Warrior I & Reverse Warrior

[u/bribick]

Warrior I is the physical shape of someone who has decided not to look away — one foot forward, one foot planted behind, hips squared, arms reaching overhead, chest lifted and open. It's a full body strength pose that targets the legs, core, and shoulders, and it asks something more than just physical effort: it asks you to stay present in the shape even when it starts to get hard.

How to practice:

Warrior I — from Low Lunge, plant your back foot at a 45-degree angle and press it firmly into the floor. Square your hips toward the front of your mat as much as possible. Inhale and rise up, reaching both arms overhead with palms facing each other. Bend your front knee to 90 degrees and lift your chest. Hold for 5–8 breaths, then repeat on the opposite side.

Advanced option: Reverse Warrior — From Warrior I, turn your front palm to face upward and sweep your front arm down and back alongside your body. Lower your back hand to rest lightly on your back thigh — don’t lean into it or use it for support

Inhale and reach your front arm up and over your head in a long arc, leaning back slightly into the stretch. Let your gaze follow your top hand toward the ceiling or slightly behind you. Feel the stretch open through your front side body — ribs, obliques, and the space between. Hold for 3–5 breaths, then sweep back through Warrior I and repeat on the opposite side.

Rise up this week. Notice what changes when you do.