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 backUttanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Trikonasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsBakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Squat down and place your palms on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
strengthens the arms, wrists, and coreDhanurasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with arms beside your torso.
opens the full front body: chest, abdomen, and hip flexors
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
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 musclesSarvangasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back and draw your knees toward your chest.
stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glandsAnanda Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsMatsyasana (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 gently
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
- 2Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 3Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 4Triangle Pose1 min
- 5Bridge Pose1 min
- 6Crow Pose1 min
- 7Bow Pose1 min
- 8Warrior I1 min
- 9Cobra Pose1 min
- 10Shoulder Stand1-2 min
- 11Happy Baby1-2 min
- 12Supported Fish Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
