Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Lateral Leg Swings
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
A lot of people complain about tight hips. The specific areas of the hip that are typically tight include the hip flexors, the iliotibial bands (outsides of the hips), and the groin muscles (insides of the hips). This is an incredible dynamic move that opens up the hips — especially the areas just mentioned.
Begin an arm’s length away from the tree, and then step back an additional 1 or 2 feet. Lean forward towards the trunk and place both hands firmly on the tree. You want to make sure you have as much stability as possible when practicing this move. Continue to lean slightly forward as you root down through one foot. With the other leg, inhale as you bring it across the midline of the body. On an exhalation, swing the leg up and to the side. Try to kick the leg up as high as possible, but be mindful to properly warm up first. Always move with the breath, even if it is a faster movement pattern. Practice on both sides.
Original book text by Alex Julian. Line wrapping and page breaks have been normalized for reading on the web. Personal accounts and energetic interpretations remain part of the original text.
Make the practice fit you.
This is a reference entry, not a required step in a beginner course. Use a comfortable range, keep breathing naturally, and stop if a movement hurts. Inversions and suspended exercises need appropriate instruction and equipment; a tree is not a certified anchor.
Explore the gentle introductory lesson →Keep exploring