Standing Balance Asana · Elementary (Level 2) · Catalog #800313

Warrior II to Half Moon Flow Virabhadrasana II-Ardha Chandrasana

Cycling between warrior II and half moon. Trains the balance transition rather than the static shape.

Practice Warrior II to Half Moon Flow (Virabhadrasana II-Ardha Chandrasana) 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 to Half Moon Flow (Virabhadrasana II-Ardha Chandrasana) — Standing Balance Yoga Posture Illustration

Warrior II to Half Moon Flow (Virabhadrasana II-Ardha Chandrasana) — Standing Balance posture targeting Glutes, Hamstrings, Obliques · With the breath breath · Varies drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Virabhadrasana II-Ardha Chandrasana
Posture Family
Standing Balance
Difficulty
Elementary (Level 2)
Recommended Hold
60 seconds
Breath Pattern
With the breath
Drishti (Gaze)
Varies
Target Muscles
Glutes, Hamstrings, Obliques
Energy Expenditure
4.2 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Warrior II to Half Moon Flow

Warrior II to Half Moon Flow (Virabhadrasana II-Ardha Chandrasana) belongs to the Standing Balance posture family and engages the Glutes, Hamstrings, Obliques at an intensity of approximately 4.2 METs. Cycling between warrior II and half moon. Trains the balance transition rather than the static shape.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain With the breath throughout the 60-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Varies to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Glutes, Hamstrings, Obliques.
  • 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: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Mildly Increases (+1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 60 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Balance disorders
  • Knee injury

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