The word Virabhadrasana is a conjunction of two words Virabhadra and Asana which literally means the posture of a warrior. Virbhadrasana, as the name suggests is very similar to the position that a warrior holds. It is basically particularly compelling asana, full of emblematic and vigorous physical power. The entire Virabhadrasana is performed in three stages - Virabhadrasana I, Virabhadrasana II and Virabhadrasana III. The entire asana is meant to increase the strength, courage, endurance and confidence of the performer.

Instructions

* Stand straight and balance your body weight on both your legs properly.
* Now, give mountain pose to both your feet together and hands at the side.
* Try keep your feet your feet 4 feet apart. Balance your body properly
* Now turn your right foot about 45 degrees to the left. Hold on this position.
* Then try to rotate your left foot 90 degrees to the left, so that it is positioned directly to the side.
* Now try to bend your left knee until your thigh becomes parallel to the ground
* Make sure you keep your knee either behind or directly over the ankle. Hold and balance yourself at this posture.
* Now gradually raise your arms over your head
* After you have both your hands straight upwards, gradually pull down your left arm and bring it parallel to the ears and pointing ahead.
* Make sure while your left hand is pointing forward, your right hand takes a posture aiming back.
* Now develop your focus on a particular point in front of you and breathe gradually.
* Take approximately 5 deep breaths at this position.
* Gradually bring your hands and legs to the normal position.
* Repeat few times.

Tips

* Balancing your body in a proper way is one of the most important aspects of Virabhadrasana.
* Do not over exert yourself, gradually perform the steps and complete one motion before switching to the other.
* Do not slant your body at unusual angles while doing the Virabhadrasana.
* Keep your breathing in control and inhale and exhale gradually.

Benefits

* Virabhadrasana brings flexibility to the entire body.
* It helps in strengthening the lower torso and stimulates abdominal organs.
* It also teaches your body balancing and coordination of body parts.
* It also improves circulation and respiration process in the body.
* Virabhadrasana is also good for improving concentration.
* It also improves posture and energizes the entire body.
* It is beneficial in carpal tunnel syndrome, flat feet, infertility, osteoporosis, and sciatica.
* Virabhadrasana is known to increase stamina.

Caution

* Avoid Virabhadrasana if you had a recent or chronic injury to the hips, knees, back or shoulders.
* Patients of hypertension should also not perform this Asana.
* Do not perform Virabhadrasana if you are suffering from diarrhea.
* People with spondylitis and slip disc should also not perform Virabhadrasana.