Be a Stronger You with Warrior II
Article posted in: FitnessWarrior II is a yoga move that takes advantage of movement throughout your entire body. From the tips of your fingers down to your toes, you’ll feel the full-body impact of this meditative practice essential.
More formally known as Virabhadrasana II, Warrior II commonly follows Warrior I or Extended Triangle Pose in yoga routines, and before the more balance-requiring Warrior III. Like other poses, Warrior II can be beneficial for stress reduction in regular yoga practice and helps to stimulate the digestive system. It can also be a fantastic way to increase strength among leg muscles and arms.
Targets:
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Back
- Groin
- Legs
- Ankles
Benefits of Warrior II:
- Can help stretch out chest and shoulders
- Works to stretch groin, leg muscles and ankles
- Helps to strengthen leg muscles
- May improve stamina
- Can help alleviate back pain
- Stress relief
- Possibly beneficial for those with carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoporosis
Tips:
- Remember to keep breathing throughout the pose, paying close attention to the steady movement of air in and out of your body.
- Keep knee bent at a 90 degree angle.
Warnings
- Talk to your doctor before performing Warrior II, if you have high blood pressure or a back/neck injury.
- Do not attempt to overextend the body and keep head facing straight ahead. This may cause injury.
- Perform pose on a soft surface and stop at any point, if you experience pain.
*Information derived from the Yoga Journal.