If it is difficult to lift into warrior pose using the breathing modification that I suggest on page 52. simply step forward from down-facing dog and hold that position for one breath. This is a good compromise to start with as it is easier to keep your breath even without lifting up into the full warrior pose. Once you have established this and it is becoming ea add the full warrior back in again. The key is to build up slowly and carefully — you need good technique to last ypu through the practice.
Take good care of your knees throughout this sequence. Make sure that they track straight over the toes at all times (see left) arid that, particularly in (Utkanasano and the warrior postures (Virabhadrasona). they are not under strain. Don’t let your knee collapse inward (see right). Keep your foot well grounded and your hips square to the front. This should help to draw your knee directly over your ankle, and you will feel secure and stable in the pose.
