Cat cow

Muscles worked: Back
Back
🔧 no equipment ⭐ Best with yoga mat 🔁 reps Difficulty:

Muscle outlines from Body Muscles by Ivan Vulović, Apache 2.0 — regrouped and recoloured for Muscle Train.

How to perform

Start in tabletop, hands under shoulders, knees under hips. Fingers spread, palms flat, spine neutral. Inhale to Cow: drop belly, lift tailbone, open chest, gaze up. Exhale to Cat: round spine, tuck tailbone, pull belly button to spine, drop head. Alternate slowly, 8-12 reps, transitioning smoothly vertebra by vertebra.

Muscles Worked

Erector spinae (cow)rectus abdominis (cat)spinal column
Secondary: Serratus anterior, rhomboids, hip flexors, glutes

Tips

Coordinate breath: inhale (Cow), exhale (Cat). Initiate movement from the tailbone, creating a wave-like motion up the spine. Keep arms straight; avoid bending elbows. Move within a comfortable range of motion; depth will increase with practice.

Feedback

Found a bug or have an idea?

MuscleTrain is actively being built. If something looks broken, or you have a suggestion, let us know — it really helps shape the app.