“Warrior Pose”, also known as “Virabhadrasana”, is a collection of connected standing asanas or yoga poses as exercise commemorating the feats of a Hindu mythical legendary warrior, Virabhadra, created by Lord Shiva. Warrior Pose I is the first of three Warrior poses that includes both standing and balancing activities of the body to strengthen the thighs over time.

It’s one of the most common yoga poses that one could easily find in many mythological movies or ancient fiction based dramas as it is a very graceful pose that adds beauty to the workout. But it also challenges the strength of one’s thigh when held for a longer period of time.

Virabhadrasana not only helps in improving the strength of the legs but also helps in building balance and grace. It is one of the asanas that will boost the Strength Pillar of Yogic Wellness.  To know more about the 6 Pillars of Yogic Wellness click here.

Strength Challenge:

Hold Virabhadrasana 1 for 108 sec on each leg

Virabhadrasana also has the power to release stress from shoulders almost immediately, but it also needs to be complemented with healthy food habits. Check out Sattviko Foodyoga meals for the right yogic herbs to improve your strength so that you will be able to achieve this feat with ease.

Why you should take this Challenge?

A 108-second Virabhadrasana 1 hold can enhance your strength building regime in a huge way. Here are some of the other benefits of practising Virabhadrasana 1:

• This asana is known to strengthen the lower back, the legs, the arms and ease out frozen shoulders
• It increases stamina and helps to maintain and balance the body
• It increases the metabolism and repairs the spine, making it beneficial for persons with sedentary or deskbound occupations
• Relaxes the mind and body while instilling feelings of tranquilly, courage, grace, and auspiciousness

To get the best out of Virabhadrasana, incorporate the six core elements of the yogic diet into your meal. Find out more benefits of a Yogic Diet here.

Follow the steps for performing Virabhadrasana:

• Stand erect with your legs stretched three to four feet apart. Ground your feet.
• Turn the right foot to the right side 90 degrees. Keep your shoulders, chest and pelvis facing forward. Don’t allow the front knee to pass the ankle.
• Inhale. Join the palm overhead simultaneously.
• Bend your right knee directly above the right ankle. Reach your arms back slightly and expand your chest to come into a gentle backbend
• Tuck your tailbone under. Breathe with an exhalation. Bring the arms down.
• Switch to the other side. Continue with other leg.

To enhance the strength on regular basis, simultaneously check out mini-challenges and programmes that aid holistic Yogic development.

Contraindications: Who shouldn’t try it?

• Practitioners who have a weak heart or have high blood pressure should avoid this asana.
• Avoid if you have spinal problems or have just recovered from a chronic illness.
• People with knee pain or arthritis, can use the support of a wall to do this asana.
• Do not gaze up at your hands after stretching if you have neck difficulties
• To utter surprise of many, this asana benefits pregnant women, especially those in their second and third trimesters, but only if they have been practising yoga frequently. This must be done under the supervision of their trainer and with the approval of a doctor.

Take the challenge and share your Pics and updates in the comments below. Also, tag us on Instagram @Sattviko #6PillarChallenge