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 spine
Virabhadrasana II
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesDandasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesMalasana
2 min(15-20 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groinUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, 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 legsPhalakasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersSupta Matsyendrasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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
Trikonasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesSupta Baddha Konasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyMatsyasana (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
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
- 2Warrior II2 min
- 3Staff Pose2 min
- 4Garland Pose2 min
- 5Chair Pose3-5 min
- 6Locust Pose3-5 min
- 7Plank Pose3-5 min
- 8Supine Spinal Twist3-5 min
- 9Warrior I3-5 min
- 10Triangle Pose5 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle3 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
