Enjoy the purr-fect way to start your yoga routine with cat pose! This tranquil exercise will help stretch, warm up and ease tension in your shoulders, back, neck and even wrists – great for those recovering from injuries. It can be done standing or seated on an empty stomach anytime you need a body checkup. So take some time to connect mindfully with this beginner-friendly yet powerful move as part of your regular practice.
Cat Pose, also known as Marjariasana, is a gentle pose that helps to stretch and strengthen the spine and hips. Here’s how to perform this pose:
- Begin in a tabletop position on your hands and knees, with your wrists aligned under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
- Inhale and lift your head and chest, arching your back and bringing your gaze upwards.
- Exhale and round your spine, bringing your head towards your knees and tucking your chin towards your chest.
- Continue to flow between these two movements, inhaling to arch your back and exhaling to round it.
- Hold each movement for a few deep breaths, then release and return to a tabletop position.
The cat pose is a great way to integrate balance, strength and flexibility into your workout. Engage your core and focus on keeping the shoulders relaxed while you stretch, only go as far as feels comfortable for you.
With practice, this exercise could be used to improve posture by strengthening abdominal muscles and increasing spinal flexibility over time. Those with back issues should seek advice from their physician before taking part in any form of physical activity.
It’s also essential that a non-slip mat is used during the pose so movements remain controlled at all times. If any discomfort arises whilst performing the Cat Pose, then stop immediately!
This is a useful pose for those who spend long periods sitting at a computer.
The cat pose is also good for releasing pain in the neck. It refocuses the eye muscles and is a good way to increase the mobility of your spine. The tucking of the tailbone promotes spinal flexibility.
