Hamstring Stretch | Illustrated Exercise Guide

Primary muscles: Hamstrings
Secondary muscles: Glutes
Equipment: No equipment

HAMSTRING STRETCH INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lie on your back and lift your left leg.
2. Gently pull your thigh toward your chest until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings.
3. Hold the stretch and then repeat with the right leg.

PROPER FORM AND BREATHING PATTERN

Keep your leg straight and, as you exhale, pull your thigh toward your torso, until you feel the stretch in your hamstrings. Breathe slowly and deeply and focus on releasing all tension and stress from your muscles.

EXERCISE BENEFITS

The hamstrings consist of three muscles that run down the back of each of your thighs. These muscles are primarily responsible for the flexion of the knee joint and the extension of the thigh. Stretching your hamstrings after exercising keeps them flexible and strong and is crucial for improving your athletic ability and prevent potential injuries.

INTENSITY AND DURATION

Hold the hamstring stretch for 20 to 30 seconds on each leg and deepen the stretch gently and continuously. You should always do this stretch after a lower body workout, to keep your hamstrings healthy and in shape.

CALORIES BURNED

To calculate the number of calories burned doing the hamstring stretch, enter your weight and the duration of the exercise:

RELATED STATIC STRETCHES

Try these other static stretches to help your body relax and reduce stress and tension in your muscles:
Quad stretch
Outer thigh stretch
Butterfly stretch
Hip flexor stretch

WORKOUT ROUTINES