By Karen Watson Reeves
It has been such an honor for me to be writing this article for The Springs Magazine for just over a year. Part of the challenge and fun for me is to be creative with finding a pose and a setting within the beautiful city/National Park of Hot Springs.
And I do have to give props to Fred Padilla for suggesting places and for his great photography. This photo is the first repeat of a site, but when I saw that redbud blooming on Whittington Park, it called out to be the background!
This month I am sharing the benefits of Warrior I. In previous editions you can find Warrior II, Warrior III, and Reverse Warrior (Archer.) They definitely have some similarities, so for this month I thought a Top Ten list might be a fun way to share the benefits of Warrior I.
Activates the erector spinae, which lie on either side of the vertebral column, straightening the back and providing side-to-side rotation. Practicing this pose can help the erector spinae function properly and reduce spasms and pain.
Strengthens the gluteals, the quadriceps, the adductors of the inner thighs, the core, as well as the shoulders, arms, and back muscles.
Stretches the hip flexors, the entire front body, including the chest, lungs, shoulders, neck, abdominals and psoas. As stiff muscles are loosened, sometimes emotions that have been held in can be released, creating an overall sense of calmness in the mind and flexibility in the body.
Intensifies mind-body connection. As legs and hands and arms are moved in various directions in the Warrior poses, the yogi develops a greater sense of spatial awareness, fostering coordination and connection with the self.
Relieves sciatic pain as tension in the back and hips is released. A regular practice of this pose can provide long-lasting relief from the tingling, weakening, and numbing sensations that go along with sciatica.
Opens the heart as the chest is lifted into a slight back bend, which aids in gaining inner strength and opening to others in a confident and courageous manner.
Boosts energy levels because as the body is stretched, strengthened and opened, overall health improves. Therefore, the body is less likely to succumb to diseases.
Creates support for the parasympathetic nervous system, releasing brain chemicals and hormones that result in a more peaceful mind.
Builds stamina as the Warrior pose is held for a prolonged time. As the body gets used to being still in the longer held poses, the mind can also benefit, staying quiet and calm
Enhances overall fitness. You can see from this list that Warrior I and its counterparts provide an excellent way to tone the upper and lower body, strengthen the weak muscles, build endurance, and provide energy that is essential for living a healthy life.
Incorporate the Warrior poses into your practice. They can be done as strengthening long-held poses or linked together by the breath in a flow sequence. You will reap all the benefits!
Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly and has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle.
