Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Side Lunge
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
This is another lunge variation that is very beneficial to practice. With this particular variation, you are still increasing lower body strength, but also get the added benefit of stretching the inner thigh. Begin facing the tree, with both hands on the trunk. You should be 1 or 2 feet away from the trunk, with a wide stance. The toes should be slightly angled out. On an inhalation, bend one knee to drop the hips down while keeping the other leg straight. With the extended leg, you can keep the sole of the foot down, or you can lift the toes up. Whichever way, on an exhalation, drive down through the heel of the bent knee and press back up to standing. Alternate sides as you move with the breath, or you can hold this position at the bottom for several breaths on each side.
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