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
Balasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and anklesUttanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose.
deeply stretches the hamstrings, calves, 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 legPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spinePhalakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Downward Dog, then shift forward so wrists are below shoulders.
strengthens the entire core, including deep stabilisersUtkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and ankles
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs 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 groin
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8-10 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreArdha 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 coreArdha Matsyendrasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
deeply rotates the spine, improving mobilityParivrtta 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.
- 1Child's Pose1 min
- 2Standing Forward Fold1 min
- 3Crescent Lunge1 min
- 4Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 5Plank Pose1 min
- 6Chair Pose1 min
- 7Warrior II1 min
- 8Lizard Pose1 min
- 9Warrior I1 min
- 10Dolphin Pose1-2 min
- 11Half Lord of the Fishes1-2 min
- 12Revolved Chair Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
