Appears in642 Workouts*

Tree Pose Vrksasana

Find balance & grounding! Vrksasana strengthens legs, improves posture, and cultivates inner peace. A standing yoga staple.

The Tree Pose Vrksasana mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and quads, with help from the lower back and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Tree Pose Vrksasana demo video 2
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Optional Equipment

Yoga Mat
Yoga Mat

Tree Pose Vrksasana Muscles Worked

Primary

Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

Secondary

Spinal Erectors (erector spinae); Obliques

How to do the Tree Pose Vrksasana

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand tall with your feet together and arms by your sides.

    • Distribute your weight evenly on both feet.

  2. Foot Placement:

    • Shift your weight onto your left foot.

    • Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the inner left thigh, calf, or ankle (avoid the knee).

    • Make sure your right foot is pressing against your left leg to help with balance.

  3. Posture:

    • Keep your hips square and your left leg straight.

    • Engage your core for stability.

  4. Arm Position:

    • Bring your hands together in front of your chest in a prayer position (Anjali Mudra).

    • As you gain balance, you can extend your arms overhead, keeping the palms together or spreading them wide like branches.

  5. Focus:

    • Leverage a focal point in front of you to help maintain balance.

    • Keep your gaze steady and breathe deeply.

  6. Hold the Position:

    • Stay in this pose for 20-30 seconds, or as long as comfortable.

    • Focus on your breathing, inhaling and exhaling deeply.

  7. Release:

    • Slowly lower your right foot back to the ground.

    • Return to the starting position.

  8. Repeat:

    • Switch to the other foot and repeat the steps.

Remember to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed for comfort and stability.

Tree Pose Vrksasana FAQs

What muscles does the Tree Pose Vrksasana work?

The Tree Pose Vrksasana mainly works the hip abductors (outer thighs) and quads, with help from the lower back and core. The main muscles are the gluteus medius and quadriceps femoris.

What equipment do you need for the Tree Pose Vrksasana?

None. The Tree Pose Vrksasana is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Tree Pose Vrksasana variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Bird of Paradise Pose Svarga Dvijasana, Boat Pose, Eight Angle Pose and Firefly Pose.

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