top of page

Inversions Three Ways

  • May 3, 2017
  • 2 min read

Amy Apgar loves sweaty vinyasa classes and great music. A native Ohioan, she learned to love dance and movement as a "wee babe." She lives in Harlem with her boyfriend and two kitties. Obviously a cat lover, she teaches at yoga at the Meow Parlor, New York's first feline cafe. You can also find her at Y7 Studio. Here she talks to YogaCity NYC about restorative inversions, encompassing her latest interests in yin-ing and yawning:

Yogacity NYC: What pose did you chose and why do you like it?

Amy Apgar: I chose restorative inversions, because I love that these options are great ways to get upside down in a way that calms the nervous system.

YCNYC: Describe the anatomy of the first pose and body parts engaged.

AA: In the first pose, legs up the wall (or viparita karani) there actually should be no muscular engagement. You can prop your legs in such a way that you expend no effort to rest them on the wall and the effect is incredibly relaxing. I prefer doing this pose with a block under my sacrum to elevate my hips slightly, and to spread my arms wide, palms up, to open up the heartspace.

YCNYC: What body parts are engaged in the second pose?

AA: In shoulder stand, you are using quite a bit of leg strength to extend all the way from hips to toes and to keep too much pressure from pooling in the neck area. There's also a lot of muscular engagement in the arms to press your chest toward your face resulting in a lovely opening of the shoulders. This pose adds the element of stimulation in the 5th chakra (throat chakra) as well as the thyroid gland and lymphatic system, aiding your digestion and immune system.

YogaCity NYC: What is the overall effect of the third pose on the body, and what does this one add to the understanding of the pose [and mind]?

AA: In a traditional headstand, sirsasana, you are entirely stacked, as opposed to the previous versions. There is much more muscular engagement, overall, everything is working most notably arms, legs, back, and abdominals. This pose is incredibly rejuvenating and calms the mind through the amount of focus it takes to maintain the breath while standing on your head. After flipping my perspective and reversing my energy for a good minute or so, I feel both calmer and more energized at the same time.

To learn more about Amy, visit her at amyyogini.com or follow her on Instagram at @amy_yogini.

 
 
 

50 Comments


Julian Star
Julian Star
Mar 06

Many workplaces value leadership training, which is why a supervisor course can be helpful for employees preparing for management responsibilities. Lessons often focus on team guidance, organisation, and workplace communication. Some learners researching education providers also encounter the College of Contract Management.

Like

John Snow
John Snow
Feb 26

Solar panels from Home Mart are categorized systematically. Capacity options are arranged logically. Display follows defined standards.

Like

mini sznia
mini sznia
Feb 02

Developing recognised quantity surveyor qualifications often requires training aligned with industry standards. Institutions like the College of Contract Management are known for offering programmes that support professional progression.

Like

Ricky Rivera
Ricky Rivera
Jan 13

I read the article about one yoga pose done in three different ways and it was interesting to see how small adjustments can make a big difference in how it feels and works your body. Last term, when I was really stressed with my course, I had to use assignment help for CIPD students because I felt stuck and needed clear guidance to finish on time. It reminded me that small changes and support can make challenging tasks much easier.

Like

Michael Mugabe
Michael Mugabe
Jan 13

What an insightful post! https://www.quetzalroo.com/

Edited
Like
Archives
bottom of page