In Warrior I, which cue describes tailbone and hip positioning?

• A. Tilt the pelvis forward to deepen the bend
• B. Open the hips toward the side
• C. Keep the tailbone lifted and hips behind
• D. Point the tailbone down and keep hips stacked over the ankles

Answer: (D)

In Warrior I, the alignment of the tailbone and hips creates a solid foundation that protects the low back and keeps the torso tall. Pointing the tailbone down toward the floor and keeping the hips stacked over the ankles sets up a stable, forward-facing pelvis. This neutral-to-gently-tucked position lengthens the spine, helps the front knee track over the ankle, and anchors the back leg so you can breathe and rise from the pose without clamping the lower back or collapsing the chest.

Tilting the pelvis forward would anteriorly tilt the pelvis, increasing lumbar curvature and often overloading the front knee and lower back, which is not ideal for this pose. Opening the hips toward the side would rotate the pelvis and misalign the hips with the front leg, disrupting the square stance Warrior I aims for. Lifting the tailbone and keeping the hips behind creates a posterior tilt, which pulls weight back and shortens the spine, making it harder to maintain proper alignment and balance.

So, directing the tailbone down and stacking the hips over the ankles best supports stability, alignment, and safe movement in Warrior I.