Hamstring exercises

Runner's Stretch

Also known as: Étirement du coureur · Διάταση δρομέα · runners lunge stretch

Primary
Hamstrings
Equipment
Bodyweight
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Force
Static hold
Suggested rest
30 s

How to do the Runner's Stretch

  1. It's easiest to get into this stretch if you start standing up, put one leg behind you, and slowly lower your torso down to the floor.

  2. Keep the front heel on the floor (if it lifts up, scoot your other leg further back).

  3. Place your hands on either side of your front leg. To get more out of this stretch, push your butt up toward the ceiling, and then gradually lower it back toward the floor. You'll Stretch the hip flexor of the back leg and the hamstring and buttocks of the front.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Holds320–60 s30 s

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Calves

The hamstrings bend the knee and extend the hip, so train both: hinges like Romanian deadlifts and leg curls.

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Bodyweight hamstring exercises