Warrior 2

Warrior 2 is the most common yoga pose that you will see in every spa/yoga magazine. It looks easy but there’s a lot more to it than you think.
The benefits are fantastic: If you hold the pose for ten slow breaths (pretty challenging), you will seriously strenghten you thigh and calf muscles. This pose is also considered to be a hip-opener. You will also tone and strenghen your triceps (if held up for the full 10 breaths.)

You will need a sticky mat for the pose as you don’t want your back foot slipping.

How do I do it?

• Stand with your feet about 4 feet apart. When your arms are fully outstretched (as in the picture), you feet should be below your wrists.
• Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot in 45 degrees.
• Bend your right knee, making sure that the knee lines us with your middle toes. Try to bend the knee to a right angle.
• Take five slow breaths and then change sides.

While in the pose:

• The most important thing is to breathe slowly and observe your breath, especially when the pose becomes harder. Press down your right heel to engage the thigh muscles.
• Very important to have a lot of weight on your back foot. Press the outer edge of the left foot into the earth for stability. Lift your hip bones up and gently draw your low belly in and up towards your heart.

Warrior 2 Pose gives us a sense of connectness to the earth and a feeling of strength and power. Practice every day, especially when feeling in need of a boost.