- Lower into a squat with the knees behind the toes, the hands on the thighs and the torso parallel to the floor.
- Arch the back and look up as you inhale, opening up through the chest.
- Exhale and pull the abs in as you round the back, dropping the head and pushing the hands into the thighs to increase the stretch.
- Think of expanding through the upper back and lifting it towards the ceiling.
- Inhale and move back into your arch, smoothly moving back and forth between the movements as you follow your breath.
- Repeat for 8-10 reps.
Yoga Exercises
By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide
Updated March 31, 2009
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
This standing version of the Cat-Cow stretch is perfect for releasing tension in the lower back and hips while stretching the core.
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