How to Stretch Tight Hamstrings

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Les Whitley, here today to talk to you about how to stretch out those tight hamstrings. For those of you who have any kind of hamstring issues and tightness especially in the back, you'll notice that it may even work its way up to the lower part of the back. In stretching any tight muscle, it's always good to warm that muscle up thoroughly first by increasing the blood flow such as doing things like walking or jogging to again improve your blood flow circulation as well as warming that muscle up so that it stretches more completely, more fully. With tight hamstrings especially, ease into the stretches and take your time. Don't overdo it at any time because you want to minimize the impact of that injury or that tightness. Begin by extending the leg which you're going to be stretching out in front of you, using your hands to support the weight of your upper body, pull your toe up for a little more intense stretch. Ideally moving your chest down as oppose to leaning your head down, keeping your body in a good neutral postural position. Push the hips back as the toe comes up, leaning your body forward. Ease into the stretch especially if you have tightness that you feel without beginning to stretch. Working your way up to fifteen to thirty seconds per stretch. In several bouts throughout the day, not only in the morning, mid-day, afternoon, but before you go to bed are great time to stretch too, 'cause what you're doing is telling those muscles to relax. And there's nothing like having relax muscles before you begin your sleep cycle. Keeping idea of both sides to improve flexibility not only in the right but on the left. You may find that you have one side that's tighter than the other, so you may spend a little extra time helping to improve the flexibility of that side."