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
Dandasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backAnjaneyasana
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 legUrdhva 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 wristsParivrtta Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart, right foot forward.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, hips, and it bandUtthan 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 groinVirabhadrasana III
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Warrior I with your right leg forward.
strengthens the standing leg, glutes, and entire back bodyMalasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width, toes angled out.
opens the hips and groin
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 body
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restGomukhasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with legs extended, then bend both knees and stack the right knee over the left.
opens the outer hips and glutes deeplySavasana
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.
- 1Staff Pose1 min
- 2Warrior II1 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 4Crescent Lunge1 min
- 5Upward-Facing Dog1 min
- 6Revolved Triangle1 min
- 7Lizard Pose1 min
- 8Warrior III1 min
- 9Garland Pose1 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog1-2 min
- 11Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 12Cow Face Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
