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 coreUttanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesPhalakasana
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
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 muscles
Tadasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessSalabhasana
3-5 min(30-50 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 legsSalamba Bhujangasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spineUtkatasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesPaschimottanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineMatsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
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
- 3Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 4Warrior II2 min
- 5Plank Pose3-5 min
- 6Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 7Mountain Pose3-5 min
- 8Locust Pose3-5 min
- 9Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 10Chair Pose5 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold3 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
