Warrior 1 pose, Virabhadrasana 1 is one of the most important dynamic poses in yoga. Warrior 1 is also found in Sun Salutation B. It is a complete asana that allows you to work the entire body, strengthening and making it more flexible.
How to perform the posture?
- Start in downward dog.
- On the inhale, raise the right leg in three-legged downward dog.
- As you exhale, bring your right foot between your two hands.
- The left foot pivots 45° and anchors itself in the ground.
- Raise your torso and stretch your hands towards the sky.
- Hips remain aligned and face the front of the mat.
- Looking forward.
- Breathe.
Alignments to know 👇
- The rear foot is oriented 45 degrees outwards.
- The back leg is extended , and the outside of the back foot touches the ground.
- The spine is straight .
- The front knee is aligned with the heel.
- The hips are facing forward, parallel to the mat.
- The arms are stretched towards the sky.
What are its benefits for the body and mind?
- Stretches the hips and groin.
- Strengthens arms, shoulders, back, hamstrings, knees and ankles.
- Improves balance, self-confidence and concentration.
What is its symbolic significance?
The name of this posture comes from the warrior Virabhadra, born from a hair of Shiva after a divine anger. Etymologically, Vira = courageous hero, Asana = Yoga posture.
In Warrior 1 posture, the yogi raises his arms towards the Sky, towards what is above him, towards what is higher than himself and opens his chest in an energy of self-giving.
Through this opening, he is searching for inner balance.
Warrior Pose 1 Balances Chakra from the solar plexus manipura, the 3rd chakra , linked to the element of fire and the Sun.
