Pool Practice
Tree Pose
Increases balance and
strengthens the thighs,
calves, ankles and spine.
Standing in chest-deep water, shift your weight to your right foot as you lift your left foot up and place the sole against your right inner thigh. Press into the ground with your right foot and press into your thigh with your left foot. If possible, the center of your pelvis should be facing forward. (Rest your hands on your hips to make sure your pelvis is in a neutral position.) Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and press the sole of your left foot even more firmly into your right thigh (and resist that strength with your outer right leg). Press your hands together at your chest and gaze softly at a fixed point in front of you, looking slightly down. Hold for 5 deep breaths, then switch sides.
Take it to the mat: Practicing this pose in water improves your balance and confidence in this posture, says Los Angeles-based yoga instructor Shiva Rea. “It can help you feel ready to take more risks in this pose when you’re back on land, like closing your eyes.”
Standing in chest-deep water, shift your weight to your right foot as you lift your left foot up and place the sole against your right inner thigh. Press into the ground with your right foot and press into your thigh with your left foot. If possible, the center of your pelvis should be facing forward. (Rest your hands on your hips to make sure your pelvis is in a neutral position.) Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and press the sole of your left foot even more firmly into your right thigh (and resist that strength with your outer right leg). Press your hands together at your chest and gaze softly at a fixed point in front of you, looking slightly down. Hold for 5 deep breaths, then switch sides.
Take it to the mat: Practicing this pose in water improves your balance and confidence in this posture, says Los Angeles-based yoga instructor Shiva Rea. “It can help you feel ready to take more risks in this pose when you’re back on land, like closing your eyes.”
