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
Paschimottanasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backUttanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower backDandasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Vrksasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together.
improves balance and proprioceptionGarudasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
stretches the shoulders and upper back deeply
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 thighsUrdhva Mukha Svanasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with palms by the lower ribs, elbows close in.
strengthens the spine, arms, and wristsSalabhasana
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
Adho Mukha Svanasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
lengthens hamstrings, calves, and the entire back of the bodySupta Baddha Konasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the hips and inner groins passivelyParivrtta Utkatasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneously
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.
- 1Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 2Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 3Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 4Staff Pose1 min
- 5Tree Pose1 min
- 6Eagle Pose1 min
- 7Pigeon Pose1 min
- 8Upward-Facing Dog1 min
- 9Locust Pose1 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog1-2 min
- 11Reclining Bound Angle1-2 min
- 12Revolved Chair Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
