How to improve hamstring flexibility

[CurlyQ]

Hi Cathe,
I did GS Legs Monday and wow, what a great workout! My calves and glutes are still screaming for mercy My question is what is the best way to improve my hamstring flexibility? I'm hoping to be able to do those SL Dead Lifts one day. I can touch my toes but not without a little bend at my knees.

 

[JulieL]

Yes I would like to know as well. I have always had a problem with flexiblity in my hamstrings. For instance when laying on your back, and trying to pull up the leg I can never get my leg straight, and I've been trying for two years now and nothing. I also have a hard time with these dead lifts, having to go down much less than all the way down, any thoughts?

 

[aseay]

i did kickmax yesterday and it is a major leg burner. cathe even mentions strengthing your hamstrings and flexibility in the workout in the last part of the DVD.

laura

 

[Stacy]

One word.....YOGA! Those downward dogs get your hamstrings stretched and flexible in no time!

 

[CurlyQ]

I guess I'm really looking for rotation advice and/or the best stretches for hamstrings and lower back.

I recently read an article about flexibility and that the time spent stretching per week was more important than the time spent holding a stretch...does that makes sense? Basically it was saying don't bother holding a stretch for longer than 30 seconds a few times a week because it won't benefit you in any way, instead do many stretching sessions per week (holding each stretch for 10-30 secs). Does this hold any water?

 

[deborahsaipan]

I have to agree, yoga is the best way to improve those hamstrings. After 22 years of running (I am 42), and not being diligent about stretching afterwards, my hamstrings and lower back are incredibly stiff and store. After doing yoga 2 times a week for 6 weeks, and just screaming through some of those poses, I do see incremental improvements. Give it a try.
I have found that Bryan Kest's DVD with 3 combo's (beginner, intermediate and advanced, I am already on the intermediate) and the MTV yoga/power yoga (it is a 4 pack with 2 pilates DVD's) are great ways to start. Shiva Rea's Shakti Yoga has a great yoga matrix you can choose from, but it is not for beginners. She is so flexible, where does she come from? I found all these dvd's on amazon.com (no stores on my little island). Just go to amazon and type in yoga dvd's. Peggy somebody or other (Cappy?) does a Yoga For Inflexible People, which I refused to admit I needed.
Good luck, and remember that the flexibility comes in teensy tiny steps.