World's Greatest Stretch
How to do the World's Greatest Stretch with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Hamstrings
Calves, Glutes, Quads
Bodyweight
How to do the World's Greatest Stretch
- 1
This is a three-part stretch. Begin by lunging forward, with your front foot flat on the ground and on the toes of your back foot. With your knees bent, squat down until your knee is almost touching the ground. Keep your torso erect, and hold this position for 10-20 seconds.
- 2
Now, place the arm on the same side as your front leg on the ground, with the elbow next to the foot. Your other hand should be placed on the ground, parallel to your lead leg, to help support you during this portion of the stretch.
- 3
After 10-20 seconds, place your hands on either side of your front foot. Raise the toes of the front foot off of the ground, and straighten your leg. You may need to reposition your rear leg to do so. Hold for 10-20 seconds, and then repeat the entire sequence for the other side.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every World's Greatest 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.
Where the World's Greatest Stretch fits
The World's Greatest Stretch shows up in training built around a specific goal. See how it fits:
More hamstrings exercises
World's Greatest Stretch: common questions
What muscles does the World's Greatest Stretch work?
The World's Greatest Stretch primarily works the Hamstrings. It also recruits the Calves, Glutes and Quads as supporting muscles.
Is the World's Greatest Stretch suitable for beginners?
The World's Greatest Stretch is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.
What equipment do I need for the World's Greatest Stretch?
None. The World's Greatest Stretch is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it without any equipment.
How do I do the World's Greatest Stretch with correct form?
This is a three-part stretch. Begin by lunging forward, with your front foot flat on the ground and on the toes of your back foot. With your knees bent, squat down until your knee is almost touching the ground. Keep your torso erect, and hold this position for 10-20 seconds. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
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