Grandpa Rolled Out His Exercise Mat. Jasper Matched His Pose Perfectly.
The coffee table has been pushed aside, a grey exercise mat has been rolled out across the living room floor, and morning stretches are underway. Grandpa, in a cozy brown cardigan and glasses, kneels on the mat and reaches both hands forward, palms pressed flat, with a cheerful smile. Directly in front of him, matching the pose almost exactly, is Jasper the Bengal. His front legs are stretched long, his chest is low to the mat, his hindquarters are raised, and his gaze is serious, as if he takes his fitness very seriously indeed.
Gentle stretching can help older adults maintain flexibility, comfort, and ease of movement, and building a short routine into each day can make it easier to stick with. Anyone starting a new exercise plan should check with their doctor first and move within a comfortable range. Cats, meanwhile, are natural stretchers. They often stretch after waking up, extending their front legs and arching their backs to warm up their muscles. Bengals are especially athletic, with long, powerful bodies built for leaping and climbing. Joining in with a cat's natural rhythms can make a daily routine more enjoyable and a lot more fun.
The pose may not have an official name, but in this house it is called the Jasper. Grandpa is still working on perfecting his form, and his instructor appears quite satisfied with today's progress.
