How to Stretch Like a Cat

Cat Stretch

Cats are limber. They are flexible and graceful. A cat stretches slowly and luxuriantly. Journalist George F. Will said, "Like a graceful vase, a cat, even when motionless, seems to flow." Follow the way of the cat and stretch any time. Here are tips to get your body purring.

Instructions

Collect your Thoughts

1. Collect your thoughts when your alarm goes off. Stretch out one arm slowly. Unfurl your fist and open your fingers, stretch the fingers wide apart like a cat flexing its claws, then close your hand. Stretch out the other arm and repeat. Then arch your back and flex your toes, ankles and all the way up to your hips. Relax for a minute, roll over to the side of the bed and start your day.

2. Flex your body. "Paw" is another cat stretch. Think of how a cat reaches up to flex its body on a scratch post or sofa. Brace your legs slightly while standing near a wall. Put your hands chest high and then move one hand and then the other alternately up the wall. When you feel a comfortable stretch to your tummy and arms, stop. Walk your hands back down the wall.

3. 

   Stretch your back: Back muscles need stretching to prevent stiffness and ease pain. Get down on your hands and knees. Arch your back slowly up like a cat, then relax and arch your back downward toward the floor. Keep your hands and knees in place. Slowly arch up, hold it for five seconds or so, then slowly arch down and hold it five seconds. Do this smoothly. This is a gentle back stretch. Do not push to the point of pain. Repeat 3 to 5 times.

4. 

   Ease out the kinks: Haunches need help. Stretching can ease kinks in the legs, hips and lower back. Get down on your hands and knees on the floor. Gently push your fanny back toward your heels and curve your back up with your head down toward your knees. Hold for a few seconds, then rock forward to be square on your hands and knees again. If you feel a leg or hip cramp, stop. Otherwise repeat slowly 3 to 5 times.

5. 

   Stretch: Cat naps are always followed by little cat stretches. You can do the same. Whenever you get up from a long-sitting position, give a small stretch in your legs, flex your wrists and rotate your shoulders gently to counteract the stiffness. For more ideas in the stretching arts, watch your cat work out.