Back · Bodyweight
Cat-camel Stretch
How to do the cat-camel stretch, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Bodyweight
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Timed hold
- Movement
- Extension
- Mechanic
- Mobility
How to do it
Move into the stretch position slowly until you feel a gentle pull on the target muscle. Hold the stretch while breathing deeply, avoiding any bouncing or pain.
- 1Move slowly between arching and rounding your back so you feel a gentle stretch along your entire spine
- 2Coordinate the motion with your breath, exhaling as you round your spine and inhaling as you arch it
- 3Keep your shoulders stacked over your wrists and hips over your knees to feel each vertebra articulate
Common mistakes
- Don't force the range of motion or bounce; the movement should feel smooth and controlled
- Avoid dropping your head too low or hyperextending your neck, keep it in line with your spine
- Don't shift your hips backward or bend your elbows as you move; maintain consistent alignment
Muscles worked
The cat-camel stretch works the lower back, upper abs, and lower abs.
- Lower BackSupport
- Upper AbsSupport
- Lower AbsSupport
- Upper TrapsMinor
- Side DeltsMinor
Kovo programs the cat-camel stretch for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More back exercises
- How to do the archer pull-up
- How to do the resistance band assisted pull-up
- How to do the machine assisted pull-up
- How to do the back extension bench back extension
- How to do the machine back extension
- How to do the back lever
Last reviewed April 2026.