Happy Friday! Today we’re taking a fresh look at how we step back into standing poses with one leg behind you. I’ll mainly be talking about how this works in Virabhadrasana 1 (Warrior 1 Pose), but you can apply the same principle to poses like Virabhadrasana 3 (Warrior 3 Pose), Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose, also known as Pyramid Pose), and other similar poses.
This works similarly to this post from a couple weeks ago about rotating the front leg. It matters where you put your attention during transitions.
When we think about stepping back, it often draws all our focus to the movement of the back leg and we miss the powerful role of the front hip. In this video, I use a block to help access that awareness. If you don’t have a block, you can use another item that’s sturdy enough to stand on or practice with your foot on the earth.
Does this approach resonate with you? I would love to guide you through how to make the movements of a postural yoga practice work better in your body. My online group classes always include some work on movement and internal awareness. For an approach that’s tailored to your unique body and how you move and feel, I’ve designed in-depth private workshops so that you get the movement, breath, and awareness practices that work best for you.
The information, instruction, and advice contained in this video and post are in no way intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only. Not all exercises are suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor before beginning this or any exercise program.
Rachel Ishiguro Yoga Therapy 