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 groinAnjaneyasana
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 legParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneously
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Downward Dog, bring your right knee toward your right wrist.
deeply opens the hips, groin, and outer thighsGarudasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
stretches the shoulders and upper back deeply
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesBakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Squat down and place your palms on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
strengthens the arms, wrists, and coreVirabhadrasana III
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back bodyArdha Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobility
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restSavasana
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
- 4Crescent Lunge1 min
- 5Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 6Pigeon Pose1 min
- 7Eagle Pose1 min
- 8Warrior II1 min
- 9Crow Pose1 min
- 10Warrior III1-2 min
- 11Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 12Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
