Prenatal Yoga - Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II)
Yoga
Obie Editorial Team
Benefits and Uses
Warrior II, like Warrior I, is a challenging all-over body strengthener. Warrior II is also a deep hip and upper body opener and has been said to alleviate backaches during pregnancy, as well as to increase fertility. Use Warrior II before or after Warrior I to create a complementary pose sequence.
Directions
Stand at the top of your mat in the mountain pose and walk your right leg towards the back of your mat (about three or so feet behind). Place your right foot so that it is perpendicular to your left (front) foot; the heel of your front foot would intersect the arch of your back foot if you drew an imaginary line. Inhale as you slowly bend your left knee so that your knee is over your ankle and your thigh is parallel to the floor (if this is too strenuous simply do not bend as deep). Lift your arms up by your sides at shoulder level, one pointing forward and one toward the back of your mat. Reach your shoulder blades toward one another to strengthen your back and open your chest. If it is comfortable for your neck, turn your head to gaze beyond the middle finger of your left (front) hand. Feel the contrast of your feet and legs grounding strongly into the earth while your spine stands tall. Repeat on the opposite side.