Warrior

The Virabhadrasana variations or warrior poses build strength, stamina, balance and focus- all of which are important for the pregnant woman. Virabhadrasana is grounding and is perfect preparation for the challenges that labour may bring. Developing strength in your mind and body is particularly important in pregnancy as there are many people that will try to influence or change your mind about every aspect of pregnancy, birth and parenting. When you are well informed and have inner strength it allows you to stick to what you believe is right and follow the path that you have chosen rather than allowing yourself to be swayed by external factors. So often women are unnecessarily made to worry about different aspects of pregnancy and are convinced to make choices in labour that they may not have made or needed to make if they were empowered, including Virabhadrasana in your yoga practice and confronting the challenges you face with it will help you in your path to becoming a warrior.


Virabhadrasana I

Standing with feet hip distance apart step one leg back about 1 metre or to wherever is comfortable for you. Rotate your back foot outwards 45degrees and raise your arms above your head while drawing your shoulders together and away from your ears and rotating your upper body forwards. Inhale and as you exhale bend your front knee ensuring that your knee stays in line with your ankle. Stay in this pose for 10 long steady breaths. To come out of the pose inhale and straighten your front leg, exhale and lower your arms. Step your back leg forward and repeat on the other side.

Virabhadrasana II

Standing with feet hip distance apart step one leg back about 1 metre or to wherever is comfortable for you. Rotate your back foot outwards 45degrees and raise your arms out to the side at shoulder height. Rotate your head to look out over your front arm. Inhale and as you exhale bend your front knee ensuring that your knee stays in line with your ankle. Stay in this pose for 10 long steady breaths. To come out of the pose inhale and straighten your front leg, exhale and lower your arms. Step your back leg forward and repeat on the other side. 

Virabhadrasana III

Standing with feet hip distance apart step one leg back about 1 metre or to wherever is comfortable for you. Rotate your back foot outwards 45degrees and raise your arms above your head while drawing your shoulders together and away from your ears and rotating your upper body forwards. Inhale and as you exhale bend your front knee ensuring that your knee stays in line with your ankle while bending forward from the hips over the front knee. On the next inhale using the strength of your front leg lift your body and back leg by straightening your front leg. Ensure that your hips and body remain parallel to the ground. Stay in this pose for 10 long steady breaths. To come out of the pose inhale and lower you back leg to the ground while keeping your body straight, exhale and lower your arms. Repeat on the other side.