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
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spinePaschimottanasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineUtkatasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesAnjaneyasana
2 min(15-20 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 groinUttanasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine 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 muscles
Virabhadrasana II
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSupta Baddha Konasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passively
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.
- 1Cat–Cow3 min
- 2Seated Forward Fold2 min
- 3Chair Pose2 min
- 4Crescent Lunge2 min
- 5Garland Pose3-5 min
- 6Standing Forward Fold3-5 min
- 7Tree Pose3-5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 9Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 10Warrior II5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 12Child's Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
