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
Matsyasana (Supported)
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gently
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesAnjaneyasana
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back leg
Tadasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet together or hip-width apart, big toes touching.
improves posture and body awareness
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionUtthan Pristhasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog and step the right foot outside the right hand.
deeply opens the hip flexors and groin
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8-10 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 musclesVasisthasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Plank Pose.
strengthens the obliques, deep core, and lateral stabilisersArdha 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 coreAnanda Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsParivrtta 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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose1 min
- 2Warrior II1 min
- 3Crescent Lunge1 min
- 4Mountain Pose1 min
- 5Tree Pose1 min
- 6Lizard Pose1 min
- 7Warrior I1 min
- 8Cobra Pose1 min
- 9Side Plank1 min
- 10Dolphin Pose1-2 min
- 11Happy Baby1-2 min
- 12Revolved Triangle1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence































