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
Supta Baddha Konasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passively
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back musclesGomukhasana
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 deeplyUstrasana
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 body
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Tadasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessUtkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesArdha Pincha Mayurasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin on all fours and lower your forearms to the mat, elbows below shoulders.
strengthens the shoulders, arms, and coreSupta Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backJanu Sirsasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
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.
- 1Reclining Bound Angle1 min
- 2Cat–Cow1 min
- 3Staff Pose1 min
- 4Cow Face Pose1 min
- 5Dancer's Pose1 min
- 6Camel Pose1 min
- 7Warrior II1 min
- 8Mountain Pose1 min
- 9Chair Pose1 min
- 10Dolphin Pose1-2 min
- 11Supine Spinal Twist1-2 min
- 12Head-to-Knee Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
