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 II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Trikonasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
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 musclesAnjaneyasana
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 legMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
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 hamstringsUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
5 min(50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreMatsyasana (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
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 II2 min
- 3Staff Pose2 min
- 4Triangle Pose2 min
- 5Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 6Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 7Garland Pose3-5 min
- 8Bridge Pose3-5 min
- 9Chair Pose3-5 min
- 10Warrior I5 min
- 11Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 12Child's Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
