20-Minute Yoga for Strength
This 20-minute sequence develops the functional strength that supports a safe, sustainable yoga practice. Expect your legs, core, and upper body to work together in poses that build stability and control.
Duration
20 minutes
Poses
13 poses
Goal
Strength
The Flow
Gomukhasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with legs extended, then bend both knees and stack the right knee over the left.
opens the outer hips and glutes deeply
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesAnjaneyasana
1 min(8 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
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreSalabhasana
1 min(8-10 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
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsVasisthasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Plank Pose.
strengthens the obliques, deep core, and lateral stabilisersParivrtta Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart, right foot forward.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, hips, and it bandParivrtta Utkatasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneouslyUttanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backSupta Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower back
Savasana
3 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.
- 1Cow Face Pose1 min
- 2Warrior II1 min
- 3Crescent Lunge1 min
- 4Warrior I1 min
- 5Locust Pose1 min
- 6Chair Pose1 min
- 7Bridge Pose1 min
- 8Side Plank1 min
- 9Revolved Triangle1 min
- 10Revolved Chair Pose1-2 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold1-2 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
