading →

What You Should Know About Inversions

Many of us have not tried doing a headstand, handstand or shoulder stand since we were little. For some of us, it used to come naturally. What we did not know then is that inversions can be wonderful for our circulation, for strengthening the abdominals, for taking the edge off of depression and for stretching the back. As with some of the more challenging yoga poses, there are a few conditions that should make people hesitate before trying them. High blood pressure, sufferers of migraines, glaucoma patients, people with head or neck injuries and pregnant women should definitely ask their … Continue reading →

Coming Soon to a Theme Park Near You

While the rest of us are getting ready to add junk to our trunks at Halloween parties this weekend, major theme parks across the nation are looking well past tricks, treats, turkey, pumpkin pie, and even Santa’s annual visit. Instead, the venues for high-octane fun are prepping for Spring 2012, when they will debut the following new thrill rides: Busch Gardens: The Williamsburg, Virginia, theme park will start the spring off with a bang by unveiling a new roller coaster called Verbolten (German for “Forbidden”). Brave guests will enjoy a 3.5-minute high-speed adventure along a curvy 2,800-foot-long track, which includes … Continue reading →

Daring Summer Adventures

Last summer my family and a bunch of friends traveled to Chicago to check out the Willis Tower’s new glass cube attraction. The Ledge juts out from the 103rd floor Skydeck of the former Sears Tower, and allows you to look straight down to the city below from 1,353 feet in the air. I could barely look at the glass case, never mind about climbing in. Conversely, my then 5-year-old had a field day on The Ledge, sprawling across the floor and posing for photos while sitting pretzel-legged against the back wall, so it appears as though she is floating … Continue reading →

Basic Photo Editing

The right photo editing program can be a lifesaver if you struggle to take frame worthy shots. What’s more, photo editing software can also be a blessing for photo subjects, who avoid the camera at all costs, because of perceived physical shortcomings. Got bags under your eyes, a missing tooth, or a face full of pimples? Basic photo editing software can erase these flaws with a simple click of a mouse. In addition, the high-tech programs can whiten teeth, reduce oily complexions and fix red-eye. The possibilities to improve a photo subject’s appearance are practically limitless with today’s software. Another … Continue reading →

Poor Itchy Puppy

Scratch my belly, please Unfortunately, Chihiro’s health saga has continued. At least nothing is so wrong with her that we need to take her to the vet or spend a lot of money, but it’s annoying that we have to keep treating her for various maladies. At least I can blog about her troubles to share tips with you should any of your dogs ever have similar problems. Chihiro’s always been an itchy dog. Early this year the vet confirmed that she has an inverted vulva, a disorder that’s apparently somewhat common with mixed breed dogs. That means she has … Continue reading →

New Summer Thrills at SeaWorld Orlando

If the prospect of getting soaked by Shamu and friends in the “splash zone” at SeaWorld Orlando is not exciting enough for your brood of thrill seeking offspring, then get ready to kick your trip up a notch by boarding Manta. Seaworld’s newest attraction is the park’s first roller coaster in a decade. The high-concept thrill ride incorporates real-life sea creatures and enough twists and turns to make a real dent in the highly competitive theme park capitol of the world. Which is not to say that SeaWorld is trying to create the fastest, tallest or scariest new theme park … Continue reading →

Yoga Poses to Avoid

There are many benefits to prenatal yoga. Regular practice of yoga tones the muscles and prepares the body for labor and delivery. In addition, many women find they get an emotional boost from yoga, which is very beneficial. Although yoga is safe and effective for pregnancy, there are some poses which should be avoided. Positions requiring you to lie on your stomach are not safe for pregnancy. These include poses such as cobra, are not safe particularly as the belly grows. As the baby grows, you will need to avoid poses which require you to lie on your back for … Continue reading →