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
Savasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower back
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spineAnjaneyasana
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
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 musclesNavasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit with your knees bent, feet flat on the mat.
strengthens the deep core, hip flexors, and spine
Trikonasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and anklesUtthan 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 groinUtkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
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 bodyArdha Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobilitySupta Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back with both knees bent.
releases tension in the spine and lower backSavasana
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.
- 1Corpse Pose1 min
- 2Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 3Cat–Cow1 min
- 4Crescent Lunge1 min
- 5Cobra Pose1 min
- 6Boat Pose1 min
- 7Triangle Pose1 min
- 8Lizard Pose1 min
- 9Chair Pose1 min
- 10Downward-Facing Dog1-2 min
- 11Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 12Supine Spinal Twist1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
