Backbend Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800652

Reclined Hero with Strap Supta Virasana (strap)

Reclined Hero approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.

Practice Reclined Hero with Strap (Supta Virasana (strap)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
Download on the App Store
Reclined Hero with Strap (Supta Virasana (strap)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Reclined Hero with Strap (Supta Virasana (strap)) — Backbend posture targeting Quads, Hip Flexors, Abs, Chest · Slow and even breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Supta Virasana (strap)
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
120 seconds
Breath Pattern
Slow and even
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Quads, Hip Flexors, Abs, Chest
Energy Expenditure
1.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Reclined Hero with Strap

Reclined Hero with Strap (Supta Virasana (strap)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Quads, Hip Flexors, Abs, Chest at an intensity of approximately 1.8 METs. Reclined Hero approached with a strap. The strap stands in for a reach the shoulders or hamstrings cannot yet make, so the shape is entered honestly rather than forced into a rounded compromise.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Slow and even throughout the 120-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Quads, Hip Flexors, Abs, Chest.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 10 years (120 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 120 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Low back injury

iOS App for iPhone & iPad

Practice with 908 illustrated postures, custom prāṇāyāma timers & dosha meal plans

Combine classical Vata, Pitta, and Kapha balance, Six Tastes (Shad Rasa), and seasonal Ritucharya routines with verified USDA calorie, macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral tracking.

Related Backbend Yoga Poses

Saddle Pose (Yin Supta Virasana)Backbend · Level 3

Saddle Pose (Yin Supta Virasana)

Reclining back from kneeling and held for minutes. Very strong on the knees and to be approached with real caution.