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
Trikonasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
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 musclesArdha Chandrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Triangle Pose on the right side.
strengthens the ankles, legs, glutes, and spineArdha Matsyendrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobilityGarudasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
stretches the shoulders and upper back deeplySalabhasana
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 legsNavasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the mat.
strengthens the deep core, hip flexors, and spineJanu Sirsasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backGomukhasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with legs extended, then bend both knees and stack the right knee over the left.
opens the outer hips and glutes deeply
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
- 2Triangle Pose1 min
- 3Warrior I1 min
- 4Chair Pose1 min
- 5Cobra Pose1 min
- 6Half Moon Pose1 min
- 7Half Lord of the Fishes1 min
- 8Eagle Pose1 min
- 9Locust Pose1 min
- 10Boat Pose1-2 min
- 11Head-to-Knee Pose1-2 min
- 12Cow Face Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
