From Warrior 2 [1] to Goddess [2] to Twisting Fierce [3], there is no shortage of yoga poses that target your lower body. But this not-so-popular pose, known affectionately as Burning Low Lunge, is probably the most intense way to work your butt and thighs. As a yoga instructor, this is the one pose I like to throw into my classes for runners and skiers that makes students really feel it the next day.
- Begin in Downward Facing Dog. Step your right foot forward into Warrior 1 [5]. Stay here for five breaths.
- Lower your torso, and without touching the ground, reach your right arm underneath your bent right knee.
- Interlace both hands in front of your right ankle. Keep all the weight in your legs, resisting the urge to lean into your hands. If this is too hard for your thigh muscle to hold (it's an intense move!), then rest one or both hands on the floor.
- Breathe deeply in this low lunge for five breaths.
- Rise up, step back to Down Dog, and repeat Warrior 1 and Burning Low Lunge on the left side.