The cat stretch exercise is designed to stretch much of your torso. Your lower back and abdominal muscles, in particular, will be strengthened and loosened during the cat stretch. It is a combined dynamic and static stretch, which means it involves some movement and some periods of held positions.
Step 1
Begin on your hands and knees in a relaxed posture. Do not let your back sag, but do not tense your muscles, either.
Step 2
Place your head and neck in a straight line with your spine. Keep the muscles of your neck relaxed.
Step 3
Gradually contract your abdominal muscles, pulling your back and spine straight up, as if a line were attached between your shoulder blades.
Step 4
Hold this position for a couple of seconds. Your rounded back should make you look a little bit like an angry cat, giving the stretch its name.
Step 5
While you raise your back, breathe in deeply and gradually point your head and neck toward the ground, keeping your spine properly aligned.
Step 6
Gradually exhale, relax and lower your back and spine back toward the ground. Begin the entire process again from the beginning.
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