An advanced yoga routine is designed for experienced practitioners who have a strong foundation in yoga and want to challenge their physical and mental capabilities. This routine includes a variety of advanced poses and sequences to help you deepen your practice.

Duration: Aim for a 60-75 minute session, and increase the duration or intensity gradually as you progress. Practice this routine 3-5 times a week for optimal results.

1. Centering and Pranayama (3 minutes)

• Begin by sitting in a comfortable cross-legged position or on your heels with your eyes closed.
• Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on each inhalation and exhalation.
• Practice advanced pranayama techniques like Bhastrika or Kapalbhati for mental clarity and energy.

2. Warm-Up and Sun Salutations (10 minutes)

• Start with dynamic stretches and a series of Sun Salutations to warm up your body and create a flow.
• Include more advanced variations like 3-Legged Downward Dog, Side Plank, or Plank with Knee-to-Nose.

3. Standing Poses (15 minutes)

• Practice advanced standing poses like Bird of Paradise (Svarga Dvijasana), Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), or Extended Triangle (Utthita Trikonasana).

4. Balancing Poses (10 minutes)

• Incorporate challenging balance poses such as Scorpion Pose (Vrschikasana), Eight-Angle Pose (Astavakrasana), or Peacock Pose (Mayurasana).

5. Inversions (10 minutes)

• Explore advanced inversions like Headstand (Sirsasana), Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana), or Forearm Stand (Pincha Mayurasana).

6. Backbends (10 minutes)

• Practice advanced backbends such as Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana), King Pigeon Pose (Raja Kapotasana), and Camel Pose (Ustrasana).

7. Seated Poses (10 minutes)

• Incorporate seated poses like Lotus Pose (Padmasana), Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana), and Compass Pose (Supta Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana).

8. Cool Down and Relaxation (5 minutes)

• Wind down with seated forward bends, gentle twists, and hip openers.
• Finish with a well-deserved Shavasana (Corpse Pose) to relax and integrate the benefits of your practice.

9. Meditation and Savasana (10 minutes)

• Conclude your practice with a guided meditation or your preferred meditation technique to cultivate mental clarity and inner peace.
• Spend an extended time in Savasana, fully surrendering to relaxation.

This advanced yoga routine offers a comprehensive practice that includes a variety of challenging poses and sequences to deepen your physical and mental connection. As you become more proficient, you can customize this routine by adding or modifying poses to meet your specific goals and preferences. Always remember to prioritize safety, listen to your body, and consult with a yoga instructor if needed.