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
Paschimottanasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Sit on your mat with both legs extended in front of you.
stretches the hamstrings, calves, and spine
Marjaryasana–Bitilasana
1 min(8 breaths)
Begin on all fours, wrists below shoulders, knees below hips.
gently warms and mobilises the entire spine
Virabhadrasana II
1 min(8 breaths)
Stand with feet about a metre apart.
strengthens and tones the legs and ankles
Virabhadrasana I
1 min(8 breaths)
From Mountain Pose, step your left foot back about a metre.
strengthens the legs, glutes, and coreArdha Chandrasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Triangle Pose on the right side.
strengthens the ankles, legs, glutes, and spineParivrtta Utkatasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Chair Pose with feet together.
strengthens the thighs and core simultaneouslyVasisthasana
1 min(8-10 breaths)
Begin in Plank Pose.
strengthens the obliques, deep core, and lateral stabilisersUtthan 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 groinSalabhasana
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 legsUtkatasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Stand in Mountain Pose with feet together or hip-width apart.
strengthens the thighs, calves, spine, and anklesAnanda Balasana
1-2 min(10-15 breaths)
Lie on your back.
opens the inner groins and hip flexorsGomukhasana
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 deeply
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.
- 1Seated Forward Fold1 min
- 2Cat–Cow1 min
- 3Warrior II1 min
- 4Warrior I1 min
- 5Half Moon Pose1 min
- 6Revolved Chair Pose1 min
- 7Side Plank1 min
- 8Lizard Pose1 min
- 9Locust Pose1 min
- 10Chair Pose1-2 min
- 11Happy Baby1-2 min
- 12Cow Face Pose1-2 min
- 13Corpse Pose3 min
Poses Used in This Sequence
