Notes
The legs in this pose are performing the same actions as in warrior II (page 100), and similar
muscle groups are active. In this pose, however, the weight of the torso falls more over the
front leg, and the muscles of the front leg need additional strength, length, and stamina.
While the position of the upper arm alongside the head is similar to that of the arms
in utkatasana (page 78) and virabhadrasana III (page 103), different muscles are required
to maintain the arm position in this pose because of the different relationship to gravity.
The action is also more eccentric than concentric, again because of the relationship of the
weight of the arm to gravity.
Breathing
Even though the upper side of the breathing mechanism receives a strong lengthening action
in this shape, the more interesting effect may be on the lower side of the body, where the
dome of the diaphragm is driven cranially by the force of gravity acting on the abdominal
organs. Breath action in this position provides very useful asymmetrical stimulation to the
diaphragm and all the organs attaching to it.