Stubborn Carpenter

Workshop gym, no. 20

Seated hamstring stretch

Loosens the backs of your legs, which tighten up with sitting and can pull on your lower back. A gentle stretch done in a chair.

Press start when you’re ready

Pin it up in the shed: the moves, the beat and a tally board for your week, on one A4 page.

Download the A4 sheet (PDF)

How to do it

  1. Sit near the front of a sturdy chair.
  2. Straighten your left leg out in front, heel on the floor, toes up. Keep the other foot flat.
  3. Sit tall, then lean forward slowly from the hips, reaching towards your shin.
  4. Stop when you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your leg. Hold and breathe.
  5. Sit back up and swap legs.

Easier

Don’t lean as far. A gentle pull is enough.

Harder

Hold for 30 seconds, or pull your toes towards you.

Safety

Stretch, don’t strain. No bouncing, and no pain.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, have had surgery, or feel dizzy, chest pain or breathlessness, stop and check with your GP before carrying on.