Stretch and Surrender: #22 Cat/Camel Stretch

(One of my favorite stretches.)

Benefits: Promotes flexibility in the spine. Increases energy. Keeps wrists flexible.

METHOD: Kneel on all fours, knees in line with your hips, hands directly under your shoulders, tops of feet on the floor. Inhale, and arch your back toward the ceiling. Your back is rounded; your head hangs toward the floor. Exhale, and slowly let your belly sag toward the floor. Your head comes up. To avoid overextending the curve in the cervical spine, gaze straight ahead rather than up. Slowly alternate between "the camel" and "the cat" for 10 repetitions.

Tip: If it feels uncomfortable to keep your hands flat on the floor, make two fists and lean on your knuckles.