Deep Hamstring Stretch
This stretch is a little bit intense, so take it slowly at first. Start in a standing position and your feet hip width apart, then with a straight back lean forward, bending your knees so that your upper body is resting on your thighs. Slide your fingertips under your heels, so that you’re cupping your heels in your palms, then just think about straightening those legs while keeping your chest glued to your thighs. Hold this stretch for 10 deep breaths, then release.
Do you guys have any favorite running stretches or tips for a Vibrams newbie? Share away in the comments!
Image Credit: Creative Commons photo by Perfecto Insecto
About Becky Striepe
I am a runner too and my favorite stretch is for my hips: standing up I cross my legs and bend over as far as I can trying to touch my fingers to my feet. You can feel the stretch on the hip. I then repeat the stretch on the other side.
Ooh that sounds like a good one! I’ll try it today after our run. Sounds like it might stretch the calves a bit, too!
Update! I think this is going to become part of my regular stretching routine. Thanks so much for the tip!
That’s great. I am glad that you like it. Before I knew of this stretch my hips would feel discomfort after long runs, now before and after my runs I so this stretch and feel so much bettwe. I may still get sore, but at least I’m not in pain.