15-Minute Yoga for Energy

Practicing yoga to boost energy doesn’t always look like a sweaty power vinyasa flow. Sometimes, the best way to generate inner vitality is through slower, purposeful movement.

This close-to-the-earth yoga for energy sequence focuses on shapes that gently build energy in the body. The more you allow yourself to release resistance, the more energy you’ll be able to access. As it turns out, softening into support actually refuels and enlivens you.

By settling into stillness while cultivating your resources, you’ll create steady, sustainable energy that stays with you well beyond your time on the mat.

15- Minute Yin Yoga for Energy

You’ll need 2 blocks or block-like props (such as a folded blanket or small stack of blocks) to experience additional support in these extended holds.

Supported Bridge Pose

Begin lying on your back with at least one block nearby. Bend your knees and place the soles of your feet on the mat. Press into your feet as you lift your hips in Bridge Pose. Slide one block (or two blocks side by side) beneath your sacrum. Stay here for 2 cycles of breath.

Supported Reclining Butterfly Pose

Bring the soles of your feet together and let your knees fall to the sides in Reclining Butterfly Pose.

Stay here for 1-3 minutes or however long you’d like.

Constructive Rest

When you’re ready, use your hands to guide your knees back toward each other. Press firmly into your feet as you lift your hips, removing the props beneath you before lowering yourself to your mat.

Take 1 full breath in Constructive Rest.

Roll over onto your side and use your hands to push yourself up through Tabletop.

Bring your blocks to the front of the mat for easy access.

Dragon Pose

Come onto hands and knees and take a big step forward with your right foot, landing it outside your right hand in Dragon Pose or Low Lunge. Keep your foot facing straight ahead or angle it slightly outward. Inch your left knee back slightly until you feel a stretch along the front of your left hip. If you need more padding beneath your left knee, fold the edge of your mat over onto itself. Bring your palms to the mat or blocks beneath your shoulders.

Stay here for 1-3 minutes or as long as you’d like.

If you want more intensity, lower your forearms to your blocks or the mat and breathe here.

Hip Circles

When you’re ready, use your hands to press yourself up, removing your props and stepping your right knee back to Tabletop.

Keeping your right knee bent, raise your right left and take 3 large hip circles.

Toe Squat

Curl your toes under and settle back on your heels in Toe Squat. Bring your blocks and keep your hands on them for extra support, or rise all the way up and lay your palms flat on your thighs.

Stay here for 1-3 minute or as long as you’d like.

Foot Taps

When you’re ready, remove your props and return to Tabletop. Untuck your toes and release any lingering tension in your feet by tapping the tops of your feet onto your mat.

Repeat Dragon Pose and Hip Circles on the opposite side.

Downward-Facing Dog

Once your hip circles are complete, step back into Downward-Facing Dog. Stay here for 1 full breath.

Standing Forward Bend

Walk your feet and hands toward each other until you find yourself in Standing Forward Bend.

Keep your fingertips on the floor, hold onto opposite elbows, or bring your hands or forearms to your blocks. Keep a soft bend in your knees.

Stay here for 1-3 minutes or as long as you’d like.

Mountain Pose

When you’re ready, begin to roll up, as slowly as possible, to standing. Roll your shoulder back and down so that your palms face forward in Mountain Pose. Stay here for 1 minute.

Sweep your arms to the sky and bring your hands together at heart center. Bow your head, thank yourself for showing up on your mat today, and honor the energy within.