PHoto by lululemon athletica
Like any balancing pose, Tree Pose (Vrksasana) can be intimidating at first. Balancing postures require very good balance—not only in your body, but in your mind.
The benefits of Vrksasana include:
- Helps with your general sense of balance
- Improves focus
- Helps concentration
- Builds muscles in thighs, calves and spine,
- Helps sciatica
- Great exercises for shoulders, chest, and groin
A great way to first try this pose is by using the wall. Beginners might also want to keep their fingers spread by their sides. Yoga Journal gives a great guide on how to get into the pose.
There are many variations to this pose, depending on your balance and skill level. Your lifted foot can be placed near your ankle, on your calf, or on your thigh. It’s just important not to place your foot on your knee joint.
There are also options for your hands. Your hands can be placed by your sides, on your hips, in prayer position at your chest or extended to the sky.
One of the tricks to being able to stay in Tree or other balancing poses is your focal point. Pick a spot on the floor a meter away from you. You can also focus straight ahead, but if there is a wobbly student in front of you, this will defeat the purpose!
When you are well-balanced another challenge you can throw in is to close your eyes. You might be surprised at how much more difficult the pose becomes!
Tree pose is not recommended if you have knee or hip injuries. If you have any injuries at all, you need to tell your instructor before beginning a class.
