 Lower Body: Hamstring Stretch
Muscles Used: Hamstrings (Mid
Rear Thigh)
Equipment Needed: None
Instructions:
- Lie with your back and head flat against the floor.
- Bend your knees and place both feet on the floor (see photo A).
- Straighten your right leg and point your toes. Your leg should be extended about 2 inches from the floor (see photo B).
- Your left knee remains bent, with left foot placed firmly on the floor.
- Slowly raise your right leg toward the ceiling, keeping your leg straight. Slowly extend your leg until you feel a stretch (see photo C).
You will probably feel the stretch when your leg forms a 90-degree angle with your body. Some people are more flexible and can bring the leg in past a 90-degree angle, closer to the body.
- Feel the stretch in your right hamstring.
- Inhale (breathe in) through your nose, and exhale (breathe out) through your mouth, as you complete this stretch.
- Hold stretch for a count of 8.
- Repeat steps 3-8 on the opposite side, raising left leg to stretch left hamstring.
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(photo A)
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(photo B)
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(photo C)
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Remember:
- Don't forget to keep your head and back against
the floor.
- Don't lift your leg too quickly when
preparing to stretch the hamstring.
- Don't hold your breath.
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