About this Asana Digest

Poses

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2), and related poses such as Exalted Warrior

Objective

Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.

Description

Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Standing Poses.

Virabhadrasana II

veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna
“Virabhadra” = name of a warrior hero
Warrior 2 Pose

Heart of the Pose

• Standing Pose
• Strengthening, Opening and Building Stamina

Notes

• Warrior 2 Pose is an excellent pose for beginners (as well as experienced practitioners).
• As a Standing Pose, it has the associated benefits and uses, with particular benefits in warming up hips.
• Do you know how the Warrior poses got their numbers of I, II & III? “They are traditionally known as 1, 2, and 3 not because of sequence, but because there are that many limbs extended. How does the joining or releasing of the hands affect your breathing? Your sense of strength? What thoughts or feelings arise in you as you hold each pose?” – Zo Newell, Downward Dogs & Warriors 2007 p 18
• See Cautions for knees, lower back and shoulders.

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