Exercise library · Hamstrings

How to Do Leg-Up Hamstring Stretch

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the leg-up hamstring stretch.

How to do it

1. Lie flat on your back, bend one knee, and put that foot flat on the floor to stabilize your spine.
2. Extend the other leg in the air. If you're tight, you wont be able to straighten it. That's okay. Extend the knee so that the sole of the lifted foot faces the ceiling (or as close as you can get it).
3. Slowly straighten the legs as much as possible and then pull the leg toward your nose. Switch sides.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

Browse all workouts →

Similar exercises

InchwormHamstrings

Knee Tuck JumpHamstrings

Moving Claw SeriesHamstrings

The StraddleHamstrings

Linear 3-Part Start TechniqueHamstrings

90/90 HamstringHamstrings

Gear for this exercise

Exercise matGrip and comfort for floor work, core and stretching.See it on Amazon →Doorway pull-up barThe cheapest way to train your back and biceps at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.