Why Is Tree Pose the Best Yoga Move for Balance?

Learn how to balance with tree pose
Quick Facts

Yoga Type: Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga
Age Group: Suitable for all age groups
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Mental Benefit: Enhances focus, improves concentration, and promotes mindfulness
Physical Benefit: Improves balance, strengthens the legs, core, and ankles, and stretches the hips and thighs.

Hey! My name is Elyce Elowen, and I’m a certified yogi who has been practicing and teaching yoga for the last few years.

In this article, we are going to learn about Tree Pose, the well-known yoga pose that is practiced for bettering balance and attention. 

As early as for an experienced yogi or for someone who is just starting with practicing yoga, there is valuable advice to follow. 

Let’s dive into the details!

What is Tree Pose?

It is a standing yoga pose and is otherwise known as Vrikshasana. In this pose, one stands with the full weight on one of the feet, the other foot standing beside this foot and placing one heel on the opposite inner thigh or calf. 

You’ve definitely come across it in numerous yoga practices, and it is effective when it comes to sharpening concentration as well as stability.

This posture affects your body and brain as well. It helps you to calm down, besides toning muscles required for balancing. 

Similarly, the Tree Pose symbolizes stability and balance, making it an apt name for the pose as well.

Warm-Up Exercises for Vrikshasana

It is recommended not to attempt without having warmed up first. 

Here are some simple exercises:

1- Leg Stretches

To get your hamstrings and calves ready for the Tree Pose, leg stretches will be useful for you. 

Pronounced during the posture, also it enhances its elasticity by stretching these muscles, thus avoiding undue stress on them.

2- Ankle Rotations

Toe rotation is an effective technique to learn because it stretches the muscles of the lower legs and makes the joints more flexible. 

This basic move guarantees your ankles are strong enough to support your weight in the pose to the benefit of your balance.

3- Hip Openers

Other hip mobilization activities, ranging from simple sitting or standing hip stretches enhance the flexibility of hip muscles. 

Such flexibility is vital if you want to place your foot on the thigh or the calf muscles without experiencing pain.

What is the Anatomy of Vrikshasana?

Works for several muscles to achieve balance and proper body positioning.

Primary Muscles

Some of these include the abs, which give form and support as a stability muscle. 

Eig shoulders and arms also provide stability to support the head, maintain alignment and minimize stress. 

All these muscles work in conjunction to give balance to the spine and overall body while doing the pose and because of this, they play a big role in ensuring one maintains a correct posture during the pose.

Secondary Muscles

Glutes are specifically helpful in maintaining the stability of the hip joint as they position the pelvis in Tree Pose. 

Standing leg muscles in the core such as calves and thighs are also effective for stabilizing stamen. 

These muscles are for the base to maintain a good posture and to do it without an explicit self-awareness that you are maintaining the posture.

How to Perform Tree Pose Step by Step

explore How to perform tree pose

Here is a step by step guide on how to perform the Vrikshasana:

  • Stand tall with your feet together, back straight, and shoulders relaxed.
  • Shift your weight onto your left foot, making it stable and strong.
  • Lift your right foot and place it on your inner left thigh or calf. Avoid the knee.
  • Bring your hands together at your chest or raise them above your head.
  • Hold the pose for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.

Here’s a video that explains this yoga pose in more detail.

Body Parts Movement: 

Body Part Movement Type Description
Hands Moving (Initially), Static Hands come together at the chest or raised above the head for balance.
Chest Static The chest stays open and lifted to maintain posture.
Feet Static The standing foot is grounded firmly for balance.
Knees Static The standing knee remains slightly bent for stability.
Shoulders Static Shoulders stay relaxed and aligned with the torso.
Back Static The back stays straight and tall to support posture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bringing your knee joint to your foot.

One of the mistakes one may make is that he or she may forget to activate their core.

Distracting oneself by looking around.

What are the Benefits of Tree Pose?

It is versatile and can enhance balance, concentration, as well as strength endowed by the enhanced body posture. 

So now let’s look at how this basic yet highly effective pose can be integrated into your practice and your life.

Physical Benefits:

  • One is capable of building strong leg muscles, hip muscles, and also the muscles in the core areas of the abdomen.
  • Enhances the positioning of the body and positioning of other joints and tissues.
  • This also aids in building flexibility in the area of the thighs and hips.

Mental Benefits:

  • Helps in enhancing attention.
  • Helps to reduce stress and encourages us to be more conscious.

Modifications for Beginners

If you find it hard to balance, try these tips:

Use your outer foot to lean on the stool or the person’s ankle or calf and not the thigh.

As you are learning, use your wall or a chair where you’ll be forced to sit erect.

Use fewer hours of practice and then expand the hours.

Variations of Tree Pose

It is a pose that can be taken to levels that can present various levels of difficulty to one’s balance, flexibility, or concentration. 

Here are a few modifications that one can make to make his practice even more interesting:

Vrikshasana with Extended Arms

Taking Tree Pose another step forward enemies further stretching your arms outwards in front of you. 

This variation demands the self to be more rigid and balanced, your abdomen and your shoulder part to keep a good posture.

Tree Pose with Closed Eyes

It is recommended to close your eyes because it helps not only to improve balance but also to stay at the center inside. 

This changing of the variation entails the elimination of visualization concerns, which can assist you attain your body and steadiness.

Side Bending Tree Pose

Pushing the chest forward as you draw your arms up also strengthens the muscles of your back and buttocks. 

This increases the stretch and may also be helpful in enhancing your over-flexibility while preserving harmony.

How to Integrate Tree Pose into Your Routine

It is a yoga or fitness exercise that will help to improve your balance, strength as well as concentration. 

Below are some ways that should be implemented for better practice of this pose.

In Yoga Practice: It is relevant to most styles of yoga including Hatha or Vinyasa.

For Strength Training: It will be useful for balance and exercises that strengthen the core muscles.

For Advanced Practice: After holding the pose for some time try the more difficult poses.

Safety Precautions

Do not attempt it if you have ankle or knee problems because this exercise can put extra pressure on them.

It is recommended to observe stable terrain to avoid falling during the exercises.

Make sure your foot is positioned right so that adjacent joints do not feel the pressure.

VeryFit Life Final Words

A pose as basic as the tree pose is quite a potent asana that serves to tone the physical body and enhance concentration. 

It is particularly good for anybody who would like to alleviate some problems associated with their balance and posture. 

Through its regular use and correct muscle engagement, this pose will become your favorite.

Expert’s Suggestion

Be gentle in Tree Pose. It is not about how clean it is from our bad habits, but being better than we were before. Begin here and let it expand with your discipline or as needed.

FAQs

Is the Vrikshasana an internal rotation pose?

No, the Tree Pose is an external rotation of the hip joint.

How can tree position improve my balance?

It opens up the chest and shoulders as well as focuses on the outer structures of the legs, plus, it’s mostly about balance.

Can beginners try the Tree Pose?

Yes, newcomers can start with some variations and use support in the process.

What does Vrikshasana mean in Sanskrit?

It has been translated to mean Tree Poses and this has a meaning of growth and balance.

How long should I hold the Vrikshasana?

It will take about 20–30 seconds on each leg depending on the condition of the individual holding the position.

Sources:

Tjpitre, & Tjpitre. (2023, January 6). Tree pose. Yoga Journal.

Ryt, A. P. (2021, July 16). How to do tree pose (Vrksasana) in yoga. Verywell Fit.

VRKSasana 101: Practicing and teaching tree position in yoga. (2024, December 9). East+West Yoga.

Book Source:

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar

Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. The website and its creators are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or adverse effects that may result from using the information provided. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of these terms.

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Elyce Elowen is a certified yoga therapist and instructor (C-IAYT, 500-hour RYT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals achieve balance and well-being. She collaborates with medical experts to design programs for mental wellness, chronic pain, and stress management, and provides mindfulness training for communities and organizations. Beyond yoga, Elyce has a passion for creativity and personal growth. She’s a freelance writer, sharing insights on yoga, mindfulness, and self-improvement, and previously worked as an art instructor and community organizer, empowering others through education and self-expression. In her downtime, Elyce enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art, always inspired by her belief that true strength comes from presence and growth.

Andrea Cintulova is a passionate yoga teacher and has a deep love for movement and mindfulness. She came from a background in modern gymnastics and dance, and yoga was something she discovered in her university years and never stopped. Hatha was her starting point and then she moved on to Ashtanga, Acro, Bikram and Vinyasa, which were her favorites because they were fluid and creative. Andrea is a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and has taught Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in Europe, corporate yoga in Vienna, rooftop sessions and international workshops. She is still inspiring students to build strength, flexibility, and inner peace on and off the mat through VeryFit Life.

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