Tight hamstrings can prevent you from reaching full leg extension or from bending over completely. If you can't touch your toes or if you feel more comfortable slouching than sitting up straight, your hamstrings are probably tight.
Here are two fantastic Standing Hamstring Stretches:
Standing One-Legged Hamstring Stretch. Stand upright with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart. Turn your right foot so your toes point sideways, away from your body. Clasp your hands behind your back, flex your left knee, and lift the toes of your right foot, coming onto your heel. Rotate your torso to the right and lean forward over your right leg until you feel a gentle stretch through the hamstring. Hold for several deep breaths and try to deepen the stretch slightly with each exhale. Repeat the exercise with your left leg.
Cross-Over Stretch. Stand upright and cross your left foot in front of your right, so the outside of your left foot is close to the outside of your right foot. Slowly bend forward at the waist, moving your hands toward your toes. Stop when you feel a gentle stretch through the right hamstring. Hold for 30 seconds. Breathe deeply and try to deepen the stretch with each exhale. Repeat the exercise for your left leg by crossing your right foot in front of your left. Perform two sets with each leg.
SmartToes Toe Stretchers and Straightener unique design are also beneficial to stretching your hamstrings, as well as hammer toe. SmartToes also provide hammer toe treatment, bunion treatment and overall relief for stressed out feet.
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