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Standing Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800525

Warrior II Side Bend with Block Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended) (block)

Warrior II Side Bend taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

Practice Warrior II Side Bend with Block (Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended) (block)) 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.
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Warrior II Side Bend with Block (Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended) (block)) — Standing Yoga Posture Illustration

Warrior II Side Bend with Block (Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended) (block)) — Standing posture targeting Obliques, Quads, Lats, Inner Thighs · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended) (block)
Posture Family
Standing
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
35 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Obliques, Quads, Lats, Inner Thighs
Energy Expenditure
3.8 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Warrior II Side Bend with Block

Warrior II Side Bend with Block (Utthita Parsvakonasana (extended) (block)) belongs to the Standing posture family and engages the Obliques, Quads, Lats, Inner Thighs at an intensity of approximately 3.8 METs. Warrior II Side Bend taken with a block under the supporting hand or beneath the seat. The prop shortens the distance to the floor so the spine can stay long instead of rounding to reach it.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 35-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Obliques, Quads, Lats, Inner Thighs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 8 years (96 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 35 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • Knee injury

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