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Meet Scott Brown… in his own words. The first article in a series starting with how he found us, his biggest fans!

Have you ever wondered what it must be like for a caterpillar to stay in their cocoon for two whole weeks? It must get quite lonely in there. Or, maybe it's not lonely at all. What if it is one big party filled with laughter and loud music and so much positive energy that it's so overwhelming it takes your breath away? Well these thoughts swamp my mind as I'm hanging from the ceiling in my OmGym® Suspension System. Is this thing magical because I swear I can fly?! You see, I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy and what this means is that as I age, my muscles slowly weaken. At the age of 12, I lost the ability to fully walk and 14 years later, I use an electric wheelchair. I use a breathing machine that acts as my diaphragm. I rely on others to do everything physical besides type these words to you, speaking from my heart. But, this lack of movement gave me an amazing gift to dream, to imagine, to see things through an awestruck lens, and to want more out of this beautiful thing called life.

Understanding that I can do so much more than I allow myself, I decide to push my limits, but I don't try, it just happens. This had nothing to do with my disability, you see. I have been pushing the limits from an early age. One time, I launched my wheelchair off a bike jump falling flat on my face. I am high despite the crazy stuff that happens. Becoming a Yoga Instructor was an eye-opening experience and taught me so much about myself and the universe I reside in. At the time I was doing my yoga teacher training, my good friend and yoga teacher, Hannah, suggested we figure out a way I could do toes up the wall. My search began. I looked all over the internet, but then I remembered Cirque de Sole and the acrobats doing tricks with what looks like sheets. Quickly, I found out that these weren't just sheets but super strong breathable fabric used to hold weight from high places! I figured I would order fabric and attach a hook to my ceiling, but the more I searched, I decided that there must be something that already exists…

   

The practice of yoga often invokes a sense of wonderment in who we feel ourselves to be. It is often commenced with a certain sense of who one is in that moment right before the practice. As we make our way through the various techniques, there unfolds a shift in identity. We play the edge of the moment, testing the body and mind with interlacing intentionalities of willpower and receptivity.

Upon completing a certain practice, we may reflect on the new state of being. Perhaps there is a refreshed state of self-representation, or the sense of "I am", what Patanjali calls asmita. The mind's capacity to form a new identity takes foothold in the boundaries it has stretched, thereby redefining the sense of self. We have now upgraded the mind's framework for who and what it considers "me" to be. The reframing of our boundaries is inherently a learning process. Neuroscience has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity of the brain to rewire and reshape itself based on goal-directed experience. A bona fide yoga practice constantly invites us to examine the sense of selfhood under which we operate by stimulating the physiology and bio-energy to further reaches.

When we self-reflect, our nervous system brings online the insula, a critical brain region in managing our sense of body awareness and overall sense of self. The insula relays information between parts of the brain that coordinate movement and the prefrontal cortex, a brain region crucial in conscious decision-making. By placing attention on the interface between new and prior experience, we are igniting the flame of neural change and transformation. The process of growth is one of extending self-representation into increasingly deeper and broader frameworks.

Asmita is more broadly defined as the identification of consciousness with the vehicle through which it is being expressed. A challenging yoga practice is one that consciously expands this identification to higher levels. In the case of the physical body, when we first interact with a new object, the brain enters a learning mode and interprets it as a foreign object. As we experience a greater degree of comfort and skill with it, there are corresponding changes in the somatosensory cortex, an area governing the sense of touch, which now treats the object as if it were an extension of the body, a prosthetic limb of sorts. Physical instances of this include learning to use a yoga tool like the OmGym Suspension System, in which the brain must enter a state of relearning the body's relationship to gravity and movement. A skillful use of such a device can encourage the activation of certain brain circuits responsible for learning and reframing what the brain refers to as "the body."

Yoga traditionally explores the potential of the body and mind as we currently know them. An activity like Suspension Yoga can serve as a representative example of a total learning process on the physical level, in which the body is extended to include an interrelating set of objects that function as one coordinated unit, creating and strengthening new and more complex neural connections in which the practitioner is challenged to continually keep up a fresh sense of self-discovery. Ultimately, yoga expands all aspects of being – body, mind and spirit – so that the sense of who "I am" evolves into fuller and freer ways of experiencing what it means to be alive.

The origin of the invention of Suspension Yoga™ is unknown, although we believe man has instinctively performed all aspects of it in a balanced, yet informal, manner long before the concept of any yoga practice ever came to be established. Performance of the elements of Suspension Yoga™ (like brachiation and controlled use of momentum) are necessary for the strength and optimal functioning of the spinal column and are therefore crucial in the evolution process. The ideas featured in the once popular show Tarzan may not have been very far off, as at one time, acts of physical robustness had much more impact on our quality of life and the consequence of our daily activity. Holding our body-weight from above, climbing, bending in all directions, hanging in all directions, and using our full range of ability was a necessary part of “survival of the fittest.” Clearly, we are now far less reliant on our physical ability as we have a machine for everything, and we are impeccably sheltered, causing immeasurable changes. This in turn has caused a removal from our physically balanced and instinctive nature that dictates the present need for well-outlined healthy movement programs that help us to be stronger, more supple, and function with maximum, or even normal, ability. In other words, we believe that suspension yoga has existed since the dawn of mankind (without the same terminology, of course) but we are now ready for it's re-emergence in a formatted and strategized system, based upon on our current essential need to balance, restore, cultivate, and perhaps even enhance our natural agility.

Within the context of the ancient practice of traditional yoga, there are records of a 5,000 year old text, entitled “Yoga Kurunta” written by Vamana Rishi in India, which references postures using suspended rope. “Kurunta” itself means puppet in Sanskrit (the language in which the book was written), inferring the hanging of the body from props. Mr BKS Iyengar himself came across this book via his guru, Sri T. Krishnamacharya, and was inspired to further develop the practice of Yoga Kurunta.

Mr Iyengar had used props religiously, trying various ways to perfect his own practice as well as his teachings. He quotes:

“Pupils [with props] were performing fearlessly... I used to find the devices to build up courage and encourage even the most excruciating poses with ease. As they [his students] were getting the desired effects with the least strain, courage built up in them to practice independently and free from pains. Props were helping them to learn and know the asanas well”. He continues, “All props used now like chairs, slanting planks, bricks, are my own innovations, except the hanging ropes.”

Though he did not invent the use of the yoga ropes, he certainly refined the teachings and popularized them in Western Civilization. He made handles with the rope and used slings from all directions to strategically perfect each posture with each individual. He taught classes and workshops internationally and is considered a living legend today. His influence has inspired a more elaborate design that could serve as a tool for his teachings, but that adds comfort, portability, easy adjustment, and a playful vibe. This unique design has evolved as the OmGym Suspension System.

In 2005, Sarah Kellett, came across a basic yoga sling with handles in Thailand. Having a background as a yogini and strength and conditioning specialist, she used this equipment while traveling throughout Asia to provide the support greatly needed for her own rehab, yoga and training program. She was inspired by her dramatic results and knew that with further advancement and development of the equipment, this was a tool that she could help many people with. Upon her return to the USA, she observed the lack of availability of this type of equipment and the lack of awareness of the incredible health benefits derived from incorporating suspension into any exercise and rehab routine, not to mention the fun derived. This encouraged her to elaborate on and perfect her own design of a suspension system, develop and outline the art of suspension, and found OmGym International LLC as a vessel to share this amazing tool we call the OmGym Suspension System. This unique and exciting methodology and apparatus was the first of it's kind that was widely used in the US and has brought joy, balance and healing to customers worldwide. OmGym has since grown organically over the years, purely from customer response. As a team effort, OmGym staff continues to create new ways to expand upon OmGym equipment and lead with innovation of movement.

Why are inversions so highly recommended in professionally designed movement and wellness programs?

Inversion has actually been used to effectively boost health across the globe for centuries. Hippocrates used it to treat patients and yoga practitioners have used inversion to maintain daily wellness. They have been aware that our bodies are designed to go upside-down, and simply performed this natural movement with mindfulness, connecting it to the breath. Handstands, cart-wheels, tricks in trees, and more were all once a natural part of human movement and this basic function is still mandatory to keep us healthy and nurture the body, mind and spirit. If we do not use this natural ability, then we do not counteract the effects of gravity.

Overtime, this can lead to an extremely undesirable impact on the body, as gravity is a strong and continuous force on all of us. Not to mention, it only pulls in one direction. The body must have regular pull in the opposite direction to maintain a balanced state.

Fortunately, many of the effects will begin to reverse when inversion is reintroduced as part of a daily practice. Even for those in great physical health, reversing the effects of gravity can be an amazingly beneficial experience.

Many studies have monitored the changes that occur in our organs, spinal column, and all of our vital systems when we employ postural variety and/or reverse this constant directional pull imposed upon us by gravity. The results have been impressive, suggesting that even modern day wellness and movement programs must ideally include inversion therapy to optimize the benefits.

The most physically noticeable effects of inversion include an increase in brain function, lymphatic drainage, circulation and blood purification, digestion, elimination, hormonal regularity, relaxation, spinal mobility, spinal strength and more. Inversion which incorporates traction (usually performed in a hanging manner) also offers increased height, alignment, and spinal decompression, often relieving back and neck pain and helping to boost immunity.

When we go upside-down, the veins are no longer competing with the pull of gravity to move blood back to the heart and re-circulate. As a result, the valves (blood pumps) of the veins and the heart get a rest while the blood flow is naturally increased. This elevates the bioavailability of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, thus supporting and strengthening cellular function in the entire body. Areas normally located above the heart, including the brain, scalp, facial skin, etc especially benefit from this great change of position. The brain has a chance to bathe in blood, increasing the creation of neurotransmitters. This neural activity is imperative for healthy brain function, a healthy emotional state, and more. Without this invaluable maintenance, neurotransmitters will usually decrease with age. Dr. Robert Martin wrote that the brain operates 7% faster and 14% more accurately during inversion.

The eyes, ears, and skin reap the great benefits as well. More blood in the capillaries of the face offers quite a beauty treatment. The color and tonicity of the skin can be significantly enhanced with this richly increased supply of oxygen and nutrients available to nourish the cellular structure.

Circulation of the lymphatic system is also boosted. This system is responsible for clearing toxins from the tissues, thus playing a vital role in our immune system. Lymphatic fluid must be circulated efficiently in order to effectively filter and kill foreign bacteria, lymphocytes and more. Often in inactive individuals, lymph will accumulate in the lower body. This is usually an uncomfortable (sometimes painful) circumstance which may include hemorrhoids, swelling in the legs, varicose veins and more. Inversion can often offer relief from these conditions by encouraging movement of the lymphatic fluid through the lymph nodes for filtration. This is necessary for everyone to maintain a healthy, high-functioning, energetic system.

Yoga teachers commonly recommend inversion to improve digestion and elimination. When in the upright position, stool moving from the ileocecal valve through the ascending colon is moving against the force of gravity and may prove to be difficult. When inverted, it is moving with gravity. The subsequent pressing of the stool against the intestinal walls stimulates a stronger peristalsis and encourages movement. Variations (such as twists during inversion) are also useful to increase elimination. Relief from constipation can help with general fatigue, tension and anxiety, skin disorders (such as acne), and bad breath.

The entire colon as well as all the organs, have a chance to decompress, get more blood flow, and tone. Prolapsed and sagging organs will often return to their normal position with regular inversion.

When inversion is performed with traction, there are even more benefits. The constant force of gravity pulls in the opposite direction and there is space to balance and help correct subluxations in the spinal column. This gently aligns and decompresses the spine, often relieving tremendous pressure off of our precious spinal discs. Hanging upside-down is the easiest way to ease strains caused by compression and to lift the weight off the superimposed segments of the body, helping to diminish back pain. Prime back care results are experienced when the supportive muscles of the spinal column are synergistically lengthened and strengthened from performing this therapeutic movement. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the back and torso are all stretched, creating a great feeling of release. Studies have proven it to be helpful in correcting or greatly improving the condition of herniated nucleus pulposis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, lumbar osteoarthritis, sciatica, paralytic scoliosis and inclinatory skeletal defects (rib angle changes, thin discs, and compression wedging of the vertebrae). Only when the spinal column is in good health, can the rest of the body function properly. It is normal to see a dramatic change in overall strength, immunity, and emotional wellbeing by toning and taking care of your spinal column in this way.

Inversion offers all-powerful nourishment that can dramatically boost overall health and wellbeing, as well as play a significant role in maintaining homeostasis in a healthy body. Most benefits can be experienced in just 3-5 minutes of upside-down time. A habitual inversion break 3 times a day is highly recommended. It is important to create a comfortable and easily accessible place to make this a regular and truly enjoyable experience in daily life. The use of props is highly recommended for those who would like to hang in traction or for those not completely comfortable performing headstand or handstand.

Our favorite movement tool is the OmGym Sling Set, which offers comfortable, full inversion in traction, as well as a huge variety of enjoyable movements to create health, balance, relaxation, and athletic ability. This unique and versatile tool is used by beginners, as well as highly advanced movement lovers looking for effective core strengthening, high-level neurological development and more. It is light, easily portable, makes a beautiful addition in any home, and strongly compliments any health and wellness program. The OmGym Sling Set is simply a must-have for yoga lovers, fitness and health enthusiasts, and those in need of starting a healthy movement program!

Author: Sarah Dawn Kellett © 2007 OmGym LLC

Inversion relieves back pain with better posture and greater spinal mobility. The gravity gently aligns, adjusts, and gives traction to the spine.

This healthy traction decompresses the vertebrae, creating space for the discs while straightening and balancing the spinal column. Prime back care results are experienced when the supportive muscles of the spinal column are synergistically lengthened and strengthened from performing inversion and therapeutic movement.

Inversion offers the easiest way to ease strains caused by compression and to lift the weight off the superimposed segments of the body. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the back and torso are all stretched, creating a great feeling of release. Subluxations of the vertebrae tend to correct, helping to diminish back pain. Studies have proven it to be helpful in correcting or greatly improving the condition of herniated nucleus pulposis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, lumbar osteoarthritis, sciatica, paralytic scoliosis and inclinatory skeletal defects (rib angle changes, thin discs, and compression wedging of the vertebrae). Only when the spinal column is in good health, can the rest of the body function properly. It is normal to see a dramatic change in overall strength, immunity, and emotional wellbeing by toning and taking care of your spinal column.

Inversion boosts brain power. Blood flow to the brain is increased, nourishing the brain cells with more oxygen and nutrients required for optimal brain function. Inverted poses commonly increase concentration, memory, awareness, and stimulate thought.“

We know that the brain is the center of nerve control and that all movements originate in the brain. When this brain mass lacks a sufficient supply of blood the natural results will be slow body reactions and sluggish mental and physical reflexes – a possible for lack of mental alertness and response...When these symptoms appear, it is evident that postures which alter gravity’s effect are vitally needed.”

Dr Robert M Martin, Author of The Gravity Guiding System, Turning the Aging Process Upside Down

Hanging upside-down increases blood flow to the brain, which in-turn increases the bioavailability of oxygen and glucose, the two most important metabolic substrates for the brain. Bathing the brain cells in this vital solution will increase the creation of neurotransmitters (such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin), which are imperative for healthy brain function and tend to decrease with age. Norephinephrine is needed for attention and arousal. Dopamine is needed to accurately assess the passage of time and control movement. Seratonin regulates a healthy emotional state.

Simultaneously, inversions alter the flow of cerebral spinal fluid and relieve compression of the bottom portion of the brain, which could also greatly help to improve overall brain function. Dr. Robert M Martin wrote that the brain operates 14% more accurately when the brain is operating on an inverted, inclined plane.

Inversion improves digestion and elimination. The yogic approach to overcoming constipation is to perform inversions.When in the upright position, stool moving from the ileocecal valve through the ascending colon is moving against the force of gravity and may prove to be difficult. When inverted, it is moving with gravity. The pressing of the stool against the intestinal walls also encourages movement. When inverted, the pressure on the walls stimulates a stronger peristalsis. 

Variations (such as twists during inversion) are also useful to increase elimination. Relief from constipation can help with general fatigue, tension and anxiety, skin disorders (such as acne), and bad breath. For constipation relief, try gently massaging your abdomen while in a relaxed, inverted position on the OmGym Suspension System.

Inversion promotes lymphatic drainage and blood purification. This healthy detoxification is partly why a great feeling of rejuvenation is experienced when using the OmGym Suspension System. Immunity is boosted with increased lymphatic cleansing and overall body function happens more efficiently and effectively. 

The lymphatic system clears toxins from the tissues and plays a vital role in the immune system. Inversions are recognized by yoga practitioners as important positions to keep lymph in circulation, thus reducing edemous (swelling) conditions of the legs, relieving pressure in varicose veins and hemorrhoids. 

In the course of a day spent upright (standing or sitting), the gravitational pull toward the feet is sufficient to promote leakage of lymph, mainly in the lower limbs, and the legs tend to swell. Limbs positioned below the heart that are physically inactive are more prone to this accumulation of lymphatic fluid.

To prevent swelling of the tissue, it is necessary to pump lymph back to the heart, where it will again join the blood supply in the vascular system. Inversions and exercise circulate lymphatic fluid, helping to drain toxins from the extremities and move them towards the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter the lymphatic fluid that is moving towards the heart. 

The lymphatic nodul system is imperative to immunity as it contains macrophage cells, which intercept and kill foreign bacteria, and lyphocytes, which manufacture antibodies in order to control foreign microorganisms. As inversions promote more rapid circulation of the lymph through the nodes, the rate of blood purification and detoxification increases, helping to revitalize and maintain youth and beauty.

Inversion elevates the mood and relieves depression.
With increased circulation and oxygen to the brain, the release of neurotransmitters, the balancing of hormones, endorphin-releasing movement, and therapeutic postural correction, it is normal to feel immediately uplifted after inversion. The effects are a powerful way to counteract depression, premenstrual symptoms, mood swings, and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Inversion enhances relaxation and promotes sounder sleep. 
Muscle tension is reported to decrease by 35% while inverting. Anxiety, tension, and insomnia are all treatable with natural inversion therapy.

Inversion can lead to a more beautiful appearance. Good posture leads to statuesque poise, grace, balance and symmetry. Circulation affects the “glow” and tone of the skin. With more blood flow to the head, the facial capillaries and hair follicles of the scalp receive more oxygen and nutrients, nature’s best beauty treatment. With boosted lymphatic drainage and detoxification, visual signs of toxicity (including acne, cellulite, fluid retention, and varicose veins) tend to reduce. The inverted position also helps prolapsed, protruding organs return to their normal shape and position.

OmGym Training is designed to help you give your body the experience it was designed to have.

The human body was made to move with more agility and postural variation than many of us can even imagine. At one time we needed to climb and sway in trees, use our arms to support our weight in varied positions, or simply find comfort without the use of chairs. This ability to practice unlimited postures was necessary for natural advancement and additionally gave us the means to control the environmental stress of gravity.

Today, however, we have become so immobilized as a society that even the majority of our “fitness equipment” at fitness gyms incorporate the use of a chair within its design. Simply put, we are no longer prompted to stabilize and control our own body-weight, or employ postural variation. Each day, we generally move about between lying position, standing position, and seated position, with very little deviance, if any. 

As a result of depriving our body of its full range of motion, our bodies are greatly imposed upon by a constant and unnatural gravitational pull in only one direction, along with an assortment of musculo-skeletal imbalances developed from imbalanced, repetitive use.

Overtime, this can lead to a great variety of compromised conditions, as this unbalanced physical performance and gravitational force is a strong imposition even down to the cellular level. With these two massive anatomical influences, our cells will literally flatten and become irregularly shaped, having less ability to hydrate and function optimally. This can affect our brain activity, our skin's elasticity and appearance, our digestive health and more.

One of the best ways to counterbalance these anatomical influences is through the execution of Hatha Yoga. Even with Hatha Yoga, however, there is still a need for more brachiation (hanging in traction, like we would in trees) and pulling and supporting one's own body-weight by holding above. Additionally, while many yoga programs provide great power and stability training, there are others that lack sufficient stabilization and strengthening techniques. And for the many people who have never done any form of dance, gymnastics, or yoga, or have any type of compromised mobility, movements like inversions and backbends might feel a bit intimidating and therefore may be needlessly avoided.

With consideration to each of these factors, OmGym Training has essentially been developed to help control and direct how gravitational force effects the body. Its fundamental breakdown includes a customizable fusion of Suspension Yoga, Body Weight Training, and Suspension Therapy. Each of these segments will help activate primary and assisting muscle groups in synergy with the stimulation of the nervous system. This will in-turn promote and restore balanced, healthy, and strong movement with the strategic use of the OmGym Suspension System.

The benefits of this practice have included increased height, increased tonicity of the skin, improved posture, reduced back and joint pain, greater energy and relaxation, and greater physical ability.

Throughout this course, you will learn some simple, yet key techniques for restoring your natural range of motion, caring for your joints and spine, enhancing your core development, and igniting total body fitness with OmGym Training.