If there is one thing to keep in your routine, as sporadic or as thin as that routine gets, it is some aspect of your s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g practice. There is no question that stretching is ME time; that it will immediately change the way you feel; that it creates a much needed reset, AND, more than likely will lead to other healthy practices. Maybe even a brief or a full workout.
Fold yourself in two and try to let your fingers touch the floor. Don’t hurry back up — stay there for a few breaths. Notice the breaths. Bend and straighten your knees. By the way the whole time your are doing this please remember to engage your abdominals. No pregnant cats!
OR grab whatever kind of strap you have, lie on the floor on your back and lasso that strap around a foot. If you’ve ever been to any Pilates or yoga class of any kind, you know what to do. The floor is your friend. Release your tension into it. Remember to include your Figure Four stretch — your butt will thank you.
OR get on your hands and knees for some sacred cats and sacred cows. Remember that your neck is part of the spinal chain, so it gets to curl in and curl out during the delicious undulation. Pop up into a downward facing dog, a great back chain stretch and opportunity to practice deep breathing.
Taking a shower? Stretch a bit while you’re in there.
And then — wash, rinse, and repeat!
Core Cat Pilates 