Yoga BLOG

Virabhadrasana – Hero Pose or Warrior Pose Are you a hero? Or even a warrior? Most likely, as a child, you firmly resolved to become a true hero, only to lose sight of this goal at some point. What does heroism, or even a warrior, have to do with yoga? Aren't pride and violence things that yoga expressly rejects, and instead teaches humility and nonviolence? In yoga, you encounter the hero pose as an asana that you perform directly after the sun salutation . Here, you'll learn what the hero pose is all about, why it doesn't make you a warrior, and how you can strengthen your personality and body with this asana. The name of the asana goes back to a mythical figure Virabhadrasana, the name of the asana, is Sanskrit. "Bhadra" means "great," and "vira" translates as "hero." But who was this great hero, after whom one of the most important yoga poses is named? Virabhadra was a son of Shiva. In yoga, Virabhadra symbolizes a blessed person with great power. The asana is said to increase your self-confidence and make you courageous. This is how the asana works Virabhadrasana is a strengthening exercise that plays a central role in power yoga . This asana is also often taught in children's yoga classes because it helps children ground themselves. This asana increases your strength and stamina. It is particularly suitable if you want to build your glutes and quadriceps. On an energetic level, Virabhadrasana has a balancing effect. It stimulates your mind and strengthens your courage. In yoga, inertia and ignorance are considered the root causes of many ills. Virabhadrasana is ideal for effectively counteracting these negative qualities. Like all standing poses, Virabhadrasana grounds you and helps you rediscover your inner and outer balance. How to get into the position Virabhadrasana is a strenuous asana that requires not only good body tension, but above all stamina, concentration, and inner calm. Most yoga teachers practice three variations of Virabhadrasana, called Warrior 1, 2, and 3. Yogis often incorporate all three variations into their yoga classes. The starting position for all exercises in the Hero series is the tree pose . For Warrior 1, extend your arms straight and parallel and take a large forward lunge. Make sure your heels are aligned and your knee is over your heel. Rotate your back leg slightly outward and shift your weight onto the outer edge of your foot. Lift your head and gaze up over your hands. If you have neck problems, gaze straight ahead. For Warrior 2, stand in the center of the mat and gaze over your outstretched hand toward the horizon. Step into a wide lunge, keeping your back leg straight and bending your front leg so your knee is directly over your heel. Your hips are parallel to the mat, your back foot slightly turned outward. Extend your arms out wide, keeping your shoulders down. Look forward and enjoy this confidence-boosting exercise. Warrior 3 is a pose for advanced yogis. It requires strength and balance. Come into Warrior 1 and take a few breaths to deepen your concentration. Place your arms on your hips, step your left foot back, and shift your weight onto your right leg. Let your torso sink forward while your back leg reaches up. The goal is for your arms, torso, and leg to be parallel to the floor. Keep your hips straight and hold the pose for a few breaths before switching sides. Image © fizkes