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 gently
Virabhadrasana I
2 min(15-20 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinUttanasana
2 min(15-20 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 proprioception
Virabhadrasana II
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
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 legsUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesPhalakasana
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 passivelySupta Matsyendrasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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
- 2Warrior I2 min
- 3Garland Pose2 min
- 4Standing Forward Fold2 min
- 5Tree Pose3-5 min
- 6Warrior II3-5 min
- 7Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 8Locust Pose3-5 min
- 9Chair Pose3-5 min
- 10Plank Pose5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
