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
Dandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesAnjaneyasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backUttanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backPhalakasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisers
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana I
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spine
Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restSavasana
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
- 2Crescent Lunge2 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 4Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 5Plank Pose3-5 min
- 6Tree Pose3-5 min
- 7Garland Pose3-5 min
- 8Warrior I3-5 min
- 9Chair Pose3-5 min
- 10Sphinx Pose5 min
- 11Child's Pose3 min
- 12Corpse Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
