This page provides details on a wide variety of hamstring stretches. Your hamstrings are located at the back of your legs and run from your glutes to your knees. Hamstring stretches are used by martial arts students for better flexibility, to achieve higher kicks (i.e. axe kicks) and to reduce the potential of a pulled hamstring. A pulled hamstring can limit a martial artist’s training for weeks.
All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For additional martial arts stretches targeting other areas of the body, please visit the main Martial Arts Stretches section.
Wiki – Flexibility & Stretching Books
Hamstring Stretches – Written Instructions and/or Videos
- Doorframe Hamstring Stretch
- Downward Facing Dog
- Heron Pose
- Hurdler Stretch – Also known as Hurdler’s Stretch.
- Leg Swings
- Lying Down Hamstring Stretch
- Modified Hurdler Stretch
- Pyramid Pose
- Seated Forward Bend Stretch
- Seated One Leg Hamstring Stretch
- Seated Toe Touches
- Single Straight Leg Stretch
- Sitting Single Leg Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Big Toe Pose – The Standing Big Toe Pose is a hamstring stretch that also works on your balance.
- Standing Crossed Leg Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Knee Hug
- Stretch Kick
- Toy Soldier Stretch
- Towel Foot Stretch
Variety of Hamstring Stretches
Supine or Lying Down Hamstring Stretch
Seated Hamstring Stretch