About This Hamstring Stretching Routine
Tight hamstrings are one of the most common flexibility limitations people face. They affect how you bend forward, how your pelvis moves, and can even contribute to lower back discomfort. Current research on stretching indicates that consistent flexibility training can produce meaningful improvements in range of motion over time.1 This beginner-friendly routine builds hamstring flexibility gradually through approachable stretches that work.
What This Routine Targets
Your hamstrings run along the back of your thighs and attach at your pelvis and knees. When they’re tight, simple movements like bending to tie your shoes or picking something up from the floor become limited. This routine stretches your hamstrings from different angles using forward folds, lunges, and seated positions.
What’s Included
This six-minute routine includes seven stretches that progress from standing to seated positions. You’ll start with simple toe touches and work through side lunges, reverse lunges, and seated folds that target both the inner and outer portions of your hamstrings.
Who Should Try This
This routine is ideal for beginners or anyone who struggles to touch their toes. It’s also helpful for runners, cyclists, and people who sit for long periods since all of these activities tend to tighten the hamstrings over time.
Tips for Best Results
Keep a slight bend in your knees if straight-leg positions feel too intense. Stretching should feel like a gentle pull, not sharp pain. Breathe deeply and allow your muscles to relax into each position rather than forcing depth.
Toe Touch
Duration: 0:30
Fold forward from standing to stretch your hamstrings and lower back with a calming release.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Stand with feet hip-width apart and arms relaxed by your sides.
- Hinge at your hips to fold forward, lowering your torso toward your legs.
- Relax your head, neck, and arms, aiming to place your palms on the floor.
Tips
- Lengthen through your spine as you fold.
- Keep legs straight but avoid locking your knees.
Adjustments
- Rest your hands on shins or thighs if the floor feels out of reach.
Cross Leg Fold
Duration: 1:00
Fold over crossed legs to release your hamstrings and low back with a sweet twist of the hips.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Stand tall and cross one foot over the other.
- Hinge forward from your hips and allow your torso to drape over your legs.
- Let your arms hang toward the floor or rest hands on the front leg as you breathe.
Tips
- Keep weight balanced between both feet despite the cross.
- Think about lengthening your spine rather than rounding it.
- Relax your neck so your head hangs heavy.
Adjustments
- Place hands on shins, ankles, or yoga blocks if the floor feels far away.
Wide Leg Bend
Duration: 0:30
Fold forward with legs wide to stretch your hamstrings, hips, and lower back.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Stand with feet wide and toes pointing forward.
- Hinge at your hips to fold forward, lowering your torso toward your legs.
- Relax your head, neck, and arms, aiming to place your palms on the floor.
Tips
- Lengthen through your spine as you fold.
- Keep legs straight but avoid locking your knees.
- Hold ankles and draw your head closer if you want more stretch.
Adjustments
- Rest hands on shins or blocks if the floor feels far away.
Side Lunge
Duration: 1:00
Sink into a side lunge to stretch your groin and hamstrings while building strength.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Stand with feet wide apart.
- Shift your weight to one side, bending that knee and keeping the opposite leg straight.
- Place hands on the floor for balance and lower your hips until you feel a stretch in the inner thigh, rotating the straight-leg foot so the heel grounds and toes point up.
Tips
- Lift your chest and keep your back long.
Adjustments
- Stay higher if the stretch feels intense.
- Hold a chair or wall for extra balance support.
Reverse Lunge
Duration: 1:00
From a kneeling stance, extend one leg forward to stretch the backside while keeping your balance dialed in.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Begin kneeling with knees hip-width apart and tops of your feet on the floor.
- Extend one leg forward, pressing the heel into the ground and keeping the leg straight.
- Hinge at your hips to lower the torso toward the floor, placing hands down for balance.
- Hold the stretch briefly, then switch legs.
Tips
- Keep your chest lifted and back long even as you hinge forward.
Adjustments
- Place a folded blanket under your kneeling knee for comfort.
Seated Fold
Duration: 0:30
Reach forward from a tall seat to stretch your hamstrings and back with a calming fold.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit with legs extended and reach your arms overhead to lengthen your spine.
- Hinge at the hips and fold forward, reaching for your toes, shins, or ankles.
- Hold the stretch while breathing slowly, keeping your spine long.
Tips
- Focus on hinging from the hips instead of rounding your back.
Adjustments
- Use a strap around your feet or keep hands on your shins if your toes feel far away.
- Keep a slight bend in the knees if your hamstrings are tight.
Hurdler
Duration: 1:00
Set up like a hurdler and fold forward to stretch your hamstrings, calves, and hips with precision.
Difficulty: Beginner
Instructions
- Sit tall with legs extended, then bend one leg and place the sole against the inner thigh of the other leg.
- Reach through the spine and hinge forward from the hips toward the extended foot.
- Hold the foot, ankle, or shin while breathing into the stretch, then switch sides.
Tips
- Lead with your chest rather than rounding your back.
- Keep the extended leg engaged and the foot flexed without locking the knee.
Adjustments
- Use a strap or towel around your foot if your hands do not reach comfortably.
- Soften the knee of the extended leg if you need less intensity.
Building Hamstring Flexibility
Stand tall, shake out your legs, and note how quickly the tension starts to fade. Consistent practice is the key to lasting hamstring flexibility.
Try this routine three to four times per week. Over time, you’ll notice that forward folds become easier and the tightness that used to limit your movement gradually loosens.
