Hamstring stretch

Extend one leg in front of you with the foot flexed. Bend your other knee and lean back slightly. Your pelvis should be tilted forward. Keep your upper body upright as you hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

You should feel the stretch up the back of your extended leg (all the way up your calf and thigh).

NOTE: Your supporting leg may get tired, as you have to balance your weight on it.

Review Date: 7/25/2022

Reviewed By

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Hamstring stretch