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Lying hamstring stretch

VeryWellHealth: "This exercise is good for beginners who have trouble touching their toes or who have stiffness in the hamstrings." [ID: lying_hamstring_stretch]

Instructions

First time: Hold the stretch for 10 seconds or more

Steps:

  1. Lying on your back with one knee up, grab behind the bent knee with both hands
  2. Straighten your leg up until a stretch is felt in the back of the leg (hamstring)
  3. Hold for 10 seconds (or more)
  4. Return your leg to the mat and try again with the other leg

Progression: Flex your calf 10 times on your raised leg while stretching

Optional: Use a band on your straight leg to pull/enhance your stretch

Little help

Video: Stretch demo from NASM, www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_yZV27H684

Article: "How to Stretch Tight Hamstrings" by VeryWellHealth, www.verywellhealth.com/great-hamstring-stretches-296849


Image source: NASM, nasm.org