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Hero Pose - Virasana

How to Do Hero Pose - Virasana

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 27, 2011

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Hero Pose - Virasana

Hero Pose - Virasana

© Barry Stone
Type of pose: Seated

Benefits: Stretches thighs and ankles, improves posture

Note: Be very careful of the knees in this pose. Sit up on a block if you have any knee discomfort.

Instructions:

1. Start in a kneeling position.

2. Keep the knees together as you separate the feet, bringing your butt down to the floor between your feet.

3. Make sure that you are not sitting on the feet, but between them.

4. Make sure the feet stay straight, turning neither inward nor outward.

Beginners: Take padding under the sit bones, if necessary. Use a yoga block or a blanket, depending on how high you need to be.

Advanced: If you feel very comfortable seated, move on to reclined hero pose - supta virasana.

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