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
Ananda Balasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsMalasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backAgnistambhasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with legs extended.
deeply stretches the outer hips and glutes
Bhujangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with your legs extended, tops of your feet on the mat.
strengthens the spine and erector musclesSalabhasana
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 legsUstrasana
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 bodyArdha Chandrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Triangle Pose on the right side.
strengthens the ankles, legs, glutes, and spineBakasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Squat down and place your palms on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
strengthens the arms, wrists, and coreUttanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backGomukhasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with legs extended, then bend both knees and stack the right knee over the left.
opens the outer hips and glutes deeply
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.
- 1Happy Baby1 min
- 2Garland Pose1 min
- 3Warrior I1 min
- 4Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 5Fire Log Pose1 min
- 6Cobra Pose1 min
- 7Locust Pose1 min
- 8Camel Pose1 min
- 9Half Moon Pose1 min
- 10Crow Pose1-2 min
- 11Standing Forward Fold1-2 min
- 12Cow Face Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
