Hamstring stretch

Source: Best Health magazine, Jan/Feb 2012; Illustration: Kagan McLeod

When asked about her favourite stretch, Heather Moyse instantly comes up with three hamstring moves. ‘I must be a hamstrings girl,’ she says with a laugh. But as an Olympic gold-medal’winning bobsledder, a player on our national rugby team and most recently a member of Canada’s cycling track team, she trains her legs hard and stretches them after workouts to avoid injuries. Moyse recommends doing this hamstrings move after lower body activities such as walking, running or cycling.

Technique

To start, stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands at your sides. Bring your left foot forward and lift toes off the ground. Put your hands on your thighs for balance. Bend at the waist and the right knee as you lower your body; feel the stretch through the back of your left leg. Hold here until the muscle relaxes (which is usually about 10 seconds, Moyse suggests). Stand back up and stretch the other leg the same way.

This article originally appeared in the Jan/Feb 2012 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience’and never miss an issue!