Cat Cow Stretch
Description
The Cat Cow Stretch is a yoga pose that involves moving between a rounded spine position (cat) and an arched spine position (cow). It is often used as a warm-up or to improve spinal mobility and flexibility.
Equipment Required
Cat Cow Stretch Instructions
- Start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. This is the “cat” position.
- Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin to your chest and bringing your tailbone towards your knees. This is the “cow” position.
- Repeat the cat and cow positions for several breaths, moving smoothly and slowly between the two positions.
- Focus on the movement of your spine and the stretch in your back.
- Finish by returning to a neutral spine position.
Cat Cow Stretch Form & Visual
Cat Cow Stretch Benefits
- Improves spinal flexibility and mobility
- Stretches the back, hips, and abdomen
- Relieves tension and stress in the spine and neck
- Increases circulation to the spinal discs and nerves
- Helps improve posture and alignment
- Can be done as a gentle warm-up or cool-down exercise
Cat Cow Stretch Muscles Worked
- Abdominal muscles
- Back muscles
- Neck muscles
- Chest muscles
Cat Cow Stretch Variations & Alternatives
- Cat Cow Stretch with arm reach
- Cat Cow Stretch with leg extension
- Cat Cow Stretch with spinal twist
- Cat Cow Stretch with hip circles
- Cat Cow Stretch with neck stretch
