In Warrior II, turn your hips and shoulders to face the long edge of your yoga mat.

The farther I dive into this series of reflection the more I realize I used to teach with very definitive, black and white cues and that makes total sense! Over a decade ago I was still early in my career and developing my craft. I’m assuming that with most occupations it takes time to develop skill and acknowledge nuance. Teaching a yoga class is no different.

If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while there’s a good chance you’ve been told - and maybe you’re still being told - to turn your hips and shoulders to face the long edge of your mat in Warrior II. Not that this guidance isn’t correct, but how does it feel in your body when you follow that cue?

This is one of those cues that students often ask me about. They think they’re doing Warrior II wrong since they’re unable to actually get their hips and shoulders to face the long edge of their mat without experiencing pain or discomfort. For me, when I turn my hips to face the long edge of my mat, my back hip feels like it’s being restricted and my front knee caves inward. It’s a directive that doesn’t feel sustainable in my body and maybe it’s the same for you.

My recommendation for those experimenting with their Warrior II, allow your hips to face a direction that feels strong and sustainable for you. Especially if your back foot is turned slighting forward, let both of your hip points turn slightly toward the front edge of your yoga mat.

Your shoulders, on the other hand, can easily face the long edge of your mat. Since your upper body isn’t tethered to the floor, like your feet and legs are in the shape, you have more freedom to turn your shoulders and chest away from your front knee.

Keep in mind that all bodies are different. You might find that turning your hips to face the long edge of your mat is the most comfortable and sustainable way for you to set up your Warrior II. It’s important to give yourself space and grace to feel the shape in your own body and perhaps the alignment that works for you now won’t be the alignment that works for your in 10, 20, 30 years.