Inversions, in yoga, are the poses where you put your feet above your head. Meant to give your mind a new perspective, they allow blood to flow to your head to improve circulation, which can cure headaches and help relieve depression. Going upside down also increases strength in your upper arms, back, and abdomen.

Since I run a lot, my hip flexors and lower back get really tight, so I love stretches that focus on opening these areas, such as Scorpion. This is actually a yoga pose that's a balancing backbend. It feels amazing on the front of your body and your spine, but it's a really difficult pose to get into, let alone hold long enough to get a good stretch.

Getting into Scorpion pose from
Forearm Stand requires incredible upper body strength, a flexible back and good balance. If you use an exercise ball, it makes this pose so much easier to get into.
Music: "Deva Loka" by Drala
If you want a more detailed description
- Lay your belly on the ball and walk your hands out so they're directly under your shoulders in plank position.
- Drop your forearms down to the ground so your elbows are under your shoulders and keep your gaze forward between your hands.
- Let the weight of your body fall into the ball and keep your upper body stable and strong.

Not all women feel the same during menstruation. Some feel like sitting on the couch cuddled up with a
heating pad and a pint of
Ben & Jerry's, and others have tons of energy to go for a run. I'm a firm believer in listening to your body, but I also know that a little exercise can help alleviate cramps (and your rotten mood).

Many people take up
Yoga as a way to relax, reduce stress and bring a sense of inner calmness. For me, balancing poses are the most effective at reducing the stresses of life because they require all my attention and focus, that I am forced to forget about everything else. Staying in the pose and not falling requires all your effort and concentration.

I love inversions. I love the challenge of trying to stay balanced. I love how strong my upper body feels while I'm in it, and I love how energized I feel getting fresh blood circulating to my brain.

Do you remember this pose? It was one of the yoga challenges called
Crow pose. It's part of Second Series in
Ashtanga yoga, known as Nadi Shodina, which means nerve purification.