Warrior I Yoga Pose

The Warrior I yoga pose, also known as Virabhadrasana I, is the first of three foundational poses known as the ‘Warrior poses’ (along with II and III). Warrior poses are common in yoga practice. Warrior I builds strength and focus. It may look easy but takes balance, coordination and concentration. The Warrior I yoga pose increases flexibility in your hip flexors (psoas) and lengthens the spine. Holding this pose strengthens the muscles of your legs and glutes. You’ll feel your ankles and feet work to keep you balanced. This pose is all about alignment of the hips, knees and feet. Warrior I prepares your body for backbends and other yoga poses.

Yoga styles

Yoga by definition means “union” and has been around for thousands of years. The mind-body benefits of this form of exercise are endless. Practicing yoga on a regular basis promotes flexibility, relaxation, tones your muscles and can reduces stress, for starters. There are many types or styles of yoga. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced exerciser, start with a basic routine. Keep in mind that yoga is a completely new challenge that can work your body in a way it has never been worked before. Listed below is a rundown of some of the popular yoga styles. Several ‘styles’ serve as an ‘umbrella term’ for various types of yoga classes within each category (or sub-categories).

Five popular yoga styles

Hatha-  a great style for beginners, hatha yoga encompasses various class styles but tends to be slower-paced and gentler than other forms. For this reason it is an excellent option for individuals that desire to lay a solid foundational understanding of the basic postures and poses and/or who may be beginners to the practice.

Vinyasa- like Hatha, this term also encompasses a variety of class styles. It is comprised of a sequence of yoga postures connected with your breathing. They are designed to create a seamless ‘flow’ throughout the practice.

Ashtanga- or “power yoga” is more a more physically demanding style of yoga practice with an emphasis on muscular endurance as well as flexibility – it offers a rigorous workout.

Bikram- or “hot yoga” includes a sequence of 26 yoga poses performed in a heated room. It is not uncommon for Bikrim classes to last 90-minutes.

Iyengar- the focus of this style of yoga is on proper body alignment and includes the use of props and/or accessories to facilitate the correct body position for each pose. Typically, there is an emphasis on holding the postures for a longer period of time instead of flowing quickly from one pose to the next.