Cat pose is not only a wonderful back stretch but a fun pose which engages children's imaginations as they noisily turn from a happy cat to a sad/scared cat.
1. Come onto all fours, wrists under shoulders, knees under hips. Spread your fingers.
2. Start with a flat back. Breathe in and as you breathe out look down and round your back up to the sky, pulling in your tummy muscles. Hiss your a scared cat!
3. As you breathe out do the opposite. Look up and bring your back down, arch your back and open our your chest. "Meow" your a happy cat!
Repeat flowing between Happy and Scared Cat poses using your Power Breath.
Playful Yoga:
Cat Stretch
Tricky - With a neutral spine lift your right arm straight out in front of you, in line with your shoulder. Return to neutral. Then your right leg. Lift your right leg straight behind you. Repeat for left arm and then left leg. Breathe in as you lift up, breathe out and you bring your arm/leg down.
Trickier - This time try lifting your right arm and your left leg! Repeat on the other side.
Trickiest - Stretch your right arm behind you and hold your left leg and gently pull it up!
Cat Pounce (counter pose)
From all fours, bring your hips toward your feet, sitting on your heels. Bring your forehead to the earth and stretch your arms straight out. Wiggle your bottom, look up and get ready to pounce!
Benefits:
Stretches neck and back.
It is a gentle massage for the spine and belly organs.
Opens chest.