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An elderly Black grandma on hands and knees on a green mat smiles at an orange longhair cat crouched in front of her. 13 / 30

Grandma Got Down on Her Mat for Morning Stretches. Marmalade Got Down Too.

AI imageorange catstretchingexercise

Morning stretches are underway on a sage-green mat in the living room. Odessa has come down onto her hands and knees in a comfy gray sweatshirt and leggings, easing into a gentle tabletop pose and smiling broadly at her workout partner. Marmalade has crouched low right at the front edge of the mat, his front legs stretched forward and his fluffy body sunk down, as if he is copying her every move. His nose is pointed at the mat and his tail is flicking behind him. A few tufts of orange fur have already landed on the mat, a sure sign of who has been here before. Sunlight warms the couch and side table in the background.

Cats are natural stretching experts. They stretch after almost every nap, lengthening their spines and legs to get the blood flowing and loosen their muscles. For people, especially older adults, gentle stretching and low-impact exercise can help maintain flexibility, balance, and ease of movement in daily life. Floor exercises are easier and safer with a nonslip mat, a sturdy chair or couch nearby for support getting up and down, and a clear space free of tripping hazards. Pets do love to join in, so it helps to move slowly and keep an eye out for tails. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Marmalade may not have perfect form, but his enthusiasm cannot be faulted. Odessa will finish her routine with a smile, a little extra fur on her mat, and the best stretching companion in town.

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