Balancing Cat Pose

Bird Dog and Balancing with Same Side Leg and Arm Lifted

On page cat links

balancing cat pose, , cat pose with same side leg and arm lifted

In balancing cat pose the same side arm and leg are both lifted.

One of the first things that you can practice, even before trying to balance, is spreading the shoulder blades to lift the ribcage.

Activating the Serratus Anterior Muscle to Stabilize the Scapula

This action uses the serratus anterior muscle. When doing this action, you may find that your arm and shoulder feels more stable if you rotate the arms outwards. You can also try squeezing the elbow joint. If you aren't sure, or are having difficulty, practice lifting and lowering your ribcage. Note that I am not bending my spine backwards as I do this in the pictures below. I'm simply moving my ribcage relative to my shoulders.

The idea is to use this same action and keep it when supporting your weight on only one arm.

balancing cat pose, balance exercises, cat pose with same side leg and arm lifted

Balancing in Stages

You can learn balancing cat pose in steps.

Lifting the Arm

The first step is to lift the arm. On all fours:

First spread the shoulder blades to lift the ribcage.
Then shift your ribcage over your supporting arm.
Then reach your other arm forwards.

When shifting your ribcage focus on feeling your hands. Notice when all of your weight is on one hand. The other arm may feel relaxed. Then you can lift that arm.

Make your neck feel long and reach that arm forwards.

Then relax and repeat.

Lifting the Leg

Next with ribcage lifted at the shoulders,

Move your hips over your supporting knee.
Lift your other leg.

When shifting your pelvis focus on feeling your knees. Notice when the weight of your pelvis is entirely over one knee. Then lift your other leg. Make your leg and spine feel long.

Then relax and repeat.

Lift Arm and Leg

Next put these elements together for a complete balance exercise.

Use your shoulders to lift your ribcage.
Shift weight onto one arm.
Lift the other arm.
Shift pelvis onto same side knee.
Lift the other leg.
Hold.

Focus on reaching forwards with the arm and back with the leg. Then release and repeat on the other side.

balancing cat pose, prep positionbalance exercises, cat pose with same side leg and arm lifted

Balancing Cat Pose Options

When I first started doing this pose I used to lift the leg first. But then I found it was easier to stay balanced when I lifted the arm first. Once you are used to this yoga pose you can try both options.

You can also experiment with shifting your weight forwards or backwards slightly. I find that when I shift my weight back the top of my back foot presses into the floor with more pressure. I can then use this foot to help make balancing cat pose easier.

Once you are used to balancing focus on making your arm, leg and spine long. And work at keeping your torso level from left to right so that the lifted limb side or your ribcage and pelvis is at the same height as your supporting limb side.

Note that their are also downward dog and plank variations of this yoga balance exercise.

Strengthen the Back of your Body

Although this is mainly a balancing yoga pose, you can also use this yoga pose to strengthen the back of your body. Focus on using the hamstrings and glute of your lifted leg to lift the leg higher. And focus on using your spinal erectors to bend your spine backwards (and tilt your pelvis forwards) at the same time.

by: Neil Keleher

Published: 2012 08 14

Clearly defined poses, exercises and stretches for improving stability, body awareness and flexibility.

Categories Index:

Balance

Bird dog extended cat pose

Article archive toc

Balance

Select Poses For Learning Balance

Balancing Cat Pose

Return to TOP of Page

Related:
Select Poses For Learning Balance
(Balance)

Balancing in Half Moon Pose

Bird Dog

Tree Pose

Yoga Crow Pose Arm Balance (Bakasana)

More Balance articles

Mental models are created or modified whenever we learn. They drive habits, intuition and muscle memory.
This understanding can be the basis for reducing frustration and making learning, problem solving and doing easier.

Find out more about Learning how to learn-Mental models