21 Jul Warrior 1

Instructions:

1. From High Lunge Pose with the right knee bent, engage the legs to ground down through the feet, and inhale the hands up to the bent knee. Use the arms to draw the torso back slightly. Make sure the right knee is directly over the right ankle.

2. Bring the hands to the hips and square the hips and the shoulders to the front wall. Relax the shoulders down and draw the shoulder blades towards the spine to open the chest.

3. Inhale the arms over the head in a H position with the palms facing each other, or bring the palms together crossing the thumbs, or interlace the fingers together and point the index finger up. Keep the shoulders relaxed and the chest lifted.

4. To go deeper, bring the palms together and carefully arch back and look up towards the ceiling.

5. Inhale deeply into the belly and chest, exhale press into the feet, fingers and crown, feeling your body expanding out in 5 directions.

6. Keep breathing and hold for 3-6 breaths.

7. To release, exhale and lower the hands down to the floor.

Benefits: Warrior I strengthens the legs, opens the hips and chest and stretches the arms and legs. Warrior I develops concentration and balance. This pose improves circulation and respiration and energizes the entire body.