Virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1) — Overview — for Yoga Teachers, Yoga Therapists, Health & Wellness Coaches, Holistic Healthcare Providers
About this Asana Digest
Poses
Virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1)
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Standing Poses.
Virabhadrasana I
veer-baah-draah-san-ah
“Virabhadra” = name of a warrior from Indian mythology
Heart of the Pose
Standing Backbend
Notes
- Categorized as a standing pose or a standing backbend, it is also considered preparation for deeper backbends.
- Do you know how the Warrior poses got their numbers of I, II and III? “They are traditionally known as 1, 2, and 3 not because of sequence, but because there are that many limbs extended. How does the joining or releasing of the hands affect your breathing? Your sense of strength? What thoughts or feelings arise in you as you hold each pose?” – Zo Newell, Downward Dogs and Warriors 2007 p 18 link
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