There is no sincere love than the devotion to one’s own physical, psychical, and spiritual needs. Putting in hard work to attain a harmonious balance within the three core aspects of the life: physical, mental, and emotional sweetens the individual’s living with the flavors of happiness, wellness, confidence, etc.
No fancy workouts and diet plans, just the science of yoga for arousing the fearsome and divine within us. The warrior poses who are also the standing blocks of yoga poses are an excellent way to fortify the physical body and develop mental fortitude. Virabhadrasana is a robust yoga posture that demands strength and balance resulting in body awareness and vivaciousness.
There are three Warrior Pose variations: Warrior I, Warrior II, and Warrior III. The first two Virabhadrasana is perfect for the beginner level practitioners to start their yoga journey while the last one is best suitable for intermediate and advanced yogis.
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I): A beginner level pose performed standing in lunge-like position with one knee bent at 90-degree angle and another leg fully extended behind. The arms are actively raised towards the ceiling.
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II): The pose is done with feet spread wide about 3-4 inches apart and in the lunge position. Arms are outstretched to the sides with the head turned in the same direction of the bent knee.
Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III): Performed in a lunge position with arms straight overhead. Lean forward from the hips until the trunk is parallel to the floor and keep the legs unbent behind.
The Physical, Mental, Therapeutic Benefits of Warrior Pose:
1. Activates the Erector Spinae: The erector spinae lies on either side of the vertebral column and extends alongside the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic sections of the spine. The erector spinae functions to straighten the back and provides side-to-side rotation. The performance of warrior pose activates the erector spinae helping it to function properly and decreasing the chances of spasms and pains.
2. Strengthens the Gluteus: The Virabhadrasana strengthens the gluteus, quadriceps, adductors of the inner thighs, and hamstrings. Not to forget it is highly effective for the gluteus. Gluteus is the strongest Maximus muscle in the posterior responsible for the movement of the hips and thighs. The strengthening action of the warrior pose reduces pain in the glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and inner thighs.
3. Stretches the Hip flexors: The warrior I pose gives a nice opening stretch to the hip flexors, ankles, shoulders, and neck. The nice stretch in the warrior pose assists in loosening of the stiff muscles and releasing of the pent-up emotions in these areas. Relaxed shoulders, neck, and hips foster an overall sense of calmness.
4. Intensifies Mind-Body Connection: The alignment of the body in the Virabhadrasana I is a great way to learn the techniques of body awareness and greater mind-body connection. The movement of the legs and hands in various directions requires that the practitioner has a great sense of spatial orientation. In this way, the Virabhadrasana fosters coordination and intimate connection with the self.
5. Therapeutic for Sciatica: The excruciating pain along with the tingling, weakening, and numbing sensations sum up the condition of sciatica. The Warrior pose is found to be therapeutic for this pain. By relieving tension in the back and hips, a regular practice of virabhadrasana can provide long-lasting relief from sciatica pain to the patients in the most natural way.
6. Opens the Heart: The performance of Warrior pose with the alignment: one leg behind, hips forward, and chest lifted opens the heart and develops courage. This powerful posture is highly valuable for gaining inner strength and opening to others in a confident manner.
7. Higher energy levels: The warrior pose effectively stretches, strengthens, opens, and treats various body organs, fibers, muscles, and joints. This yoga posture potently makes the practitioners free from diseases and helps them manifest higher energy levels.
8. Optimum Mental State: The practice of warrior yoga series significantly alters the brain chemicals and hormones for good for the experience of peacefulness. The warrior poses support parasympathetic nervous system and creates higher mental resistance in times of conflict.
9. Builds Stamina: The prolonged holding of warrior pose helps in building stamina and balance. The holding a body in the lunge position acts like a great workout for the core and stabilizer muscles.
10. Overall Fitness: Warrior yoga pose is a great way to tone the upper and lower body. The pose strengthens the weak muscles, builds endurance, and provides energy essential for living a healthy life.
Become an epitome of strength, valor, happiness, with the Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose).
To know about Virabhadrasana in further detail, explore our Yoga Teacher Training In India.
