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
Balasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, 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 legUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreDhanurasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with arms beside your torso.
opens the full front body: chest, abdomen, and hip flexorsUstrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Kneel with knees hip-width apart, tops of feet flat on the mat.
deeply stretches the entire front of the body
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionUrdhva Mukha Svanasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with palms by the lower ribs, elbows close in.
strengthens the spine, arms, and wrists
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 hamstringsSarvangasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back and draw your knees toward your chest.
stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restParivrtta Trikonasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart, right foot forward.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, hips, and it bandSavasana
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.
- 1Child's Pose1 min
- 2Crescent Lunge1 min
- 3Chair Pose1 min
- 4Warrior I1 min
- 5Bow Pose1 min
- 6Camel Pose1 min
- 7Tree Pose1 min
- 8Upward-Facing Dog1 min
- 9Bridge Pose1 min
- 10Shoulder Stand1-2 min
- 11Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 12Revolved Triangle1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
