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Beginner Standing Standing Hatha

Reverse Warrior

Viparita Virabhadrasana विपरीत वीरभद्रासन

Reverse Warrior balances the strength of Warrior II with a spacious side stretch.

Level
Beginner
Hold
3–5 breaths per side
Focus
Side stretch with leg strength
Steps
5 cues · ~1 min
Reverse Warrior demonstrated on a mat
  • Keep the front knee bent
  • Lift before you lean
  • Light hand on the back leg
WorksSide body · legs · shoulders

Step by step

How to do Reverse Warrior

StartBegin in Warrior II.

  1. 1

    From Warrior II with the right knee bent, turn the right palm up.

  2. 2

    Inhale and reach the right arm up and back.

  3. 3

    Slide the left hand lightly down the back leg.

  4. 4

    Keep the front knee bent over the ankle.

  5. 5

    Lengthen both sides of the waist.

  6. ↩

    Coming out. Return to Warrior II and switch sides.

Breath

Inhale to reach up; breathe into the stretching side.

Focus

Side stretch with leg strength

Why practise it

Stretches side body; strengthens legs.

Alignment

Cues & common mistakes

Aim for Front knee stays bent; weight stays centred.

Teacher’s cues

  • “Keep the front knee bent”
  • “Lift before you lean”
  • “Light hand on the back leg”

Watch out for

Straightening the front leg and leaning on the back leg.

Make it yours

Easier, harder, supported

Easier

Hand on hip; shorter stance.

Variations
  • Bound Reverse Warrior
Props
  • Yoga mat

In a sequence

Where it fits in a flow

  1. BeforeWarrior II
  2. This poseReverse Warrior
  3. AfterExtended Side Angle

Good to know

Questions

Why is it called Peaceful Warrior?

It is a gentler, open variation of the warrior sequence.

In the tradition

A modern vinyasa addition to the warrior family.

What helps

Props that make this easier

  • Non-slip yoga mat A 4–6 mm mat with good grip makes standing poses steadier. View on Amazon
  • Cork yoga block Brings the floor closer in forward folds and supported poses. View on Amazon
  • Cotton yoga strap Extends your reach in hamstring and shoulder stretches. View on Amazon
Setting up a home practice space?Our short list of props worth having, from mat to meditation cushion. See YogiSoul picks

As an Amazon Associate, YogiSoul earns from qualifying purchases. Links open Amazon in your country’s store.

Hold Reverse Warrior

Ready

0 / 3 breaths

Keep the front knee bent

esc