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
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreJanu Sirsasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backSalabhasana
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 legs
Vrksasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
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 musclesBaddha Konasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesSalamba Bhujangasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your belly with legs extended, tops of feet on the mat.
gently stretches and strengthens the spineDandasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesMatsyasana (Supported)
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlySavasana
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.
- 1Corpse Pose3 min
- 2Garland Pose2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Head-to-Knee Pose2 min
- 5Locust Pose3-5 min
- 6Tree Pose3-5 min
- 7Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 8Butterfly Pose3-5 min
- 9Chair Pose3-5 min
- 10Sphinx Pose5 min
- 11Staff Pose3 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
