Virabhadrasana / Warrior Posture

I'm continuing the series on postures. This post is about Virabhadrasana or Warrior Posture.
There are three variations of Virabhadrasana; today I'm discussing the benefits of Virabhasana 2.
This posture definitely increases your strength, both in the upper body and in your lower body.

Getting into the Posture - 

1. Stand in Tadasana or simple standing pose. Step your feet apart and turn your right foot outwards; align the right heel with the arch of the left foot; raise your arms parallel to the floor, actively stretching them out to the sides, palms facing down.

2. Now, slowly bend your right knee over your right ankle, bring the right thigh parallel to the floor.

3. Press the outer right heel firmly to the floor.

4. Turn your head to the right and look over the palm.

5. Hold the posture for 6 - 8 breaths. Come back to center. Repeat with left leg.

Benefits - 

1. This posture strengthens and stretches the legs, ankles and hips.

2. Stretches the chest, lungs and the upper shoulder muscles.

3. Eliminates abdominal problems and stimulates digestive organs.

Modifications - 

1. If you have tight lower back muscles, bend the knee less, slowly stretch out the thigh muscles to get to your best expression of your pose!!

2. If you have high blood pressure, you might want to skip this posture.

I hope this helps my students to practice this posture with more clarity and purpose.

Namaste,

Asha

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