Warrior II

Virabhadrasana II

An isometric lower-body hold that builds hip strength in external rotation — directly transferable to lateral athletic positions.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Mat · Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Quads · Glutes · Adductors
ALSO WORKS
Deltoids · Obliques
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Step the feet wide, front foot pointing forward, back foot turned in slightly.
  2. 02Bend the front knee to stack it over the ankle, tracking over the second toe.
  3. 03Extend the arms parallel to the floor, shoulders down.
  4. 04Keep the torso stacked over the pelvis rather than leaning forward.
  5. 05Hold 45–60 seconds each side.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Front knee tracks over the second toe — don't let it drift inward.
  2. 02Press the outer edge of the back foot down.
  3. 03Ribs down; resist leaning over the front leg.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Front knee caving inward under fatigue.
  2. 02Shallow front knee bend that removes the work.
  3. 03Leaning the torso towards the front leg.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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