How-To Series: Virabhadrasana III (Warrior 3)
After Virabhadrasana barrels up through the castle’s floor (Warrior I), then takes his aim (Warrior II), he is ready to reach out and grab his precious princess. Warrior III is such a fierce pose. I love the feeling of total strength and stability while standing on one leg. Then, finding the length of my spine extend as I reach my arms and head in opposition of my lifted leg behind me. (FYI: Warrior III can be done with arms extended forward or back along side hips).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIzHA_k-qEg[/youtube]
To really go after what we want in life, we have to be prepared to confront obstacles that arise along the way. We also have to make sure we are aiming in the right direction; or going after what we truly want. Then, we muster up all of our strength and confidence and take flight to capture our heart’s desires.
It can be scary to really go for it in life (and on our mats); but it is so rewarding at the same time. And, if we fall the first time around, we can always reset and try again. In yoga as in life, there is no such thing as failure, instead it’s about the process and staying in the moment. We repeat this over and over again with each stage of our life. Our challenges are different each time, our goals change and our accomplishments vary.
Warrior III is a pose that will always remind us that we are capable of growing and learning and achieving more than we ever thought possible. Stand strong and move confidently in the direction of your goals and visions. Find your core strength, steady your self on one foot, aim the crown of your head forward; but keep your back leg strong and firm to balance all that you’ve accomplished in the past, with everything you are going towards in the future.
Kristin McGee is a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor in New York City. She is currently teaching yoga with Peloton. She is the star of over 100 videos, seen in several magazines and tv shows and is a spokeswoman for many brands and causes she believes in. A proud mom to three, she sure keeps herself busy!
One thought on “How-To Series: Virabhadrasana III (Warrior 3)”
Thank you Kristen for your DVDs. I’ve been doing your MTV Yoga practice off and on for 7 years since I was 17 (also Power Yoga) and first discovered the joys of yoga; I know the routine by heart, but playing the video is such a “comfort food” for me.
When I can’t get to class, or I’m feeling particularly tired and inflexible, I will pop it in and I always feel better after! Thank you!