Whether you are attending a yoga class, training a client or teaching a class, the Tree Pose has a lot of benefits. Vrikshasana, also known as Tree Pose, is a standing balancing pose where one leg is bent and the foot is placed on the inner thigh of the other leg. This exercise challenges balance, posture and focus. Most times the posture is introduced exercisers are invited to “grow their branches” by outstretching their arms above their heads like tree branches. Considered a “grounding exercise”, the Tree Pose can be performed with or without footwear. However, training clients to perform the pose barefoot allows for more benefit. The act of grounding through the standing foot activates and strengthens the intrinsic foot muscles, which are responsible for maintaining arches and controlling fine movements of the toes. This strengthening can be beneficial for improving foot health and stability.