Warrior II / Virabhadrasana II

Warrior II / Virabhadrasana II

(veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna)

Virabhadra = “warrior” the name of a reincarnation of Shiva

1. From Tadasana lunge forward with your right leg bending your knee so that it is on top of your right ankle. Your back leg remains straight and your left heel pushes backward so that your left foot is on a 45-degree angle with your toes pointing toward your core.  Push into the ground with the out side of your foot.

2. Your right heel should be in line with the arch of your left foot, which will pivot your pelvis so that it is facing sideways.  Turn your torso to face sideways as well and lift your arms so that they are parallel with the floor and in line with your legs.

3. Turn your head so you are looking forward over your right hand.  Make sure that your belly button is pulled in toward your spine and that your shoulder blades remain down your back.

Benefits

- Stretches your legs, ankles, groins, chest and shoulders

- Strengthens your legs and skeletal structure

- Stimulates organs in your abdomen

- Relieves back aches

Cautions

-Do not perform if you have a neck injury

-Do not perform if you have high blood pressure