Stretch - Seated Hamstring and Calf

Recommendations: 1-2 Sets, 1-5 Reps, 10-20 Dur

Intermediate Hamstrings Calves Stretching Band 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.

Sit upright on an exercise mat on the floor. Keep your legs straight. Loop a band around your right foot. This is the starting position. Lean forward slightly. Pull on the band to bring the toes of your foot towards your body. Breathe normally. Continue pushing for 10-20 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions. Sit upright on an exercise mat on the floor. Keep your legs straight. Loop a band around your left foot. This is the starting position. Lean forward slightly. Pull on the band to bring the toes of your foot towards your body. Breathe normally. Continue pushing for 10-20 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat for the recommended 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.

Step 1

Sit on the floor with straight legs, band looped around your right foot.

stretch-seated-hamstring-and-calf-step-0

Sit upright on an exercise mat on the floor. Keep your legs straight. Loop a band around your right foot. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Lean forward slightly and pull your toes towards your body.

stretch-seated-hamstring-and-calf-step-1

Lean forward slightly. Pull on the band to bring the toes of your foot towards your body. Breathe normally. Continue pushing for 10-20 seconds.

Step 3

Return to the starting position.

stretch-seated-hamstring-and-calf-step-2

Return to the starting position. Sit upright on an exercise mat on the floor. Keep your legs straight. Loop a band around your right foot. This is the starting position.

Step 4

Sit on the floor with straight legs, band looped around your left foot.

stretch-seated-hamstring-and-calf-step-3

Sit upright on an exercise mat on the floor. Keep your legs straight. Loop a band around your left foot. This is the starting position.

Step 5

Lean forward slightly and pull your toes towards your body.

stretch-seated-hamstring-and-calf-step-4

Lean forward slightly. Pull on the band to bring the toes of your foot towards your body. Breathe normally. Continue pushing for 10-20 seconds.

Step 6

Return to the starting position.

stretch-seated-hamstring-and-calf-step-5

Return to the starting position. Sit upright on an exercise mat on the floor. Keep your legs straight. Loop a band around your left foot. This is the starting position.