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 gentlyMalasana
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 coreAnjaneyasana
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 legUtkatasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
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 musclesUttanasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Trikonasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Tadasana
3-5 min(30-50 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessSupta Matsyendrasana
5 min(50 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
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 anklesJanu Sirsasana
3 min(20-30 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, 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
- 2Garland Pose2 min
- 3Warrior I2 min
- 4Crescent Lunge2 min
- 5Chair Pose3-5 min
- 6Cobra Pose3-5 min
- 7Standing Forward Fold3-5 min
- 8Triangle Pose3-5 min
- 9Mountain Pose3-5 min
- 10Supine Spinal Twist5 min
- 11Child's Pose3 min
- 12Head-to-Knee Pose3 min
- 13Corpse Pose5 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
