Amp Up Your Warrior III With Weights

One of the main reasons I fell in love with yoga was because no matter where you are in your practice, there’s always some place else to go. A basic pose to learn, a variation on that same pose to master, or an entirely new version of an old favorite like I teach in my yoga sculpt variations

I’ll never forget the first yoga class I ever took 20 years ago, with Shannon Gannon who founded Jivamukti Yoga. I was a hardcore Equinox Gym rat who thought yoga was a waste of time- but that first class I took changed my mind forever.

I got through most of the class, although I was super tight from all the running and spinning I did, and was excited to take on crow pose when she offered it. Because of my upper body and core strength I was able to get into it right away, but she must have seen me gloating so she then instructed me to take one foot and extend it back behind me.

I fell flat on my face, and into a pile of laughter.

That day I realized that you can always find a new way to challenge yourself in every pose- lift a leg, hold a block or close your eyes! It’s amazing to see how one small change can increase your strength- not only physically, but mentally as well!

After practicing for 15 years I was ready to take my practice to the next level, and that’s why I created my Xen Strength Yoga method. I still adore regular yoga, but practicing yoga sculpt with weights has made my regular practice even better.

I mean, if you can hold tree pose while doing bicep curls, imagine how strong you’ll feel doing it without weights next time you go back to class!

Need more convincing? Check out The Top Reasons Your Yoga Needs Weights.

Today I’m sharing with you a new video I made for Yoga Journal– It’s a variation on Warrior III with added weights. You’ll notice how much more aware you need to be of engaging your legs and core to stay steady!

I hope you love it!

XO

Danielle

PS. If you have a friend who could rock this pose, pass it along!