The cat and cow stretch is a great way to warm up your spine, loosening tension in your lower back. If you aren't familiar with this stretch, it is fairly easy to do and feels great. Here's how:
- Begin with your hands and knees on the floor. Make sure your knees are under your hips and your wrists are under your shoulders. Begin in a neutral spine position, with your back flat and your abs engaged.
- As you inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone. This part of the stretch is called cow.
- With an exhale, round your spine up to the ceiling, pulling your abs toward your spine, and simultaneously tuck your tailbone and tuck your chin toward your chest. This part is known as cat.
- Continue flowing back and forth from cat to cow, breathing deeply so as not to rush each movement.
