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
Janu Sirsasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backUtkatasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesDandasana
1 min(8 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 core
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 muscles
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 thighsVirabhadrasana III
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back bodyParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneouslySalabhasana
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 legs
Tadasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awarenessParivrtta Trikonasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart, right foot forward.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, hips, and it bandPaschimottanasana
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
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.
- 1Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 2Chair Pose1 min
- 3Staff Pose1 min
- 4Warrior I1 min
- 5Cobra Pose1 min
- 6Pigeon Pose1 min
- 7Warrior III1 min
- 8Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 9Locust Pose1 min
- 10Mountain Pose1-2 min
- 11Revolved Triangle1-2 min
- 12Seated Forward Fold1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
