With our continued focus on stretching exercises necessary for good flexibility, fitness and injury prevention, and having already addressed the calf muscle, we'll now work our way up the back of the leg to the Hamstring Muscles.
What we call the Hamstring (or more affectionately, the Hammies) is actually a set of three muscles called: Biceps Femoris, Semimembranosus, and Semitendinosus. These three muscles are mainly responsible for bending or flexing the Knee joint, but as they also cross the back of the hip joint the also help with hip extension.
If you've ever done a lot of activity where you are bending forward with your knees straightened, like working on the engine of your car or pulling weeds out of your yard, you may have noticed these muscles the next day when they are protesting the sudden work you've put them through after not noticing them for so long!
The Hamstrings are relatively weak muscles in comparison to the more powerful Quadriceps muscles, located on the front of our thighs, and therefore are more prone to being overstrained or "pulled" as a result. Also because we spend so much time sitting these days, with our knees flexed in a bent position, the hamstring muscles tend to become a little shortened and tight. Thus the need for regular stretching of these muscles.
Again, no matter what level of flexibility or fitness you are, the main thing about stretching is to go slowly and hold the stretch at a comfortable level for at least 25-30 seconds.
Low Level Stretch
Advanced Level Hamstring Stretch
These stretches can be done for several repetitions as well as any other stretch. Remember, treat your Hammies right, and they will treat you right!
Happy Fitness!
No comments:
Post a Comment