The Cat-Cow stretch involves being on all fours, moving your spine into a U shape and then into a n shape as shown here. It is used to warm up, cool down and even as an injury rehab or prehab exercise. At Thriive, the Cat-Cow stretch is one of our favourites and we believe it should be more prevalent. So here are 4 amazing benefits from this stretch.
Strengthens and Stretches the Spine and Neck
Through moving and holding your spine and neck through its whole range of motion you are able to strengthen and elongate the muscles in between your spine. This can act as a perfect warm up. By engaging your back, the cat-cow stretch can get you ready for heavy lifting. Alternatively, it can help you overcome a back injury. It is a low impact stretch which can strengthen your back, making it valuable in a rehab phase.
The Cat-Cow Stretch and Posture
As established above, this movement stretches and strengthens the neck and spine. These are the 2 most valuable components to your posture. Improving the mobility of your spine and neck can only maximise your posture. While posture is improved, not by exercises but by being aware of your body’s position. Having a better range of motion and strength will help you to consciously sit up straighter. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of mobility read here.
Improves Core Strength
Because core strength is essentially a mix of abdomen and spinal stability, this exercise is great for core strength. The holds in each position requires your core to stabilise to maintain that stance. In addition, the act of moving your spine through its full range of motion also requires core activation. While we would not recommend the Cat-Cow stretch as a primary method for improving core strength (unless a severe injury) it is still a benefit.
Aids the organs
Perhaps this benefit may seem slightly peculiar it is actually true. In fact, it could be seen as an important benefit. The movements through your midline stimulate the organs because they are being moved. This is theorised to improve efficiency and capacity of these organs by driving blood flow and nutrients to the areas. Scientists have also hypothesised improved digestion due to the exercise too. Despite no RCT to suppor these theories, it does seem plausible with our current understanding of the mechanisms within the body.
Finally
AT Thriive, we are pleased to announce we will be launching our own app. It will act as your personal wellbeing tool, creating daily personalised mobility/stretching routines with a daily breathing exercise to promote mental and physical health. We will test mobility and breathing markers to show improvements so you know our app works. There will be a 1 week free trial without card details required. Please subscribe here so we can notify you once we release.
