Sanskrit: Viparita Virabhadrasana
VIP-ah-REE-tah VEER-ah-bhah-DRAH-sah-nah
Benefits
Strengthens legs and arms, improves spinal flexibility
Stimulates blood circulation
Reduces fatigue
Standard Cues
Begin standing in Warrior II with your left foot forward. Lower your right hand to your right thigh with an exhale.
With an inhale reach your left arm up and next to your ear, leaning into a slight backbend. Gaze up toward your left hand.
Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths.
Return to Warrior II with an exhale. Straighten your leg with an inhale, then exhale and step your feet together. Release your arms. Change sides.
Short Cues and Options
Align bicep next to ear
Lengthen through sides of waist
Do not compress low back
Align knee over ankle
Anchor outer edge of foot to floor
Precautionary Warnings
Avoid this pose if you have high blood pressure.