The Cat Pose
This is a beginner’s pose and is usually followed during the vinyasa form of yoga.
Start in downward facing dog or neutral table top position. Stay on all fours like a crawling baby. Ensure your knees are shoulder width apart and are right below your hips. Also ensure your hands and elbows are straight, placed right under your shoulders and are shoulder width apart. Your head should be in line with your back.
From the neutral table top position, while exhaling, curl your back or spine towards the ceiling. It is vital that you do not move any other part of your body except your spine. Release the head but do not drop it to a great extent.
Cat Pose Yoga
Inhale and slowly come back to the neutral tabletop position.
For best results, this pose is often combined with the cow pose.
Benefits of the cat pose
- This pose massages the spine and the abdomen.
- It stretches the spine and the neck.
- Therapeutically it helps relieve stress.
As a beginner, you can ask for help from a friend, instructor or partner to help you keep the other parts of your body firm while you are working on rounding your spine.
