Home

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior 1) – Overview

Asana Digest Overview

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

The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Standing Poses.

Poses Overview

Virabhadrasana I

veer-baah-draah-san-ah
“Virabhadra” = name of a warrior from Indian mythology

Heart of 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

Much More in this Digest

Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.

Related Support

To view this page and thousands more, we invite you to join Yoga Teacher Central, serving teachers since 2012.

You'll get instant access to a massive, organized library of practical and time-tested lessons, plans, and support for yoga teachers and trainers.

The entire site is member-supported and ad-free.

Be the finest yoga teacher you can be.

Select below to learn more, sign up, or log in.

© 2024 Yoga Teacher Central • All rights reserved • Terms of service • Privacy policy