Feet Up Tips

I have struggled with chronic migraine and scalp nerve pain for years, so in early 2021 when I read some blogs and websites online referring to the health benefits of  yoga inversions because they increase blood flow to the brain, I decided I just had to try it myself! (Note: there's no medical evidence, but I'll try anything once)

I researched inversion trainers and decided to go with a high quality, well reviewed Feet Up (https://feetup.com/). It arrived quickly, was easy to assemble and in no time at all became a favorite fitness tool!

But there aren't a lot of resources online for curvy users to help with initial tips and tricks to get you started! I've created a list of things that helped me, but be sure to do what suits you! Check with your doctor if unsure whether this type of training is safe for you. Always use the trainer carefully and safely. 

So here's my list:

1. Place the Feet Up Trainer near a wall to begin with! To prevent toppling backwards all you need to do is touch the wall with your feet until you feel steadier.

2. Use an object like these yoga bricks to slowly move the Feet Up away from the wall consistently as you gain confidence and strength

3. Having trouble getting up at first? Use a sturdy item to help you kick off, like I used this step stool: 

Another option is to have another person help you up into the inversion at first.

4. Focus on getting basic perpendicular inversions before trying other moves.

5.  The first few inversions feel like your head might pop off with the blood rushing down to your head, but your body adapts quickly and it is likely that soon it'll be a phase in your rear view!

6. Loose fitting clothes will succumb to gravity and end up falling towards your face, so comfortable but not loose clothing is my preferred choice. I tuck in my athletic top if I'm videoing for Youtube!

7. Practice inversion multiple times daily for the first few weeks to build strength, you don't need to stay up long! Remember though it's okay to have a rest day if your muscles are sore!

8. If you have any problematic joints (wrists and ankles particularly) perhaps consider strapping them for extra support initially. Your dismounts won't necessarily be as elegant as the ultra-fit trainers in the YouTube examples. 

9. For the first few weeks at least you will likely have increased shoulder/neck pain if you have existing issues. This is because you need to develop the specific strength for this type of training. For me that was temporary and manageable.

Here are a series of  super quick YouTube Videos that will give you an idea of what can be done whilst in an inversion: