Warrior 1 (Virabhadrasana I) is part of the series of poses in many of the versions of Sun Salutations. The pose stretches one’s chest, lungs, shoulders, neck, abdomen and groin, and opens the hips. Despite standing still, the pose is vigorous, as all one’s muscles are alert and active, which strengthens the legs, shoulders, arms and back. Doing Warrior 1 builds power in the ankles, calves and thighs. Although it seems easy enough for beginners, to really perfect the alignment to keep the hip bones facing forward, the front leg bent to 90 degrees, and the back leg turned 75 degrees outward, takes time and much practice.
Jenny in Warrior One Pose (Virabhadrasana I) on Windy Ridge, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Warrior One Pose (Virabhadrasana I) on Parker Ridge, with the Saskatchewan Glacier behind, Banff National Park, Alberta (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Warrior One Pose (Virabhadrasana I) at Halfway Meadow Hut along the trail to Skoki Lodge, in Banff National Park, Alberta (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Warrior One Pose (Virabhadrasana I), hampered somewhat by her daypack in her effort to lift the chest skyward, among the wild Camas (Camassia) meadows at the summit of Mount Benson above Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny Feick in Warrior One Pose (Virabhadrasana I) at Sand Point Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington State (Photo by Ian Hatter).