How to do the Hamstring Stretch
Lie on your back with one leg extended above you, with the hip at ninety degrees. Keep the other leg flat on the floor.
Loop a belt, band, or rope over the ball of your foot. This will be your starting position.
Pull on the belt to create tension in the calves and hamstrings. Hold this stretch for 10-30 seconds, and repeat with the other leg.
Sets and reps
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holds | 3 | 20–60 s | 30 s |
Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.
Muscles worked
Primary
The hamstrings bend the knee and extend the hip, so train both: hinges like Romanian deadlifts and leg curls.
Train smarter
- Should you stretch before or after a workout? The evidenceShould you stretch before or after a workout? What research says about stretching, strength, muscle growth, soreness and injuries, plus a plan for lifters.
- 2 day workout plan: build muscle training twice a weekA 2 day workout plan that still builds muscle and strength: two full-body sessions, sets and reps, supersets to save time and what results to expect.
- 30 minute gym workout: templates that build muscleA 30 minute gym workout can build real muscle. Supersets, smart exercise choice and three ready-to-use templates for 30 to 45 minute sessions.
