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
Ananda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesAnjaneyasana
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
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUttanasana
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 musclesSalabhasana
5 min(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 legsSupta Matsyendrasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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
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.
- 1Happy Baby3 min
- 2Warrior I2 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 6Tree Pose3-5 min
- 7Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 8Standing Forward Fold3-5 min
- 9Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 10Locust Pose5 min
- 11Supine Spinal Twist3 min
- 12Child's Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
