Stretch Like a Cat

I recently heard reference to a university study of cat behavior that showed that cats stretch between 150-250 times per day.

What the heck does this have to do with you?

This is interesting because numerous studies in humans have shown that stretching reduces the incidence of a bunch of problems including: arthritis, osteoporosis, loss of mobility, low energy, even depression and low self-esteem.

The background reference also indicates that cats have low rates of aging complications and tend to retain their strength, mobility, and energy through middle/advanced ages better than many other mammalian species.

Would you like to retain or improve your levels of strength, mobility and energy as you advance in age?

If you've ever watched "fluffy" for any period of time you may have noticed that he stops to move his joints through a full range of motion nearly every time he gets up. Either stretching out through the paws or arching and extending his back, yawning.

He never takes a break for 15 minutes of stretching, but he moves every joint in his body at some point in the day without too much extra effort.

Give the cat's method of stretching a shot. You don't have to schedule it in, or sign up for a class. Just think about it and start today.

Every time you get up today (or any time you think about it) move an area of your body through it's full range of motion. This could be as simple as a couple of head tilts or full extension of your arms and hands. Simple movements could easily add up to 100+ times a day.

Without too much effort you will find yourself with more energy, greater mobility and a significantly reduced chance of injury.