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 backDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreAnjaneyasana
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 simultaneouslyBakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Squat down and place your palms on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
strengthens the arms, wrists, and corePhalakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisers
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionNavasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the mat.
strengthens the deep core, hip flexors, and spineArdha Pincha Mayurasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin on all fours and lower your forearms to the mat, elbows below shoulders.
strengthens the shoulders, arms, and coreMatsyasana (Supported)
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlyParivrtta Trikonasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart, right foot forward.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, hips, and it band
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
- 2Staff Pose1 min
- 3Warrior I1 min
- 4Crescent Lunge1 min
- 5Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 6Crow Pose1 min
- 7Plank Pose1 min
- 8Tree Pose1 min
- 9Boat Pose1 min
- 10Dolphin Pose1-2 min
- 11Supported Fish Pose1-2 min
- 12Revolved Triangle1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
