How To Do the Warrior III Pose

  • December 5, 2007
  • 558 Views
Please install Flash

The Warrior III Pose recreates the moment that the fierce Virabhadra chopped off the head of his master’s enemy. If you could do battle balanced on one leg, maybe you’d have a pose named after you.

You Will Need

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for stretching and moving
  • A calm place where you won't be distracted or disturbed
  • A yoga mat or folded blanket
  • A wall
How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Mountain Pose

Step 1: Mountain Pose

Stand at the front of your mat with your feet hip-width apart and your weight evenly distributed between them, your spine erect, and your arms at your sides.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Step w/ right foot

Step 2: Step w/ right foot

Step your right foot about one foot in front of your left, and shift your weight onto the right leg.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Extend arms up

Step 3: Extend arms up

Extend your arms straight up overhead and press your palms together.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Lift left leg

Step 4: Lift left leg

Raise your left leg up behind you, keeping the leg straight as your torso and arms lower in front of you as if your hips are a hinge.

If balancing on one foot is difficult, use a wall to stabilize yourself, either placing your hands or your left foot on it before assuming the pose.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Align & square hips

Step 5: Align & square hips

When your left leg, back, and arms are parallel to the ground, forming a T with your right leg, square your hips to the ground.

To vary the pose, separate your hands, put them on your hips, clasp them behind your back, or reach your arms toward the back foot.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Hold pose

Step 6: Hold pose

Hold the pose for a few slow breaths.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Release pose

Step 7: Release pose

Release the pose by lowering your leg and simultaneously raising your torso.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Repeat pose

Step 8: Repeat pose

Repeat the pose on your left leg, holding it for as many breaths as you did on the right.

How To Do the Warrior III Pose: Release pose

Step 9: Release pose

Release the pose by lowering your leg and raising your torso. You’ll have a namesake in no time.

Virabhadra’s vanquished enemy was given a replacement head: that of a goat.

Something wrong?

Report This How-To

Cancel

Comments (0)

There are no comments. Be the first!

or to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends