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
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spine
Tadasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSalabhasana
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 legsAnjaneyasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legUtthan Pristhasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog and step the right foot outside the right hand.
deeply opens the hip flexors and groinDhanurasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with arms beside your torso.
opens the full front body: chest, abdomen, and hip flexorsVirabhadrasana III
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back 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.
- 1Cat–Cow1 min
- 2Mountain Pose1 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 4Chair Pose1 min
- 5Warrior II1 min
- 6Locust Pose1 min
- 7Crescent Lunge1 min
- 8Lizard Pose1 min
- 9Bow Pose1 min
- 10Warrior III1-2 min
- 11Happy Baby1-2 min
- 12Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
