Cat Stretch

What it is

This gentle, bodyweight stretch mobilizes your entire spine, primarily targeting the muscles of your lower back. It also provides a soothing release for your middle back and trapezius muscles. You perform this exercise from a hands-and-knees position.

Technique tips

• Begin with your hands directly under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
• Exhale as you round your spine, pulling your navel towards your spine.
• Allow your head to gently drop, relaxing your neck and shoulders.
• Focus on feeling the stretch deeply through your lower and mid-back.
• Hold the rounded position steadily, breathing smoothly throughout the stretch.

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.