You're asking and I'm answering . . . Dear Fit, Last week you answered another reader's question about weak quads and how to strengthen them. Well, I have the opposite problem — weak hamstrings. Can you help me whip them into shape? — How to Hamstrings I am so glad you asked this question, because balance in the leg muscles is important for the health of your knees and hips. To see what you Read more

If you, like me, spend a lot of time running (on the treadmill or outside) then you're definitely giving your hamstrings a nice workout, which is awesome. Keep in mind, though, that it is important to work opposing muscles in order to keep your body alignment and balance in check. This does not mean you need to start running backwards (unless you want to, of course). Instead, just be sure to work Read more

Need to open up and stretch those tight hips and hamstrings? Not only is this a wonderful sequence to start out with before moving onto deeper poses like backbends, but it's also a great way to warm up before or after a run, hike, or bike ride. Music: "Om Namo Narayana" by Deva Premal By the way, I'm wearing the Simplicity Pants made by be present. I love the way they feel when I practice. Read more

If you have been doing a lot of walking, running, biking or hiking this summer, chances are your hamstrings could use a good stretch. Here's a sequence of stretches to loosen up your tight hamstrings. Standing Forward Bend with Wrist Release - Place your hands on the mat, palms facing up with your fingertips facing you. Now step your feet onto your palms, pressing your toes into your wrist Read more

We all know how important it is to stretch out our muscles, especially after a run, so here's a series of five stretches I like to do. Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch - From a Down Dog position (this is a great stretch for your calves too), step your right foot forward between your hands. Lower your left knee onto the ground (make sure it's a padded surface - fold up a towel or use a thin block Read more

Looking for a way to beat the summer and workout at the same time? Well have you tried kayaking? I am not talking about white water river kayaking, but getting out on a lake, bay, or inlet for some paddling action. If you live near water, or are planning to vacation near water, you should have an easy time finding a place that rents kayaks and all the associated gear. Or better yet, you can Read more

Ahh, the Seated Forward Bend. You either love it or you hate it, but we can all agree that it's great for stretching out our hamstrings and lower back like no other pose. It's great to do before and after a run or bike ride, or if you've been standing for a long time. Sit on your mat with your legs extended straight in front of you. Reach your hands underneath your tush and pull the fleshy Read more

I am always looking for a way to do something new, fitness wise. At one point, step aerobics was the latest thing, but that time has since come and gone. You'll still find step classes in almost every gym, but they are not nearly as popular as they once were. Enter Ramping. I know it sounds a little odd but ramping is very similar to step aerobics (in fact it was created by the very same person Read more

Are your ready for the next Yoga Challenge? The last one, Eagle pose, was all about balance, and this one is all about power and strength. That's why it's called Goddess. Not only does this pose make you feel strong and beautiful, it helps to open your chest and hips. It also works your hamstrings and calves and the muscles in your gorgeous booty. When you strengthen the muscles in your Read more