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 anklesAnjaneyasana
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 legPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Tadasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessVirabhadrasana III
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back body
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 musclesUstrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Kneel with knees hip-width apart, tops of feet flat on the mat.
deeply stretches the entire front of the bodyUtthan 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 groinArdha Chandrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Triangle Pose on the right side.
strengthens the ankles, legs, glutes, and spineDandasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesAnanda Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
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.
- 1Child's Pose1 min
- 2Crescent Lunge1 min
- 3Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 4Chair Pose1 min
- 5Mountain Pose1 min
- 6Warrior III1 min
- 7Cobra Pose1 min
- 8Camel Pose1 min
- 9Lizard Pose1 min
- 10Half Moon Pose1-2 min
- 11Staff Pose1-2 min
- 12Happy Baby1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
