Warrior 2
- Stand with the feet wider than shoulder width apart and keep the legs straight.
- Turn the right foot out to the right 90 degrees and left foot in 45 to 60 degrees.
- Roll the right thigh outward, so that the center of the right knee cap is in line with the center of the right ankle.
- Rotate the torso to the right and square the hips.
- Raise the arms out to the sides at shoulder height.
- Bend the right knee over the right ankle, so that the shin is perpendicular to the floor. Work towards having the thigh parallel to the floor.
- Keep the sides of the torso equally long and the shoulders directly over the hips.
- Turn the head to the right to gaze along the right hand.
- Stay in this pose for up to 1 minute.
- To release, press the back heel into the floor and straighten the bent knee. Relax the arms beside the body.
- Reverse the feet and repeat for the same length of time to the left.
- Practice up to 5 rounds.
Breathing
- Inhale while raising the arms.
- Exhale while bending the front knee.
- Breathe naturally while holding the pose.
- Inhale while straightening the leg.
- Exhale while releasing the arms to beside the body.
Awareness
- On the stability in the legs.
- Keeping the sides of the torso equally long and the shoulders directly over the hips.
- Synchronizing the movement with the breath.
- Manipura chakra.
Contraindications
- Diarrhea.
- High or low blood pressure.
Benefits
- Strengthens and stretches the legs and ankles.
- Stretches the groins, chest, lungs and shoulders.
- Stimulates abdominal organs.
- Increases stamina.
- Relieves backaches.