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
Janu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinAnjaneyasana
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 leg
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spine
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 musclesPhalakasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsBaddha Konasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSupta Baddha Konasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passively
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.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 2Garland Pose2 min
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Cat–Cow2 min
- 5Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 6Plank Pose3-5 min
- 7Chair Pose3-5 min
- 8Bridge Pose3-5 min
- 9Butterfly Pose3-5 min
- 10Warrior II5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 12Corpse Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
