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
Matsyasana (Supported)
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlyGomukhasana
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 deeplyDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, 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
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 hamstringsGarudasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
stretches the shoulders and upper back deeply
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and core
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionVirabhadrasana III
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back bodyPaschimottanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restSavasana
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose1 min
- 2Cow Face Pose1 min
- 3Staff Pose1 min
- 4Chair Pose1 min
- 5Pigeon Pose1 min
- 6Bridge Pose1 min
- 7Eagle Pose1 min
- 8Warrior I1 min
- 9Tree Pose1 min
- 10Warrior III1-2 min
- 11Seated Forward Fold1-2 min
- 12Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
