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
Dandasana
1 min(8-10 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 coreGomukhasana
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 deeplyUttanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backDhanurasana
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 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back body
Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Tadasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessNavasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the mat.
strengthens the deep core, hip flexors, and spine
Adho Mukha Svanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the bodyParivrtta Utkatasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneouslyParivrtta 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.
- 1Staff Pose1 min
- 2Warrior I1 min
- 3Cow Face Pose1 min
- 4Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 5Bow Pose1 min
- 6Warrior III1 min
- 7Triangle Pose1 min
- 8Mountain Pose1 min
- 9Boat Pose1 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog1-2 min
- 11Revolved Chair Pose1-2 min
- 12Revolved Triangle1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
