Warrior II

Category: Standing Level: Beginner Sanskrit: Virabhadrasana II

Step-by-Step Guide

From Mountain Pose, step feet wide apart (about 4 feet)

Turn right foot out 90 degrees, left foot in 15 degrees

Bend right knee directly over right ankle

Extend arms parallel to floor, gaze over right hand

Keep torso upright, shoulders over hips

Hold 5 breaths and repeat on left side

Strengthens legs and opens hips. Improves endurance and concentration. Stimulates abdominal organs.

Stack your bent knee over your ankle—never let it collapse inward. Engage your back leg strongly by pressing the outer edge of that foot down.

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Q: Should my front knee go past my toes in Warrior II?

Ideally the knee stays over the ankle. If it tracks forward too much, widen your stance or reduce the depth of the bend.

Watch step-by-step demonstrations on YouTube.