Use Props To Help Stretch Tight Hamstrings

• Start standing up and place the heel of one foot on a bench, chair, or table, at a height that lets you comfortably keep the raised leg straight. If you feel a strain, place your foot on something lower.
• Keep your standing leg fairly straight, but don’t lock your knee.
• Keep your standing foot pointing straight ahead in a normal running or walking position.
• Look straight ahead and slowly bend forward from the waist until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh.
• Hold it for a count of 10, then relax, and try again. Remember:
• Don’t bounce; stretch gently and relax. Repeat with the other leg.

• Start with one leg straight out in front of you.
• Bend your other knee and place your foot against the inner thigh of the straight leg; your bent knee will drop towards the floor.
• Reach forward and grasp your toes or foot if you can. If this is difficult, or impossible, wrap a towel or belt around the ball of your foot and use that to help pull your chest forward. Bend from the hips, not from the lower back.
• Don’t pull hard on the belt or towel; just use it as a guide.
• Find a gentle feeling of stretch and hold for a count of 10 and relax.
• Try the stretch a second time and you may find that you can comfortably stretch a bit more.
• Repeat with the other leg.