Like Warrior I, Warrior II is a solid, foundational pose that strengthens and tones the thighs and gluteal muscles, and stabilizes the joints of the ankles and hips.

Steps

1. Stand with your feet together in Mountain pose (insert link to Tadasana?). On an exhale, step or jump your feet 3 ½ to 4 feet apart. Stretch your arms out at shoulder height, parallel to the floor, palms facing down. Reach through the fingertips.
2. Turn your left foot in slightly, and turn your right foot out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee so that you’re standing in a deep lunge. If you can, have your right thigh parallel to the floor with the knee directly over the ankle. Keep pressing firmly into the outer side of the left heel while activating the muscles around the left knee. Draw the right knee toward the pinky toe side of the right foot.
3. Lift your torso straight up and out of the pelvis. Tuck the tail bone under. Watch the tendency to lean the torso over the bent leg. You’ll want both sides of the torso lengthening equally up toward the ceiling. Turn your head to the right and gaze past the right fingers. Again, reach strongly through the fingers to bring energy and vitality into the upper torso.
4. Relax the eyes and the face. Take three to five long deep breaths in the posture before coming out. Repeat on the other side.

Comments

Of all the warrior poses, Warrior II makes you feel very powerful on the inside. Practice Warrior II when you need an extra boost of self-confidence. It’s a pose even beginners can do with great success.