Move-It Monday~Yoga Pose:  Cat/Cow

Whether you’re a regular yoga practitioner or brand-new to yoga, this is a great set of poses to bring awareness and flexibility to your spine.

Difficulty level: Easy

Benefits:

  • Strengthens, stretches and releases tension in the spine
  • Increases flexibility and circulation
  • Massages abdominal organs

Begin on hands and knees with your knees hip width apart and your hands directly underneath your shoulders. Flatten and stretch your back by pulling back from your hips and forward through the crown of your head.  Draw your abdominal muscles up as though wrapping around your spine.  Inhale, raise your chin and lift your gaze as you push your navel towards the ground and raise your tail-bone. Reverse the action as you exhale your chin to chest, rounding your back and pushing your navel to your spine while arching your back (think of a Halloween cat). Continue this motion following your breath for 3 – 5 rounds.

Looking for a yoga sequence you can incorporate into your daily routine?  Check out Refresh, Renew, Reset~A 7-Day Jumpstart For Mind and Body.  Stacey Portugal and I created this nutrition protocol with daily yoga and meditation so you can step powerfully and easily into your New Year!