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Exercise guide

Hamstring Stretch

How to do the Hamstring Stretch with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

IsolationBeginnerStatic
Primary muscles

Hamstrings

Secondary

,

Equipment

Bodyweight

Step by step

How to do the Hamstring Stretch

  1. 1

    Lie on your back with one leg extended above you, with the hip at ninety degrees. Keep the other leg flat on the floor.

  2. 2

    Loop a belt, band, or rope over the ball of your foot. This will be your starting position.

  3. 3

    Pull on the belt to create tension in the calves and hamstrings. Hold this stretch for 10-30 seconds, and repeat with the other leg.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Hamstring Stretch set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your hamstrings volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Train with a goal

Where the Hamstring Stretch fits

The Hamstring Stretch shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:

Related

More hamstrings exercises

FAQ

Hamstring Stretch: common questions

What muscles does the Hamstring Stretch work?

The Hamstring Stretch primarily works the Hamstrings.

Is the Hamstring Stretch suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Hamstring Stretch is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.

What equipment do I need for the Hamstring Stretch?

None. The Hamstring Stretch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.

Is the Hamstring Stretch a compound or isolation exercise?

The Hamstring Stretch is an isolation exercise, it targets the hamstrings through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.

How do I do the Hamstring Stretch with correct form?

Lie on your back with one leg extended above you, with the hip at ninety degrees. Keep the other leg flat on the floor. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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