Are your hamstrings always tight? Do you stretch them, and they loosen up and then tighten back up like before? There are many reasons why hamstrings may feel tight.
How can you fix tight hamstrings? Instead of stretching them out, try something else to loosen them.
That “something else” is this exercise: the 3-Way Hamstring Mobilization.
At Move Strong Physical Therapy, an exercise we like to use with our clients is the 3 Way Hamstring Mobilization. Below, we will outline how to do this exercise to loosen your hamstrings and reduce tightness:
To start, lay down on your back. Keep one leg straight on the ground. Grasp the other leg with your hands or a band.
After the first step has been completed, remain laying down. Bring your knee towards your chest. Then, use your quadriceps muscle to straighten your knee. Perform 10 repetitions.
Next, bring your leg out to the side and repeat. Then, bring your leg across midline and repeat x 10 reps. Make sure your low back remains in contact with the ground.
The reason that this can help some people with chronically tight hamstrings is that if that is any type of quad weakness or motor control issue, the hamstrings can reflexively tighten up to protect the lower body.
By adding some active mobility and strengthening the quads, can help the hamstrings loosen up and relax them.
If your hamstrings are always tight, give this a try. The 3-Way Hamstring Mobilization is an exercise that is designed to loosen your hamstrings. Let us know if you have any questions as you try this exercise.