20-Minute Restorative Yoga for Relaxation
This 20-minute flow is an invitation to let go. Poses are held longer than usual to allow the nervous system to settle, the breath to deepen, and the body to release the tension it has been carrying.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Relaxation
The Flow
Dandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesUtkatasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreMalasana
2 min(15 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinPhalakasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersSalabhasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie face down with arms alongside your torso, palms facing up.
strengthens the muscles of the spine, glutes, and backs of the arms and legs
Trikonasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsAnjaneyasana
5 min(40-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Vrksasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionPaschimottanasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineUttanasana
5 min(40 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Savasana
5 min
Allow every muscle to soften completely. This is where the practice integrates.
promotes full recoveryQuick Reference
All 13 poses in this sequence, in order.
- 1Staff Pose3 min
- 2Chair Pose2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Garland Pose2 min
- 5Plank Pose5 min
- 6Locust Pose5 min
- 7Triangle Pose5 min
- 8Bridge Pose5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge5 min
- 10Tree Pose5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold5 min
- 12Standing Forward Fold5 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
