Cow Stretch
Equipment
Slowly inhale and as you do, drop your belly towards the mat, lifting your chin and chest to gaze up towards the ceiling. This is the 'cow' part of the stretch.
Hold this position for a few seconds, making sure to keep your shoulders away from your ears to avoid tension.
As you exhale, return to the neutral, tabletop position.
Repeat this exercise for several rounds, matching your movements with your breath for a fluid and calming exercise.
Pro Tip
**Engage Your Core**: Engage your abdominal muscles as you perform the cow stretch. This helps to protect your lower back and also enhances the stretch in your upper back and neck. A common mistake is to let the belly drop towards the floor without engaging the core, which can cause lower back pain. **Breathing**: Inhale as you drop your belly towards the mat, lifting your chin and chest to look up towards the ceiling. Exhale as you draw your belly to your spine and round your back towards the ceiling. The breath should guide the movement, not the other way around. A common mistake is to hold the breath or to breathe in and out too quickly. **Avoid