There are three variations of warrior pose that build strength and balance in the body. Here are…

There are three variations of warrior pose that build strength and balance in the body. Here are step-by-step instructions for all three.

Warrior 1: Stand up straight in mountain pose (tadasana) with your feet hip-distance apart and your arms by the sides of your body. Breathe deeply and evenly, calming your mind and bringing it to the present moment. Draw your awareness inward. Separate your legs wide apart at a distance of at least three to four feet. Turn your right foot out at 90 degrees and your left foot in at 15 degrees, or keep it straight with toes pointing forward. Align the heel of your right foot with the center of your left foot. Turn your upper body to the right. Breathe in and reach your arms up, keeping your hands shoulder-distance apart and your palms facing each other. Allow your shoulder blades to open out and up slightly. Keep your gaze forward. You may bring your palms together and look up at your thumbs. Exhale, and with your arms raised, bend your right knee and bring your right thigh parallel to the floor, feeling the stretch in your thigh and hip. Keep your right knee above your right ankle. Make sure that the knee does not extend out beyond the ankle. Keep the back foot grounded and the back leg straight without bending at the left knee. Stay in the pose for about five to ten breaths. If you like, you can extend your spine slightly backward like in a crescent moon. Breathe evenly