Bailey Chiropractic Centre

Exercises to Increase Hamstring Flexibility

Tight hamstring muscles prevent the pelvis from rolling forward as you forward bend; this will cause an increased stress on the low back.  If you have tight hamstrings you will feel a pulling up the back of your thighs as you bend forward. You should be able to extend your leg straight with your hip at a 90 degree angle while lying on your back as shown here.

If you cannot do this, you have tight hamstrings and should do the flexibility exercise below.  Simply hold the leg extended as straight as possible for five to ten seconds.  Repeat the exercise five to ten times, one or two sessions per day.