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
Matsyasana (Supported)
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Place a bolster horizontally on your mat (or use two stacked blocks).
opens the chest, heart, and throat gentlyGomukhasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with legs extended, then bend both knees and stack the right knee over the left.
opens the outer hips and glutes deeplyJanu Sirsasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit with both legs extended.
stretches the hamstrings, groin, and lower backPaschimottanasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spineBakasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Squat down and place your palms on the mat, shoulder-width apart.
strengthens the arms, wrists, and core
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and anklesSalabhasana
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 legsParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneously
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat and hip-width apart.
strengthens the back, glutes, and hamstringsVasisthasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Begin in Plank Pose.
strengthens the obliques, deep core, and lateral stabilisersDandasana
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
Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Kneel on your mat and bring your big toes to touch behind you.
gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles
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.
- 1Supported Fish Pose1 min
- 2Cow Face Pose1 min
- 3Head-to-Knee Pose1 min
- 4Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 5Crow Pose1 min
- 6Warrior II1 min
- 7Locust Pose1 min
- 8Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 9Bridge Pose1 min
- 10Side Plank1-2 min
- 11Staff Pose1-2 min
- 12Child's Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
