Runner's Stretch

What it is

This is a common stretch that targets the back of your legs, helping to improve flexibility. It primarily focuses on your hamstrings, which run along the back of your thigh, and also engages your calf muscles. You perform this static stretch using your body weight and no additional equipment.

Technique tips

• Begin standing, step one leg back, then slowly lower your torso.
• Keep your front heel grounded; adjust your back foot if it lifts.
• Place your hands on the floor beside your front leg.
• Gently press your hips towards the ceiling for a deeper stretch.
• Breathe steadily and hold the stretch for the prescribed time.

How to track your progress

Log the hold time of each set. Straddly keeps your best hold for this exercise and tells you when you beat it, so a two-second gain does not go unnoticed.