Warrior 2 is a great for lower body strength and balance as well as opening the hips and chest. International Yoga Day is June 21, join us to celebrate the Summer Solstice in our 108 Sun Salutation session. Book your spot here
Benefits
· Physical: Much like Warrior I, Warrior II is great for the legs, the gluteus, the hips, the core muscles, the chest, the shoulders, and the arms. This is a full body pose if doing it correctly, works every muscle in the body. This pose can also help develop endurance, as it is easy enough to hold this pose for a longer period while still maintaining proper alignment and not risking injury.
· Mental: Warrior II can be a practice in finding ease within effort. This pose offers a unique opportunity to practice finding where excess tension can dissolve, continue to hold what needs to be held for stability and integrity within the pose. Notice the tension across the neck and shoulders in this pose, and work to release it, continuing to hold the powerful lunge position of the legs. This work on the physical level can translate to work on the mental level as well.
· Emotional: Warrior II is all about finding peace in the moment. This pose is a very common one in most practices, meaning that you’re most likely going to be spending a great deal of time in this pose, no matter the lineage of yoga you subscribe too.
· Warrior II strengthens the legs, opens the hips and chest. Warrior II develops concentration and balance. This pose improves circulation and respiration and energizes the entire body.
Technique
From Five Pointed Star, turn the right toes to the right wall and bend the right knee directly over the right ankle.
· Turn the hips and the shoulders towards the front and reach out through the fingertips, reaching towards the sidewalls. Turn and look at the right middle finger.
· Press into the feet, keeping the legs strong. Sink the hips down towards the floor, and reach the crown of the head up to lengthen the spine. Relax the shoulders down and back, pressing the chest forward.
· Breathe and hold for 3-6 breaths
· To release: straighten the legs and turn the feet forward coming back into 5 pointed star.
Modifications
· Five Pointed Star, Mountain, Warrior I
· Warrior I, Reverse Warrior II, Triangle, Warrior III
