Cat-Cow Stretch

A gentle, rhythmic spinal movement often used to ease lower-back stiffness.

Illustration of a person on hands and knees moving through cat and cow spinal positions
  1. Come onto hands and knees, wrists under shoulders, knees under hips.
  2. Inhale, gently arch your back and lift your chest and tailbone (cow).
  3. Exhale, gently round your spine, tucking chin and tailbone (cat).
  4. Move slowly between the two positions, following your breath.
  5. Keep the movement small and comfortable — there's no need to force the range.

Typical duration: about 2 minute(s).

See a doctor now if you have:

  • Sudden severe pain
  • Inability to bear weight
  • Fever with joint pain
  • Numbness
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Recent trauma