What's a Cat Cow Stretch and why you should do it
The cat cow stretch is simple but very effective exercise that everyone should do on a regular basis. It helps improve and balance, strengthen and stretch the spine, neck, hips, abdomen, back, increase flexibility in the lower back and core muscles. It increases coordination whilst massaging and stimulates organs in the belly like the kidneys and adrenal glands. It creates emotional balance by relieving stress and calms the mind and you feel the difference immediately.
It's a great exercise to help you unwind the day by gently stretching and moving your body after a long and busy day. Give it a go today.
Starting Position
Come to hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart, knees hip-width apart, abs engaged, and back flat (spine neutral). The cat stretch is a great exercise that helps to increase flexibility in the lower back and core muscles. This exercise can not only be used during warm ups and cool downs, but may also be effective as a rehabilitation exercise of people who have recently experienced injury to the lower back. Action
Engage your abdominals as if pulling your navel towards your spine and round your back towards the ceiling. Allow the head and neck to fall naturally between the arms. Breathe deeply and hold for 10-30 seconds.