Twist Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800721

Bound Warrior I Twist Baddha Parivrtta Virabhadrasana

Warrior I Twist with the arms binding. The bind deepens the rotation or the opening considerably and demands shoulder range before the pose itself can be entered at all.

Practice Bound Warrior I Twist (Baddha Parivrtta Virabhadrasana) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
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Bound Warrior I Twist (Baddha Parivrtta Virabhadrasana) — Twist Yoga Posture Illustration

Bound Warrior I Twist (Baddha Parivrtta Virabhadrasana) — Twist posture targeting Quads, Obliques, Glutes, Shoulders, Chest · Exhale to turn breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Baddha Parivrtta Virabhadrasana
Posture Family
Twist
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
25 seconds
Breath Pattern
Exhale to turn
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Quads, Obliques, Glutes, Shoulders, Chest
Energy Expenditure
4.5 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Bound Warrior I Twist

Bound Warrior I Twist (Baddha Parivrtta Virabhadrasana) belongs to the Twist posture family and engages the Quads, Obliques, Glutes, Shoulders, Chest at an intensity of approximately 4.5 METs. Warrior I Twist with the arms binding. The bind deepens the rotation or the opening considerably and demands shoulder range before the pose itself can be entered at all.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Exhale to turn throughout the 25-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Quads, Obliques, Glutes, Shoulders, Chest.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 10 years (120 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 25 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Pregnancy
  • Low back injury
  • Knee injury
  • Shoulder injury

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