Get Strap Happy Hamstrings

This entry was written on Mar 19, 2009 by our Running Guru Heidi Splete

While in yoga class the other day, we did one of my favorite, but challenging moves that is also a great running exercise. It doesn't involve standing on one leg or balancing on your head. It's a hamstring stretch. There's actually a Sanskrit name for it, but I can't remember what that is right now.

Here's how to do it:

-Lie flat on your back, with both legs straight out in front of you.

-Wrap a belt or strap (or even a towel will do) around the ball of your left foot.

-Holding the ends of the strap, raise your left leg straight up, keeping your right leg straight on the floor. Keep your right leg from rolling out by focusing on pointing the toes of your right foot towards the ceiling.

-While concentrating on pushing your left thigh up and out of the hip socket, gently pull your left leg towards your face. If you are as tight as I am, you won't get far. But hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and release. It's a great way to work on tight hamstrings.

Happy Running!