How To Fix Chronically Tight Hamstrings
- Stretch your hamstrings regularly. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times. Some good hamstring stretches include:
- Seated hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Bend forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and reaching for your toes.
- Standing hamstring stretch: Stand with one leg in front of the other and lean forward at the hips, keeping your back straight. Reach for your toes, keeping your heel on the ground.
- Hamstring stretch with a strap: Lie on your back with one leg extended in the air. Loop a strap around the ball of your foot and gently pull on the strap to bring your leg towards your chest.
- Use a foam roller to massage your hamstrings. Foam rolling is a great way to release tension and improve flexibility. To foam roll your hamstrings, sit on the floor with the foam roller under your hamstrings. Cross one leg over the other and place your hands on the ground behind you for support. Lean back so that your hamstrings are resting on the foam roller. Slowly roll back and forth, applying pressure as needed.
- Strengthen your hamstrings with exercises such as hamstring curls and leg raises. Strong hamstrings are less likely to be tight. Some good hamstring strengthening exercises include:
- Hamstring curls: Lie on your stomach with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Raise your heels off the ground towards your buttocks, then slowly lower them back down.
- Leg raises: Lie on your back with your legs extended in the air. Raise your legs up towards the ceiling, then slowly lower them back down.
- Avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you must sit, get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to keep your hamstrings from getting too tight.
- Wear comfortable shoes that provide good support for your arches. Poorly fitting shoes can contribute to tight hamstrings.
If you have chronically tight hamstrings, it is important to be patient and consistent with your stretching, massage, and strengthening routine. It may take some time to see results, but with regular care, you should be able to loosen up your hamstrings and improve your flexibility.
In addition to the above tips, you may also want to consider seeing a physical therapist or other healthcare professional for guidance on how to best manage your tight hamstrings.