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Warrior I
Virabhadrasana I (veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-anna I)
Strengthens legs, glutes, and core. Opens chest and hip flexors. Builds focus and grounding.

You Should Feel
Work in your front leg—quad and glute engaged. Stretch through the front of your back hip. Chest lifting, arms active.
How to Get Into the Pose
- 1Front knee bends to 90 degrees, stacking over ankle
- 2Back leg straight and strong, back foot angled 45-60 degrees
- 3Hips working toward being square with the front of your mat (challenging—requires back hip to draw forward)
- 4Chest lifts, arms reach overhead
- 5Shoulders relax down away from ears
Modifications
- •If hips don't square easily: Widen your stance (step front foot slightly to the side)
- •If balance is challenging: Shorten your stance
- •If shoulders are tight: Keep arms at shoulder height or in prayer at your chest
- •To deepen: Sink your hips lower while maintaining alignment