Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Plyometric Push-Ups
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Start an arm’s length away from the tree, then move back another foot. You need to be especially mindful with this dynamic movement pattern. If you are not fully present and paying attention to what you are doing, you can get injured with this move. Do not bring the head too close to the tree. On an inhalation, allow yourself to lean forward and fall towards the trunk. Catch yourself by placing both hands on the tree. Then, on an exhalation, explosively press yourself away from the trunk — returning to the starting position. Keep the spine long and the elbows close to the body. Additionally, keep the body in a plank position the entire time. Practice for several rounds of breath.
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