365: The Reboot

Inversion tables and other types of inversion therapy using chairs, boots and other devices that enable you to hang upside down have been around for a long time. The idea is that by letting gravity exert its effects on your spine, you can get rid of back pain, neck problems or any number of complaints. I've seen the numerous ads for inversion therapy devices but have never tried it before... never really having a reason to do so. Well... to my great fortune, Russ received such a device for Christmas. During my visit with the Acuff clan this week, I tried it out... what a different experience. Did you ever had that uncle who would hold you by your ankles and hang you upside down, shaking you until the coins in your pockets fell out? I did... maybe that's not as normal as I thought. Anyway... that's what it reminded me of minus the falling coins. As a tip for any new user for the inversion table, start off at a small angle from horizontally flat; as the days go by, you can easily go steeper until you can comfortably hang yourself upside down. That's not exactly how I tried it... I literally threw myself back and just hung there. It did feel good, stretching the muscles on the lower back all the way down to the legs. They say the long-term effects include the improvement of lower back strength and enhanced nutrient flow. I guess it’s largely because of the way the oxygen is being delivered into the brain cells and isn't that really where I need the oxygen?! I did notice it became uncomfortable for my ankles but maybe it was just the discomforts of a first-timer. Overall it was a neat experience.