Management

Back Exercises: Cat and Cow

Choose a preferred language
  • Start on your hands and knees. Try to place your hands just slightly in front of your shoulders and place your knees directly under your hips. Look down slightly between your hands, which are lined up with the fingertips. Keep your back straight with no rounding or sagging.

  • Relax your belly (abdominal) and buttocks muscles, lift your head, and let your back sag. Be sure to keep your weight evenly distributed. Don’t sit back on your hips. This is called the cow position.

  • Hold for  5 seconds.

  • Return to starting position.

  • Tuck your head and lift (arch) your back. This is called the cat position.

  • Hold for 5 seconds.

  • Return to starting position.

  • Repeat  5 times.

Person on all fours with back straight.

Person on all fours with back sagging.

Person on all fours with arched back.

Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C

Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 07/01/2025

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

Find a Provider

View Our Directory

Find a Location

View Our Practices
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Foot and Ankle Exercises: Ankle Circles

Ankle circles are designed to stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles.

Read article
Orthopedics
Exercises for Shoulder Flexibility: Pendulum Exercise

These exercises can improve your shoulder flexibility.

Read article
Orthopedics
Leg and Knee Exercises: Leg Press

Learn how to do a leg press to help build strong, balanced leg muscles.

Read article
Orthopedics
Quad Set for Leg and Knee

This exercise can stretch and strengthen your knee.