Good Afternoon,

I am new here since August 01, 2009 and really haven't had the time

to look at all the numerous videos. I am curious to find out if there

could be an exercise similiar to the way a Cat stretches? I also wonder

if it could be done with the TRX Suspension Training equipment, since

a Cats front shoulders are basically floating, where ours are of a ball

and socket design. It would be nice if there was such an exercise, then

I could workout with my Cat....lol

Welcome to the Community!

That is a very interesting question. I don't think much of us have pondered that much. None the less, I think it would be achievable if you really wanted to do that.

According to most of the images I can find, I assume you are referring to this position:

Now, to do something like that on the TRX I think would be a bit tricky, but certainly possible. The way I would image doing so would require the foot cradles be shortened to about 8" - 12" off the ground. Then, face away from the TRX, and in the process, put your heels in the foot cradles. Next, straighten your legs, and keep your core and arms down, and bend downward.

Consider the fact that this requires a very extreme amount of agility as it is to even attempt such a position; this would require a lot of quadricep, hamstring, hip/abductors, and pretty much every muscle along your body for that matter.

I would say to the average Joe would be nearly impossible, but if your agile enough, have at it! And if you can, I would like to personally see that picture!

I would say the most realistic stretch closest to that on the TRX that is part of the Flexibility circuit developed by Fraser and Mary Lou Schell, is the "Childs Pose". The childs pose consists of facing the TRX, kneel down and then sit on your legs. So basically your sitting with your legs tucked under in other words.

From there, make sure your hands are around the foot cradles, not holding on the handles. Then lean forward and hold that movement for 30 seconds, or 6 deep breaths. After that, swing from side to side while still in that position. Do this for 2 sets. At the end of the 2nd set, let the TRX go and stay in that position with your head down for a moment and just breathe and relax.

Now, to note at the top of this exercise you want to be full distance, so the straps should have full tension before leaning your body down and forward.

Thank You jmbrink26,

i appreciate your reply. That is a goal I will have to work on.

I guess at 64 years of age, I will have my work cut out for me.

Thank You for the "How To" begin this stretching exercise.

Sincerely,

Stu Maxson 

Glad I was able to help give some insight on this.

The TRX is capable of doing just about anything on it, only to the limits of the imagination. It's just a matter of thinking of a way to make it possible is all.

Generally most of the exercises and stretches for that matter that you face away from the TRX you'd have your feet in the cradles as opposed to the heels. The heels go in when you face the TRX. However for such a position to be possible in the TRX, putting your feet in would inhibit your movement and might possibly even break your ankles putting all your bodyweight on them in such a fashion, so in this exception the heels would go in.

As you progress towards this, just be careful, and take your time. I think anything is possible if you make it possible. Just don't hurt yourself in the process, as the position will be highly demanding on your entire lateral line on both sides. Not to exclude your entire anterior and posterior planes (front and back). From looking at it, it would seem that nearly every muscle in your body would be involved due to the angle of the position.

Good luck on building up to this, and if you have any questions along the way, feel free to let me or the others know, and we'll be glad to help.

Thanks,

Justin

Hi Justin,

I guess I opened up a bag of "Catnip" with my query into

the "Cat Stretch"! I think I will need to figure out how to put

my whole body into  2 1/2 foot cube and do the 2 TRX Face

Down exercise first. I am 64 years old, and this is a goal is

important to me. 

I really appreciate your feedback concerning this attempt of mine!

Thank You,

Stu

LOL

Definitely creative thinking though; that's good.

What will definitely help you get there if you really want to reach that point, is first starting out with the Essentials: Flexibility DVD. I personally own this DVD, and I can say it's awesome. I do it everyday and it opens me right up.

Once you get to a comfortable level doing that, then start getting creative with your stretches. I'm currently in the process of creating a new stretch thats like a sideways leg stretch, to improve leg mobility from left to right so to speak. I haven't quite got it right, so stuck with the horizontal split for now and going down as far as I can.

It's good you want to increase your flexibility to that level. Agility is very important, especially when we all get older. So when you reach your 70's and 80's God forbid (none of us want to age but don't have much of a choice now do we? ), rather than it being a task to do even simple tasks, you'll be moving around like your 40 still!

Combine that will some good fundamental strength conditioning, and you'll be set to go well into your years!

Good Afternoon Justin,

Enjoying your advise on exercise and flexibility. The "Flexibility" DVD is on my list.

Stu

Great photo. I am such a sucker for furry kitties.

Hi! xenophon,

This kinda all started with a query I made to a Trainer here. I asked him if it were possible to be able to stretch like a cat, becoming flexible enough using the TRX Suspension Training System. He gave me back alot of input on how to become flexible. A cats front shoulders are pretty much "Floating" unlike ours, so it's a challenge to become that flexible to do the "Cat Stretch".

The picture of the cat I made and articulated in DAZ Studio software. The forest layer is a photo I took near my living, and the other different layers or parts of the picture I made using Ulead Photoimpact 10 and Paint.net (Software) not a website to take background pixels away from an object.

Thank You! for your comment :-)

Stu

I was refering to jmbrink's photo. I have a soft spot for tuxedo cats. I had one for 14 1/2 years until her death.

That's Ok, Nobody much pays attention to things that I have to say anyway. It

It might be nice though for people who write me messages to at least 

have a picture instead of a faceless Avatar, Just my Opinion.

Don't say I never did anything for you.

Trying to read into your last message. I am quite sure you have, and I thank You for that which you have done. During Viet Nam, myself and other U. S. Navy Corpsman were spit on. I hope that has not been part of your world. "Thank You For Your Service"!

I added an image of Xenophon for my avatar. Thank you for your service doc.