45. Cat Pose :: Bidalasana

This pose stretches the core of the body and is a great stretch to start the day off. Think of its namesake, the cat (bidala), when gracefully arching your spine.

On all fours, place your hands beneath your shoulders.  Knees below your hips.  Lengthen your spine.  Inhaling, lift your tail-bone, dip your waist, stretch your throat and look up.  Exhaling, round your spine and curl your tail-bone under (see above), drawing your chin in and your navel to your spine.  Coordinate the movements with your breathing for 10 breaths.  Then Relax.