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 gentlyMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Trikonasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, 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 musclesSalamba 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 spine
Virabhadrasana I
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Tadasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessPhalakasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersSupta Baddha Konasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyAnanda Balasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
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
- 2Garland Pose2 min
- 3Warrior II2 min
- 4Triangle Pose2 min
- 5Chair Pose3-5 min
- 6Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 7Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 8Warrior I3-5 min
- 9Mountain Pose3-5 min
- 10Plank Pose5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 12Happy Baby3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
