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PHYSICALLY TWEAKED by Cat Smiley, ISSA
Have you ever seen a grown-up hanging upside down in the jungle gym?
Somehow as we get older, we move further away from our body’s natural evolution
- running around just because we feel like it, skipping in the woods, hanging
upside down. We become monkeys in our jobs, but not in our play. Besides, even
if you stay in shape, take your rehabilitation seriously and prioritize back injury
prevention, there’s still a good chance you are trying to get over that
back injury from years ago.
The missing link may be simpler than you think. According to inversion specialist
Ambrose Dillon of Green Door Wellness Centre in Vancouver, the practice of hanging
upside down for health benefits has been around since ancient times. People love
the therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits: including improved orientation in
tumbling, strengthened ligaments, clearing sore or overworked muscles and relaxation
of muscle spasms.
I used an inversion table regularly for about three months. While everyone has
a different inversion experience, the greatest benefit for me was joint relaxation
and spinal decompression triggered from rock drops and pounding the slopes over
the years, and I liked the idea of elongating my spine.
By hanging upside down, one also experiences a lymphatic wash, provided by rhythmic
traction. This speeds flow from the lower body, and faster recovery can be enjoyed
through stretching and relaxation of muscles, clearing lactic acid build up and
waste accumulated through intense activity. Both psychological and physical stress
can be minimized through the downward stretch. This is great for back spasms,
with the blood flow feeding your brain. Although contradictive to standard medical
belief, MD Robert Martin, one of the pioneers in modern inversion technology,
believes that inversion strengthens both ligaments and connective tissue, with
the enlarged spaces in the spinal column indicating regenerated tissue.
Statistics show a whopping 80 percent of North Americans going through some kind
of back problem every day. Yet, when you take into account that many of these
problems stem from remote controlled society’s obesity battle, it doesn’t
really help you as an athlete.
Although the active percentage of the population often doesn’t have additional
weight straining their lower backs, they are commonly burdened with spinal problems
stemming from other areas of medical history or injuries. Stress and weak muscles
are the main trigger for back pain, followed by pinched nerves, worn facet joints
and protruding discs.
Even after you’ve got medical clearance, moving into exercise programming
can be an overwhelming procedure. Your physiotherapist or fitness therapist can
help you with the initial stretching and movement when you begin lumbar or spinal
rehabilitation. Also, keeping hamstrings flexible is essential throughout your
spinal recovery.
Movement and resistance includes abdominal and gluteus strengthening, coupled
with hip and hamstring flexibility exercises. Total conditioning is something
you build up to when your pain management levels become tolerable, and seeking
medical help is definitely a smart plan. Moderate aerobic training of 20 minutes
or greater can include anything low impact such as mellow cycling, walking or
swimming.
Strengthen your lower back even if you are in great physical condition, by including
specific strengthening and stretching exercises directed towards your back, stomach,
hip and thigh muscles. Major muscles that support the spine are the rectus abdominis
and obliques, transverse abdominis and erector spinae. If these muscles are weak
or inflexible the spine is pulled in an unnatural direction, usually resulting
in pain, so keep yourself in shape.
If you choose to put a new twist on "hanging out," choose a good inversion
table that allows you to invert at your own pace, starting at 10 percent. Too
quick too soon, you might see your lunch again! It’s worth spending a little
more for a better quality table with a comfortable bed and safety features that
ensure a pleasant experience. Take control of your back pain today!
For website info go to:
www.inversion-table-direct.com
www.megafitness.com
www.healthfind.org
Cat Smiley is a pro free-skier and personal trainer living in Whistler. She
recently placed fourth for half pipe in the Global X Games championships. Cat
is a member of the Atomic, Helly Hansen and Bolle Freeride teams www.catsmiley.com
1-604-902-0698.
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