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Hamstring Stretch
5 Good Morning Stretches
Instead of hitting the snooze button in the morning, I take the extra 10 minutes to stretch. It's a great way to get the juices going in the morning and ease away any stress or tension from the previous day's activity or a funky sleeping position.
Since stretching before breaking a sweat is debatable, I keep my morning stretches simple — I don't even have to leave the bed to do them!
Strike a Pose: Both Big Toe
If you love working your core doing Boat pose, you're going to love this variation where you hold onto your toes. Aside from toning your abs and back muscles, you'll also increase flexibility in the backs of your legs, and perfect your sense of balance.
Sanskrit Name: Ubhaya Padangusthasana
English Translation: Both Big Toe Pose
Also Called: V Pose
Since this pose is challenging for those with tight hamstrings, find out how to do an easier variation when you read more
Snow Shovel Stretch: Lower Back
If you live in a place where Winter means lots and lots of snow, chances are you're burning tons of calories from shoveling. While you'll end up with a toned core and upper body, bending and lifting heavy loads of the white stuff can really do a number on your back. Take a break while shoveling and try these two stretches to relieve your sore lower back and hamstrings.
Stretch It: Forward Bend Against a Wall
Take time out of your busy day and do this relaxing forward bend. All you need is a wall and a few minutes, and you'll feel an amazing stretch for your tight hamstrings and lower back.
To learn how to get into this stretch, read more
Yoga Three Ways: Hamstrings
If you've taken a few yoga classes, you'll find that depending on the instructor and the style of yoga, some poses are easy and relaxing, and some are better saved for those with incredible strength and flexibility. That's part of the beauty of yoga — there's a pose fit for everyone's needs and abilities.
Since the backs of our legs are a common tight area, here are three ways you can stretch those hamstrings.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Foot to Hand
What's not to love about a forward bend? These poses feel so good after a run to lengthen the lower back and hamstrings — just the tight places that need a good stretch. If you liked the variation of the pose known as Big Toe Standing Forward Bend, since you hold your toes to pull yourself more deeply into the pose, then you're going to love this variation for the deeper stretch it provides while simultaneously giving your wrists a sweet release.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee C
Here's the last of the three variations of the forward bend Janu Sirsasana. All three of these poses increase flexibility in your hamstrings, but this variation will also stretch out the muscles in your feet. Some instructors also believe this pose will massage your inner organs, which keeps them healthy, but I'm not sure I buy that one.
5 Easy Hamstring Stretches
Are the backs of your legs tight? It is important for the health of your back, hips and knees to keep your hamstrings flexible. Here are five easy stretches for you to use as you lengthen the muscles on the back of your thighs.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee B
Runners and other athletes need to spend extra time stretching their hamstrings. If you like the Head to Knee A pose, you're going to love this variation that will stretch the part of your hamstring closest to your glutes. I always do this stretch after a run.
Strike a Yoga Pose: Head to Knee A
Looking to loosen up inflexible hips and hamstrings? Here's a yoga pose that's a popular stretch among runners because it'll target the oh-so-tight backs of the legs.
Sanskrit Name: Janu Sirsasana A
English Translation: Head to Knee Pose A
Also Called: Flag
To learn how to do this forward bend variation read more
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