Cat Pose
Description
This exercise involves getting on all fours and arching your back like a cat, while inhaling and exhaling deeply. It helps to stretch and strengthen the spine, as well as improve flexibility and balance.
Muscle Group
Equipment Required
Cat Pose Instructions
- Start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
- As you exhale, round your spine toward the ceiling, tucking your chin to your chest and bringing your tailbone toward your knees.
- Hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch in your back.
- As you inhale, release the pose and return to a neutral tabletop position.
- Repeat the pose for several rounds of breath, focusing on the movement of your spine.
Cat Pose Form & Visual
Cat Pose Benefits
- Stretches the spine and neck
- Relieves stress and tension in the back and shoulders
- Improves flexibility in the spine
- Massages the digestive organs, aiding in digestion
- Can help alleviate menstrual cramps
- Calms the mind and promotes relaxation
Cat Pose Muscles Worked
- Abdominal muscles
- Back muscles
- Neck muscles
- Shoulder muscles
Cat Pose Variations & Alternatives
- Tiger pose
- Lion pose
- Leopard pose
- Jaguar pose
- Cow pose
- Downward facing dog pose
- Child’s pose
- Upward facing dog pose
- Cobra pose
- Snake pose
