Virabhadrasana II (warrior two pose)

Virabhadrasana I I (warrior two pose)

To do this pose:

Start in a downward facing dog. As in Warrior I pose, lift one leg up behind you and step it through between your hands, grounding your entire foot. Turn your back foot to a 90 degree angle so that your toes are pointing the long edge of your mat and ground the heel. From here, cartwheel your arms up, bend into your front knee, opening up your chest and hips out towards that long edge as well. Front arm reaching forward and back arm reaching back, palms down. Breath and hold this pose for a few breaths. 

How this pose is especially beneficial for nurses: 

• It stretches and strengthens your legs, ankles, groin, chest, and shoulders. This pose really stimulates and stretches a lot of different parts of the body making it a full body engagement pose. Your back leg and ankle stretch while your front leg is strengthened. Your hips and chest are stretched and opened while your shoulders and arms are strengthened. So when you feel like you need a full body pose during or after a long shift, stand in Warrior II for a few breaths on each side, and open up your entire body. 
• It increases stamina. Standing in this position, bending into that front leg and keeping your arms elevated can be challenging! It strengthens these muscles and helps train your body especially when held for a few long, deep breaths. Watch as it gets easier over time and maybe lifting those patients isn’t so bad either!