Assisted Hamstring Stretch

If the traditional lying down hamstring stretch is uncomfortable for you, use a towel to assist your stretch. Hamstring flexibility is important for function. That means we need a certain degree of flexibility at the hamstring to be able to sit down in neutral posture with correct lumbar spinal alignment. Instead of adding tension to your upper body to move into the correct stretch position, put your workout towel to good use as a stretching aid. Simply wrap a towel around the arch of your foot, then hold the towel with each hand on the side of your body. Having this extra leverage allows you to keep your elbows closer to the floor, decreasing the tension or stretch in your neck.

Assist Your Hamstring Stretch

Side Lunge Stretch

Do a Side Lunge Stretch to stretch your inner thigh, hamstring and calf muscles after a leg-day workout. Here’s how:

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width. Keeping both feet flat, bend your right knee and lunge to your right side. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Next, bend your left knee and lunge to your left side. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Do this stretch after a leg-day workout

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Standing Inner Thigh and Hamstring Stretch

Do this stretch for runners after your next workout. Begin standing and pull your right foot up in front of your belly button. Move your right knee to the side of your body. Hold your lower leg and ankle with both hands, keeping  your lower leg parallel to the floor. Keep your torso straight and shoulders back. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release. Repeat pulling your left foot up in front of your body. Using both hands hold your left calf and ankle, letting your knee fall to the side. Hold for 10-30 seconds, then release.

*Consult your physician before beginning exercise. This stretch is for those without injury concerns.

Stretch for Runners