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Stretching

Hamstring Stretch

A classic seated stretch for the back of the thigh. Commonly used after lower-body sessions or runs to help ease that tight, worked feeling in the hamstrings.

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Hamstring Stretch exercise guide
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Suggested use

Sets

3

Time

30s

Rest

15s

Stretching
Cool-down
Beginner
Mobility
Recovery
Mobilization
Rehab-friendly

Muscles worked

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Calves
Lower back

Equipment

No equipment needed - just your body.

How to do it

  1. Sit tall on the floor with one leg extended and the sole of the other foot resting against your inner thigh.
  2. Keep your spine long and hinge forward from the hips, reaching toward the extended foot.
  3. Stop when you feel a gentle pull along the back of the thigh — mild tension, never pain.
  4. Hold the position and breathe slowly, letting the stretch settle with each exhale.
  5. Ease out of the stretch just as slowly as you entered it.
  6. Switch legs and repeat.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding the back to reach farther instead of hinging from the hips.
  • Bouncing in and out of the stretch.
  • Pushing into sharp pain rather than settling at mild tension.
  • Holding your breath through the hold.

Breathing and tempo

Breathing: Exhale as you fold deeper; keep slow, even breaths throughout the hold.

Tempo: Ease in over 3-5 seconds, then hold steady — no bouncing.

Progressions

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