Hamstring Stretches and Exercises for Flexibility

What is the hamstring?

The hamstring is the muscle group behind the thigh area. Three muscles make up the hamstrings. They are biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendonosus. The hamstring muscle crosses two joints. It extends from the top of the tibia up to the pelvis.

Function

As it relates to real life most people probably look at the hamstring muscle as a leg flexor. Leg flexing is accomplished by bending the lower leg up towards the hamstring. But is that how it’s generally used in real life? I don’t think so. The hamstring is mostly used as a hip extensor. To understand hip extension visualize the movement of the leg backward during walking and running. What movements do we do all the time? Walk and run. These movements are powered by the hamstrings and glutes. Keep this function in mind as you design a hamstring strength training routine as well. 

Generally speaking you want your Glute Maximus to be the prime mover in the case of running and walking.  If you find your hamstring doing too much of the work you might be suffereing from Glute Amnesia.  This means  we need to wake up that muscle.  Failure to wake up the glutes leads to injury and overcompensation of the hamstrings. 

What basic movements and exercises use the Hamstring muscle

• Walk
• Run
• Jump
• Squat
• Lunges
• Leg Curl
• Hip Extension movements listed above

Why Stretch the hamstrings?

The easy answer is for optimal function and prevention of injuries. Poor hamstring flexibility can lead to compensations in other areas of the body. This can lead to injury. Proper hamstring flexibility leads to proper functioning of the body. This leads to muscles doing what they are supposed to do when called on to do it.

Who should stretch the hamstrings?

Almost everyone should stretch the hamstrings. Of course there are exceptions to the rule. People with major injury, possibly some eldery people with major cases of osteoporosis should not stretch. If you are concerned or question if stretching your hamstring is for you, consult with a medical professional before proceeding.

What are the different Hamstring Stretches?

Here are some good examples of stretches broken up into a few different categories:  These exercises will be added later to the website.

Dynamic Stretching

Hamstring Dynamic Stretch
	Exercise Description: Walking Ground Touch Classification: Dynamic Warmup Instructions: 1. Do this drill walking forward. 2. While stepping forward go down and touch the Groupnd 3. Try to keep a straight line from head through the ankle.  Do not compensate by twisting the hip toward the sky. This will take the stress off the hamstring and glutes, which is where we want it.

Static Stretching

Hamstring Static Stretch

Exercise Description: Standing SL Hamstring Static Stretch Classification: Flexibility Instructions: Assume the position as seen in the image.  Keep your back stretch (Very Important).  Keep your front leg straight, with your toe up.  Bend on the rear leg as seen. Bend forward with your back straight until you feel a stretch in the hamstring of the leg extended forward. Hold for prescribed number of seconds and then repeat with the other leg.

Foam Rolling

Hamstring Foam Roll Stretch
	Exercise Description: Hamstring Foam Roll Stretch Classification: Self Myofascial Release Instructions: 1. Place one or two hamstrings on the foam roller.  I prefer one, but you might work up to one after starting with two. 2. Roll all the way from just above the knee to just below the glutes.