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 backUttanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, and lower back
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
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(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your right foot back into a long lunge position.
stretches the hip flexors and groin of the back legBakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Squat down and place your palms on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
strengthens the arms, wrists, and coreDhanurasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your belly with arms beside your torso.
opens the full front body: chest, abdomen, and hip flexorsUstrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Kneel with knees hip-width apart, tops of feet flat on the mat.
deeply stretches the entire front of the bodyParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneously
Virabhadrasana I
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreDandasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended straight in front of you.
strengthens the core and back muscles
Savasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back on the mat.
calms the nervous system and promotes deep restSavasana
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
- 2Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 3Warrior II1 min
- 4Cat–Cow1 min
- 5Crescent Lunge1 min
- 6Crow Pose1 min
- 7Bow Pose1 min
- 8Camel Pose1 min
- 9Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 10Warrior I1-2 min
- 11Staff Pose1-2 min
- 12Corpse Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
