Warrior 2

Virabhadrasana II

Warrior 2 is the wide standing pose with the front knee bent, the arms reaching in opposite directions and the gaze over the front hand. It builds strength and stamina in the legs and opens the hips.

How to do Warrior 2

  1. Take a wide stance with your front toes facing forward and your back foot turned in.
  2. Bend your front knee so it stacks over your front ankle.
  3. Reach your arms out long and strong at shoulder height.
  4. Relax your shoulders down away from your ears.
  5. Keep your gaze out across your front fingertips.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the front knee fall in toward the big toe side.
  • Leaning the torso out over the front leg.
  • Tensing the shoulders up toward the ears.

Make it easier

  • Shorten your stance and bend the front knee less.

Practice Warrior 2 in a free class

181 of Erin's classes include Warrior 2. These are the most practiced. The time shows where it comes up.

Warrior 2: common questions

How do you do Warrior 2?

Take a wide stance with your front toes facing forward and your back foot turned in. Bend your front knee so it stacks over your front ankle. Reach your arms out long and strong at shoulder height. Relax your shoulders down away from your ears.

Is there an easier version of Warrior 2?

Yes. Shorten your stance and bend the front knee less.

What are the most common Warrior 2 mistakes?

Letting the front knee fall in toward the big toe side. Leaning the torso out over the front leg. Tensing the shoulders up toward the ears.

Where can I practice Warrior 2 in a free class?

181 free Five Parks Yoga classes include Warrior 2. The most practiced is 45 Minute Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga Class.

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Warrior 2 (Virabhadrasana II)