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
Paschimottanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesAnjaneyasana
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 leg
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreSalamba 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
Tadasana
3-5 min(30-50 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 groin
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesSalabhasana
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
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionUttanasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Savasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restSavasana
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.
- 1Seated Forward Fold3 min
- 2Staff Pose2 min
- 3Crescent Lunge2 min
- 4Warrior I2 min
- 5Sphinx Pose3-5 min
- 6Mountain Pose3-5 min
- 7Garland Pose3-5 min
- 8Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 9Locust Pose3-5 min
- 10Tree Pose5 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold3 min
- 12Corpse Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
