Stretch - Runners

Recommendations: 1-3 Sets, 10-15 Dur

Beginner Hamstrings Calves Stretching Body Only Gym Home

Purpose: This exercise focuses on working the hamstrings and makes an excellent warm-up before any resistance or weight training involving the rear thigh muscles.

Benefits: This exercise tones and tightens your hamstrings with some involvement of the calves.

Stand upright with your left leg slightly behind you. Place your right leg in front of you with the heel flat on the floor. This is the starting position. Place your hands on either side of your right ankle. Slowly lower your body towards the floor without bending your knees. Breathe normally during this exercise. Pause for about 10-15 seconds. Return to the starting position. Breathe normally. Repeat this exercise for the other leg. Stand upright with your right leg slightly behind you. Place your left leg in front of you with the heel flat on the floor. This is the starting position. Place your hands on either side of your left ankle. Slowly lower your body towards the floor without bending your knees. Breathe normally during this exercise. Pause for about 10-15 seconds. Return to the starting position. Breathe normally.

The hamstring muscles are responsible for bending the knee. Some members of the hamstrings also straighten the hip (bring the leg down from a front position).