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
Matsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlyUttanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Tadasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessMalasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinBaddha Konasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
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 hamstringsSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backAnjaneyasana
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 legUtkatasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesJanu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backDandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 2Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Mountain Pose2 min
- 5Garland Pose3-5 min
- 6Butterfly Pose3-5 min
- 7Bridge Pose3-5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 9Crescent Lunge3-5 min
- 10Chair Pose5 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 12Staff Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
