In our beginner yoga pose series, Michael Taylor from Strala Yoga in New York City, demonstrates and gives us the scoop on Warrior II.

How-to: From a high lunge, roll your back heel to the ground, turn your shoulders parallel to your mat, and reach your arms out parallel to the ground. Keep your body vertical over your hips, and your front knee directly over your ankle.

Tips: Keep your back heel firmly grounded so the weight is shared equally with your front foot, drop your back hip so both are the same height, and reach just as strongly behind you as in front.

Benefits: Builds leg strength and opens the hips.
 
How-to Video:









Michael Taylor is a yoga guide at Strala Yoga in New York City. (Michael prefers "guide" to "instructor"). He's practiced Eastern movement and healing techniques for more than two decades. He holds a degree in mind-body medicine from Harvard, and studied alternative medicine and psychology at Oxford. Mike is also the CEO of social media company Odyl, climbs a few mountains in his spare time, and is the husband of yoga master Tara Stiles.

Tags: michael taylor, yoga, yoga poses