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
Ananda Balasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexors
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spine
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreMalasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
Tadasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioception
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 musclesParivrtta Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart, right foot forward.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, hips, and it bandVasisthasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Plank Pose.
strengthens the obliques, deep core, and lateral stabilisersArdha Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobilityUttanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, 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.
- 1Happy Baby1 min
- 2Cat–Cow1 min
- 3Warrior I1 min
- 4Garland Pose1 min
- 5Mountain Pose1 min
- 6Warrior II1 min
- 7Tree Pose1 min
- 8Cobra Pose1 min
- 9Revolved Triangle1 min
- 10Side Plank1-2 min
- 11Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 12Standing Forward Fold1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
