Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana 2)

Benefits:

• Strengthens the arches, ankles, knees and thighs

• Strengthens the arms

• Stretches the hips and shoulders

• Enhances muscular endurance

• Lengthens the spine

Steps:

• Start in Warrior 1 (see previous exercise) with your right foot forward

• Inhale, reaching up through your arms and straightening both legs

• Exhale, turn your body towards the left (open to the side), bring your arms down to shoulder height and bend your right knee, so that it is directly over your ankle

• Check that your shoulders are over your hips, so you are not leaning forward or backward (this will even out the weight distribution over your legs)

• Keeping your hips facing the side, turn your head to look over your right finger tips

• Breathe deeply, allowing your ribs to expand fully with each breath

• Take 4-5 breaths in this position

• On your next inhale, straighten both legs, bring your hands down to your sides and step to the front of your mat

Repeat Warrior 1 and 2 on the other side