WARRIOR TWO POSE
Virabhadrasana II
(veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna)
Virabhadra = The name of a fierce warrior, an incarnation of Shiva, described as having a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet, wielding a thousand clubs, and wearing a tiger’s skin
Steps:
- Stand in Tadasana.
- Step our feet wide apart. Inhale and extend your arms out to the side.
- Turn your left foot in slightly; turn your right leg out directly to the side.
- Keeping our legs engaged, exhale and bend your right knee to 90 degrees.
- Hold for several breaths. To release, pull your legs toward each other to engage the muscles, inhale and come out of the pose. Repeat on the other side.
Variations:
When right leg is forward and bent, raise right arm above head and slide your left hand down left leg. Repeat other side.
Benefits: Strengthens the arches, ankles, knees and thighs; Stretches the hips and shoulders; Broadens the chest; Increases lung capacity; Stimulates digestion and circulation; Enhances muscular endurance; Lengthens the spine
Contraindications: High blood pressure; Neck injury