How to do Virabhadrasana-3 (Warrior Pose III) Step by Step
Virabhadrasana-3 gives a good/ solid foundation to the body, and gives us a great understanding of gravity. Virabhadrasana-3 is a balance and strength-building yoga posture. It strengthens legs, develops a strong core and is adequate to be practiced by experienced yoga intermediates.
You can start in mountain pose and step forward into the balancing position as an alternative to transitioning from virabhadrasana-1 and high lunge as we described here.
How to Perform Warrior 3:
Step 1: Come into the mountain position or tadasana. From there open your legs hip-width distance to understand the gravity right underneath the feet to feel the good foundation for the feet.
Step 2: As you find a good foundation to the feet then you can step one leg back – right or left – and then place your hands onto the hip, but make sure your hip is square and parallel. From there you can bend the front knee until you feel your body weight shifting towards the mound of your feet as well. Make sure when you’re bending your leg you’re not losing the action of the back leg.
Step 3: Once you feel even weight on both legs then reach the arms up above your head to feel the extension of the side body. Make sure the pelvis is not dropping towards your thigh.
Step 4: Now try to lift your back heel off the ground and come into the high lunge position. From there try to shift your body weight on the front leg. The front knee must be bent – you should not straighten yet.
Step 5: Once you shift your body weight on the front leg lean your front body towards the front thigh and continue extending the arms forward. Hold for a couple of breaths.
Step 6: Try to lift your back leg, but keep the front knee bent. Once you feel a good balance on the front foot then try to straighten your leg, but make sure you’re not getting the pressure behind your knee. From there step your foot back to the neutral position and then you can repeat from the other side.
Muscles You Use and Strengthen :
- Deltoideus posterior
- Erector spinae
- Rectus abdominis
- Obliquus internus
- Transversus abdominis
- Gluteus maximus
- Bicep femoris
Benefits:
- Improves balance
- Strengthens ankles, calves, thighs, spine, core muscles, and shoulders
- Stretches thighs.
Caution:
- Avoid if you have a lower back injury or knee injury.
- Avoid practicing Virabhadrasana-3 if you suffer from any of these conditions: heart problems, severe neck or shoulder pain, knee pain, high blood pressure or recent chronic illness.
- If you suffer from spinal ailments avoid practicing warrior pose.
- Keep the head in a neutral position if you are experiencing neck pain or had a neck injury recently.
- Since Virabhadrasana is an arduous pose, avoid holding it for too long as that can easily lead to strain or injury.
Read: Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh