Tree Pose: Standing up tall, find a stationary object to focus your gaze on, place all the weight into one foot, place the palm of the opposite foot onto the inside of the standing leg. Walk the foot up the inside of the leg, until you are at a place where it is comfortable. Connect your hands together in front of your heart, inhale as you lift your palms to the sky. Repeat on opposite side.
Benefits: Strengthens feet and thighs; lengthens spine; opens hips; improves balance; stretches shoulders.
Tips: The focal point, or 'dristi', is a stationary object 3 to 4 feet in front of you upon which you focus your gaze during balancing poses. Focusing your attention on this object will take your thoughts away from “i'm gonna fall.” Breath is also extremely important for balancing, focus on slow, smooth inhales and exhales. Listen to the sound of the air entering and exiting your body.
The knee makes a convenient hook for the foot, but if you place your foot on the knee, do not put any pressure there. You may also choose to use a hand to bring your foot up into the top of your thigh.
Trouble with balance? Place one hand on the wall or a chair.
This pose can also be taken to the floor or done up against a wall to help open the hip more; laying on your back, or with your back against a wall, try to bring the bent knee flat against the floor or wall.
Benefits: Strengthens feet and thighs; lengthens spine; opens hips; improves balance; stretches shoulders.
Tips: The focal point, or 'dristi', is a stationary object 3 to 4 feet in front of you upon which you focus your gaze during balancing poses. Focusing your attention on this object will take your thoughts away from “i'm gonna fall.” Breath is also extremely important for balancing, focus on slow, smooth inhales and exhales. Listen to the sound of the air entering and exiting your body.
The knee makes a convenient hook for the foot, but if you place your foot on the knee, do not put any pressure there. You may also choose to use a hand to bring your foot up into the top of your thigh.
Trouble with balance? Place one hand on the wall or a chair.
This pose can also be taken to the floor or done up against a wall to help open the hip more; laying on your back, or with your back against a wall, try to bring the bent knee flat against the floor or wall.
Dana Stough, RYT 200 of Yoga D, LLC
Dana believes that an increase in motion increases a persons quality of life. After discovering that truth for herself, she set out to raise this awareness in the lives of others. Believing that yoga was an accessible form of movement for every person, she sought her certification through Yoga for Peace in Southgate,
Michigan, and became certified with the yoga alliance.
Combining her backgrounds in education and fitness, Dana seeks to guide people into a more comfortable and relaxed life through the practice of yoga. Dana has classes at The Yoga and Wellness Collective on Mondays and Wednesdays, and is also available for private lessons. Please contact her or check out at www.facebook.com/yogad.llc for more information and updates.
Dana believes that an increase in motion increases a persons quality of life. After discovering that truth for herself, she set out to raise this awareness in the lives of others. Believing that yoga was an accessible form of movement for every person, she sought her certification through Yoga for Peace in Southgate,
Michigan, and became certified with the yoga alliance.
Combining her backgrounds in education and fitness, Dana seeks to guide people into a more comfortable and relaxed life through the practice of yoga. Dana has classes at The Yoga and Wellness Collective on Mondays and Wednesdays, and is also available for private lessons. Please contact her or check out at www.facebook.com/yogad.llc for more information and updates.