Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana 1)

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Warrior 1 — Virabhadrasana 1 is a standing yoga pose named after a mythological Hindu warrior, Virabhadra. Virabhadrasana I stretches the whole front side of the body while strengthening the thighs, ankles, and back. This is a powerful standing pose that develops stamina, balance, and coordination. It tones the abdomen, ankles, and arches of the feet. In 'Yoga and You' we will see How to Do Warrior 1 Pose - Virabhadrasana 1.

Virabhadrasana 1, or Warrior 1 helps us to tap into our inner strength and focus. Here we find the confidence to trust our inner voice. Although a beginner's pose, Warrior 1 pose is not be mediated on lightly as it aligns, strengthens and tones from head to toe.  Breath is key while staying focused on opening the shoulders as we gently align the hips and spine, toning the feet, ankles and legs.Take your time and regularly practice each pose, going inward to reveal your true life force.Warrior pose is the foundation and basis for many poses. This is a great pose for this time of season as it can test of courage to improve our mind, body, spirit connection.Once you are comfortable with your level of mastery of a pose, you can begin to build your own sequence. For a soft conditioning, childs pose can be a great soothing and gentle way to move in Mountain Pose before taking a stance into Warrior 1.If you are just starting out with a yoga practice, grouping a few poses together at a time will help you develop the strength and accuaracy you will need for longer sessions.If you are coming back into flow, Warrior 1 may be just what you need to set your intentions in motion.There are various variations and ways to step into Warrior 1 pose. I always like to stand in the middle of my mat, and with a small leap, extend my leg to the left and to the right, adjusting my pelvis and lengthen my lower back, before I pivot with my left forward, being aware to lift my hip muscles and not lean to far over my left knee.I make sure my left knee is directly over my left ankle before I then extend my left arm forward to help begin to balance my pose. I extend my right arm back and angle my right foot to align with my left. Bringing my hands to my hips, I extend them above my head as if doing a high lung pose, feeling the weight and checking my stance on my left and right foot positioning.From here, I bring my hands down to my hips and adjust them to be square with my shoulders, drawing them down and towards my spine.Raising my arms above my head once more in an H position, I inhale and face my palms to each other, interlocking them with my index finger point up, maintaining relaxed shoulders and my chest lifted, I exhale, knowing on my next inhale to get my head in the game, I check my pose once again.I inhale my arms over my head in a H position, fingers interlaced, I bring my palms together and carefully arch my back and look up to the ceiling, exhale while pressing into my feet. I hold this and keep my breath for 3-6 cycles. I take time to feel the pose throughout my limbs, adjusting as I move deeper into the pose.To release the pose, slowly exhale while bringing the hands down to the floor.  You can build upon or relax into a sequence of poses for your personal practice.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]