Reverse Warrior

Keep the front knee bent

The most common thing that happens in Reverse Warrior is that the front leg straightens as the arm reaches back. The pose is a side bend on top of Warrior II, so the front knee stays bent over the ankle the whole time. Think of reaching up and over rather than back and down, and let the back hand rest lightly on the back leg rather than sliding down it.

How to do Reverse Warrior

• Start in Warrior II with the right knee bent and the arms out at shoulder height
• Turn the right palm up
• Breathing in, reach the right arm up and slightly back, lengthening the right side of the body
• Rest the left hand lightly on the back of the left thigh or calf, without leaning on it
• Keep the front knee bent over the ankle and the hips low
• Hold for 3 to 5 breaths, return to Warrior II and switch sides

Reverse Warrior in a flow

• Warrior II to Reverse Warrior and back is a common pairing in Vinyasa classes
• Reverse Warrior often leads into Extended Side Angle by bringing the front forearm to the thigh
• In some classes it is called Peaceful Warrior

Making it work for you

Keep the top hand on the hip if the shoulder hurts, or shorten the stance if the front knee will not stay bent. Look forward or at the floor rather than up at the top hand if the neck is sensitive. Keep the side bend modest if the lower back pinches; the length comes from the ribs, not from arching the lower back.