It does not look like these stretching cats, but they did inspire us to write about this beneficial yoga pose 😀
Cat pose is one of the most pleasant yoga poses! As with other positions it has many variations. The famous Yoga Journal gives only a variant of the cat pose with the “exhalation pose” (back up) and a return to table pose. However, this exercise can be carried out as a dynamic version (“breathe in” – back down, “breathe out” – back up).
Step by step
1. Begin with table pose on all fours. Place the hands and legs vertically. The head is parallel to the floor, and the look is directed towards the floor.
2. Breathe in and let the stomach fall down, lifting the back to the ceiling, raising the tailbone and the head up. Stay in this position for a few moments (if you want the “static” variant – stay in this position, breathing).
3. Then, with the exhalation drop the chin to the chest and arch the back as much as you can. Relax the buttocks staying for a few moments in the final position with empty lungs.
4. Do five or six rounds before you come out of this yoga posture.
Benefits:
* Stretches the back, neck and torso;
* Massages the spine and abdominal organs;
* Soothes and gives a sense of well-being.