Hamstring Stretch - Seated Floor

Recommendations: 1-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps

Beginner Hamstrings Calves Strength Body Only Gym Home

Purpose: This exercise provides flexibility and mobility of the hamstrings.

Benefits: A major problem with many athletes who use their legs (such as runners, footballers, ice skaters) is the hamstring injury. This exercise is a core stretch for the hamstrings which will help reduce this type of injury. The more that you can lean over (i.e., touching your chest to your knee) the more stretch you will get in your hamstrings.

Sit on an exercise mat. Extend the right leg straight out. Bend the left leg at the knee and place the left foot against your right inner thigh. This is the starting position. Lean forward, bending at the hips, and reach for your ankle. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Hold this position for 10-20 seconds. Breathe normally. Return to the starting position. Breathe normally. Extend the right leg straight out. Bend the left leg at the knee and place the left foot against your right inner thigh. Repeat for the required number of repetitions. Sit on an exercise mat. Extend the left leg straight out. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the right foot against your left inner thigh. This is the starting position. Lean forward, bending at the hips, and reach for your ankle. You should feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Hold this position for 10-20 seconds. Breathe normally. Return to the starting position. Breathe normally. Extend the left leg straight out. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the right foot against your left inner thigh. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.

The Hamstring muscles group are responsible for bending the knee. Some members of this group also straighten the hip (hip extensors). They are located on the back of the thigh.