FitSugar

Strike a Yoga Pose: Sage Tree

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:00:20 PST

There's been a lot of talk about trees at my house lately: Christmas trees, that is. Why not bring some of the O Tannenbaum holiday spirit into your yoga practice with Tree pose? After all, it is one of Jennifer Aniston's favorite poses, but you don't have to stop there. l've been taking it up a notch on my side arm balances, aka Sage pose, by adding Tree to the position. This is one of my favorite variations of Sage because it targets your upper body, core, and hips all at the same time.

Sanskrit Name: Vasistha Vrksasana
English Translation: Sage Tree Pose
Also Called: Sage with Bent Knee

Learn the finer details of the pose when you

Begin in Downward Facing Dog pose. Step both feet together so your big toes are touching.
Move your right hand over to the left so it's at the center of your mat (still at the top of your mat).
Roll over to your right side and plant your right heel down so you are balancing on the outside edge of your right foot. You want your left foot to be stacked on top of your left foot with both feet flexed, coming into Beginner's Sage.
Bend your left knee and use your left hand to pull your left heel as high up on your inner thigh as possible, so it's in Tree position. Plant the sole of your right foot completely on the floor to help you stay balanced.
Once you're stable, reach your left arm up above you, and if you can, gaze up at your palm. Reach up with you right fingertips to take pressure out of your wrists. Stay here for five or more deep breaths, trying to keep your core strong and the pose steady.
Lower your left hand back down and place your right hand back where it was near the top right corner of your mat. Separate your feet so you are in a top of a push-up position, aka plank. Return to vinyasa and come back to Downward Facing Dog and get ready to try the Sage Tree on the other side.

5 Ways to Challenge Your Tree Pose

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 07:38:15 PDT

In celebration of Arbor Day this Friday, I can't help but think about the peaceful and majestic Tree pose. If you've mastered the basic pose already, here are some ways to challenge your Tree.

Arch: When doing the traditional Tree pose, balancing your torso straight over your standing leg allows you to stack your bones on top of each other to create a stable pose. Make balancing on one leg harder by leaning toward your bent knee, resting your forearm on your thigh, and gazing up toward the ceiling. Aside from strengthening your legs, you'll also feel a deep stretch on the side of your torso.
Twist: While in Tree pose, twist toward your bent leg, resting the opposite hand on the outside of your knee. Extend your other hand behind you and gaze over your shoulder for a nice spinal twist.
Stretch the upper back: Traditionally, the palms are pressed together in front of your heart center, or the arms are lifted overhead. For a variation, cross one elbow over the other and then bring your palms together, just as in Eagle pose. This variation offers a wonderful stretch for the upper back and shoulders.
Turn your Tree on its side: The next time you're in Sage (side plank), balancing on your hand and the outside edge of your flexed foot, lift the leg that's on top into the air, bend the knee, and - you guessed it - come into Tree. This variation, appropriately named Sage Tree, targets your upper body, core, and hips all at the same time.
Close your eyes: While in regular Tree, or while trying one of the above variations, try closing your eyes. It allows you to bring your awareness inward and focus on your breath, which can help you stay balanced.

The Vampire Diaries "Break on Through": The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:30:14 PDT

Like last week, this week's episode of The Vampire Diaries is pretty underwhelming again, and again, I blame the lack of Klaus. Where is he hiding? The episode instead focuses on Alaric and his uncontrollable urge to kill innocent people, and Damon's old pal Sage, who's on the hunt for her old flame, original vampire Finn.

There's not so much excitement this week, except for one extended, and very memorable Damon shower scene (which obviously makes the good category of the week), so let's get down to talking about the good, the blood, and the bloody after the jump.

Does Lauren Conrad Have a New Boyfriend?

PopSugar — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:14:26 PDT