Have you ever seen one of those inversion tables that literally turns you upside down to decompress your spine? For most of us, that would feel pretty scary and is probably not something we'd want to do. The good news is, you don't have to go fully upside down to get some of those incredible benefits.
Today, I want to show you how to find that same sense of decompression through a simple forward fold.
When you come into a forward fold, the idea is to truly let the head go all the way down. But here’s what I see in my classes all the time: people resist. There’s a fear, an unknown feeling that keeps us from completely releasing the head. But to get the benefit of that inversion, you have to let go.
Here’s how to practice:
Release the Head: From a standing position, or even while seated in a chair, bring your chin to your chest. Imagine the top of your head moving all the way down toward the floor. Don't hold back; let your head get heavy.
Hinge at the Hips: If you're standing, you can open your legs wider and hinge even deeper from your hips. This allows you to fold more completely and release any tension in your back.
Acknowledge and Let Go: Notice the resistance in your body to completely let go. Then, take a moment to be purposeful and allow your body to relax, letting your head hang completely.
Rise Slowly: This is important. When you're ready to come up, do so very slowly. Because this isn't a familiar position for many, rising too quickly can make you feel dizzy. Take your time, letting the blood flow back evenly.
