Centering body and mind
Have you noticed that, when you’re stressed and your mind is scattered, it’s hard to find your balance? Practice the tree pose to help you feel centered and to focus your mental state. You’ll also strengthen your legs and release tension in your thighs and hips.
A. Standing on a flat, level surface, shift your weight to your left leg and bend your right knee, bringing the sole of your right foot to your inner left thigh. (If this is too difficult, you can lower your foot, placing it anywhere on your left leg.) Press your palms together in front of your chest. Remember to push the sole of your foot and your inner thigh equally toward each other. Take three to five breaths while balancing on one leg.
B. When you feel steady and want to experiment with your balance, bring your arms out to the sides, palms turned up. Slowly shift your gaze upward and focus on a single, fixed point. Practice calm, steady breathing. Then lower your foot, shift your weight to your right leg and repeat, raising your left foot.
Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs, including “Sleek Essentials.”