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 anklesUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesMalasana
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 coreGarudasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
stretches the shoulders and upper back deeplySalabhasana
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 legsParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneouslyPhalakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersArdha Chandrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Triangle Pose on the right side.
strengthens the ankles, legs, glutes, and spineNavasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the mat.
strengthens the deep core, hip flexors, and spineArdha Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobilityPaschimottanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
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.
- 1Child's Pose1 min
- 2Chair Pose1 min
- 3Garland Pose1 min
- 4Warrior I1 min
- 5Eagle Pose1 min
- 6Locust Pose1 min
- 7Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 8Plank Pose1 min
- 9Half Moon Pose1 min
- 10Boat Pose1-2 min
- 11Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 12Seated Forward Fold1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
