Overview
This is a balancing pose which strengthens the core muscles (abdominal and back), arms and leg muscles.
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Joint Actions
Muscular Actions
Warrior II
Virabhadrasana II
Overview
One of the main poses of yoga, warrior II strengthens the entire body, especially the legs. This pose differs from warrior I in the direction the body is facing (side), position of the back leg (90 degrees from the front), and the arm position (parallel to the ground).
Joint actions
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Muscular actions
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Nerves
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Nerves that may undergo neural tension:
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Brachial plexus ​
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Notes
Keeping the torso side-facing and the upper limbs in line may also prevent compression of the brachial plexus.
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A common mistake. in this posture are in an adduction of the front knee relative to the ankles. This could indicate tightness of the medial thigh or weak abductor muscles.
Another limiting factor in this pose are tight medial thigh muscles of the back leg, which may restrict hip abduction and shorten the stance, thereby disallowing the hips and knees to sit low into right angles.
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Precautions & Contraindications
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Avoid or modify if any of the following are present:
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Hip, knee or ankle injuries
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Shoulder injuries
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Cervical injuries: keep head in a neutral position to the torso looking to the side (not towards the front hand)
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High blood pressure