We were practicing Virabhadrasana III in class last week.

After class a student asked if she could goal post her arms in Vira II instead of reaching them overhead.

I just watched her do a perfectly good Virabhadrasana III.

I asked why she was asking this question.  Did she have pain in her shoulders?  No.  Did she have pain in her back?  No.

If there is pain or discomfort, you should always modify your pose to accommodate your situation.

“Well”, I said, “if there isn’t any pain, why are you asking for a modification?”  “Because it is hard for me,” she said. 

“Oh”, I said. 

Who thinks Virabhadrasana III is an easy pose?  Anyone?

No, I didn’t think so. 

I did give a modification for the hands to be on bricks if there was any pain in the back, hamstrings or shoulders.

In Light on Yoga, Mr. Iyengar says that Virabhadrasana III brings harmony, balance, poise and power to the body. 

In Virabhadrasana III the back muscles and the hamstrings of the standing leg have to be very strong.  Often these muscles are weak because of too much sitting and rounding forward.  Practicing this pose strengthens these muscles. 

If you can do the pose, but it is hard, you should simply try to do the pose to the best of your ability.

It is as important not to overdo as it is to underdo.