Vrksasana

(Tree Pose)

This pose requires a strong & steady body, challenges your sense of balance, opens the hips & heart, and calms & relieves stress.

To get into Vrksasana: 

• Starting in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), shift your weight slightly onto one foot, keeping the inner foot firm on the floor, and bend your opposite knee. Reach down with your hand and clasp your ankle, drawing your foot up in place against the inner thigh, pressing the heel into the groin with your toes pointing to the floor.

• Rest your hands on your hips, making sure the pelvis is in a neutral position and parallel to the floor. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and press your hands together at your heart center. Focus on a fixed point in front of you on the floor for balance. Stay for 30 seconds to one minute, then repeat on the opposite leg.

Here, DC Ranch Village Yoga Instructor Valere Schlesinger shows us Tree Pose, with her hands at her heart for balance.

Here, Gainey Village Yoga Instructor Tess DeBlander shows us a variation of Tree Pose. If yo’re looking for more of a challenge, extend your arms above your head and reach for the sky, with palms facing each other. You’ll feel the extension in your back and heart as you relax into this pose. You can challenge yourself more by closing your eyes and finding your balance. (bonus points if you’re at the beach!)

Wamt to practice your Vrksasana with us at The Village? Check out our group fitness schedule here.