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
Janu Sirsasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backGomukhasana
1 min(8 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 I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneouslyNavasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the mat.
strengthens the deep core, hip flexors, and spine
Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
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 thighs
Adho Mukha Svanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the bodyAnanda Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsArdha Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobility
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.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 2Cow Face Pose1 min
- 3Warrior I1 min
- 4Staff Pose1 min
- 5Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 6Boat Pose1 min
- 7Triangle Pose1 min
- 8Warrior II1 min
- 9Pigeon Pose1 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog1-2 min
- 11Happy Baby1-2 min
- 12Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
