20-Minute Yin 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
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesBaddha Konasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsUttanasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Bhujangasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backAnjaneyasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Trikonasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesPaschimottanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineAnanda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
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.
- 1Cat–Cow3 min
- 2Staff Pose2 min
- 3Garland Pose2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Butterfly Pose3-5 min
- 6Standing Forward Fold3-5 min
- 7Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 10Triangle Pose5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold3 min
- 12Happy Baby3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
