7 benefits of tree pose, vrksasana

Whether you are practicing yoga simply for physical activity, to reduce stress or as a spiritual practice, there are many benefits to a yoga. However, each pose in of itself has many benefits. Because if this, we may want to choose particular poses to suit the needs of our practice. In this post I want to discuss 7 benefits of tree pose, vrksasana.

There is a lot going on in tree pose. If you haven’t explored the pose then I highly suggest checking out my step-by-step tutorial of tree pose. And also, my tips and tricks for improving tree pose. So many facets to this pose, that it’s definitely one to practice often!

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7 benefits of tree pose

Tree pose has a lot going on. However, there are many variations and modifications available making it the perfect balance pose for beginners. After reading these seven benefits of tree pose you might be eager to try it out. So, check out my tutorial on tree pose for full details on how to do the pose. There are also many ways you can work to improve tree pose. If you’re looking for classes focusing on tree pose check out my 20-min tree sequence, or Earth Day class.

Improves Balance

As a balance pose, the most obvious benefit is that the more you do tree pose the better your balance will be. We improve at the things we practice. Balance training is particularly important, especially as we age. With age comes the higher risk of falls, and with it fractures. By working on our balance in a controlled environment we reduce that risk. However, balance also helps with sports, and everyday activities.

Strengthens the legs & glutes

As a balance pose there is a lot of work and activity in our standing leg. It requires strength and stability, this is why the knee shouldn’t be “locked” but have a small micro bend. So we get that muscular activity. The bent leg is opened away from the body which means working the glutes.

Postural awareness & Pelvic Stability

It’s quite easy to compensate in tree pose for tight opens by moving the pelvis. Our ego wants that bent knee shooting out to the side and to do that often the pelvis shifts. However, that sends our postural alignment off. As well as our balance. Instead, tame the ego by stabilizing the pelvis, and practicing head, heart, hip, and heel alignment.

Foot awareness, strength

Balance poses have this knack of making us aware of muscles we never knew we had. Once we stand on one leg all the supporting stability muscles around our ankle and foot start to twitch. This strengthens the stabilizers, making them stronger. Also, because of the subtle shifts in body weight, we become more aware of areas of our feet connecting to the floor.

Focus & concentration

For many yoga poses your focus can drift. If your mind wanders in warrior 2 no big deal. However, in balance poses like tree that lack of focus can mean falling out of the pose. Or, circling the arms around trying to regain your balance. In balance poses like tree, we find a Drishti. A concentrated focal point. As we practice this, we can eventually begin turning it inwards.

Stretch inner thigh, groin & quad

Did I mentioned that there are many benefits of tree pose? This one is about the stretching aspect and it’s a three in one for the bent leg! The groin and inner thigh of the bent leg get a lovely stretch. Plus because the knee is bent there is a slight lengthening of the quadriceps.

Builds Self confidence & self esteem

Finally, tree pose can help build self confidence and self esteem. Falling out of the pose may seem like failing, but the lesson is in learning to regroup and come back to the pose. Not letting ourselves fall into judgement. But simply being in the present. Also progressing from a beginners variation to a more challenging version can give a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Image standing in tree pose with the eye closed for 5 breaths without falling. How awesome would that feel?

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Tree pose can be challenging, but there are many benefits to be had from practicing this pose. Make sure to add it to your regular yoga practice routine.

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Questions

• Do you include tree pose in your practice?
• Were you aware of the benefits of tree pose?
• Which of the benefits is most appealing to you?