What is the primary purpose of the cat stretch warm-up in Pilates?

The primary purpose of the cat stretch warm-up in Pilates is to mobilize the spine and coordinate breath. This exercise involves transitioning between flexion and extension of the spine, which helps to improve spinal alignment and flexibility while promoting awareness of breath patterns. By flowing through the movements of the cat stretch, practitioners can effectively warm up the spine, prepare the body for a Pilates routine, and establish a connection between movement and breath, which is a fundamental aspect of Pilates practice. This emphasis on spinal mobility and breath coordination lays the groundwork for more complex movements that come later in a Pilates session.