How To Do The Seated Hamstring Stretch Video

Seated hamstring stretches lengthen and increase flexibility in the large muscles at the back of the thighs. Learn how to do seated hamstring stretch exercises in this stretching and flexibility video.

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Stretch slowly
Hold 20 to 30 seconds
Let muscles relax between stretches
Switch positions or rotate foot

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Tom Clifford has a degree in physical education, fitness and health from Eastern Michigan University, where he ran track and cross-country. Tom has worked as a personal trainer for two years. He also has a separate business where he coaches runners and triathletes for upcoming events. He currently works at Gold's Gym in Wilmington, North Carolina.

TOM CLIFFORD: Now, I'm going to demonstrate how to do the Seated Hamstring Stretch. There's a few different ways that you can stretch your hamstrings while seated. First way is just take your foot in at the center, so the bottom of your foot will be against the inside of your thigh of the opposite leg. And you want to reach forward using your hands, crawling down your leg, so reaching down as far as you can. Keeping your knee all the way down. So you want your leg and your knee all the way down to the ground. You don't want any space in between the knee and the ground here. So when you're holding the stretch, hold for about 20 to 30 seconds, 30 seconds being optimal amount of time to stretch. Then relax. Let your hamstring relax for a second then do it again. You want to do it about two or three times. And you'll switch legs after you do it two or three times. Another way you can do it is like a hurdler stretch. Bringing your leg back and leaning forward, grabbing your toe. Then feel it a little bit on the outside of your leg this time. And if you do want to emphasize getting on that inside and outside of your leg, all you have to do is turn your foot out and you'll get the outside of your leg or you can turn your foot in with the inside of your leg. Those are a few different ways to do a seated hamstring stretch. And points to remember is make sure the space in between the ground and your knee is little as possible. You don't want to bent knee up like this, otherwise, you're not getting the maximum amount of stretch that you get out of your hamstring. Areas that you're going to feel it are from the top of your calf all the way down to the base of your glutes or your butt and all behind your knee. Well, that's a few different ways to do a seated hamstring stretch.

How to Do the Seated Hamstring Stretch Video

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