exercise

Top 4 Hamstring Stretches

Let’s talk about the hamstring muscles. The hamstring muscle group is located on the back of the thigh. It helps you walk, jump, squat, and basically do any lower body movement you can think of. Stretching this area will prevent injuries and lower back pain. Not to mention it will help you move more effectively. We all need to stretch this area more. Today I will share with you my top 4 hamstring stretches!

If you need more stretching in your life, as most of us do, check out my FREE 30-day stretch challenge. This challenge will introduce you to thirty stretches and leave you feeling good! That challenge includes a few of my top 4 hamstring stretches as well!

top 4 hamstring stretches

Standing Forward Fold

The standing forward fold, above, is a very simple hamstring stretch. All you have to is reach down and try to touch your toes. If you can’t touch your toes, just keep trying. I enjoy this stretch because gravity can help you with it. If you focus on relaxing your head, neck and shoulders, gravity will pull them down towards the floor and force you into a deeper hamstring stretch.

Hurdler Stretch

The hurdler is a seated, single leg hamstring stretch. It is a good to incorporate unilateral stretches in your routine. These types of stretches help you feel if one leg is tighter than the other. If you find one leg is tighter, spend an extra 30-seconds stretching out that leg. Then evaluate why it may be tighter to begin with. It is possible you are favoring one leg as you move throughout the day.

Lying Hamstring Stretch

This is another seated stretch. Lie down on your back with your legs extended out in front of you. Then, pull one leg towards your chest, keeping the knee locked out as you do so. Try to breath with this stretch. With each exhale, try to pull your leg a little closer to your chest. However, be cautious not to over stretch on this one.

Standing Single Leg Hamstring Stretch

This stretch is great for beginners. Find a tall or short bench and put one foot on it. Now reach towards that foot. It’s as simple as that. The taller the bench, the more intense the stretch will feel. Do not bounce while holding this stretch. Find the stretch and continue reaching further. Do not stretch and release over and over.

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