We’ve been experimenting with a number of variations of balancing on one leg over the past few weeks as it’s a great way to build strength in your feet and ankles, and of course…improve balance! So I’m revisiting a favourite, tree pose, but with particular things to think about:
- Standing with your feet hip width apart, lift up your toes, spread them out and place them back down so you can feel each toe press into the floor individually.
- Hands to the hips.
- Look at a spot on the floor in front of you or forward (for extra challenge).
- Bring the inside of your left foot to press lightly on the inside of your right ankle, calf or thigh. Not on your knee.
- The left hip and knee open to the left, but it doesn’t matter how much. It’s more important that both of your hips face forward.
- Then stretch up through the top of your head as if you’re trying to prove you are a few centimetres taller.
- As you stretch up, feel your right hip come underneath you.
- Now soften the knee of your standing leg and try pushing in to each one of your toes on the floor, one at a time.
- If you find this challenging, try standing in a doorway, let your arms hang down and lightly press the back of your hands into the the door frame only when you need help to balance.
- If you find this easy, try looking up to the ceiling or close one or both eyes!
- Don’t forget to try the other leg.
Tree pose 101 (vrksasana)
