Seated Floor Hamstring Stretch

What it is

This fundamental stretch is performed seated on the floor, effectively targeting your hamstrings, the large muscles along the back of your thighs. It also provides a beneficial stretch for your calves. You will feel the primary engagement along the back of your extended leg.

Technique tips

• Initiate the forward lean from your hips to maintain a straight back.
• Reach for your ankle, shin, or knee, keeping your extended leg relaxed.
• Breathe deeply and smoothly throughout the hold, avoiding any bouncing.
• Gently increase your reach over time, respecting your body's current flexibility.
• Ensure your extended leg's knee is soft, not locked into hyperextension.

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.