How to Fix TIGHT Hamstrings (HINT - It's NOT stretching)

How to Fix TIGHT Hamstrings (HINT - It's NOT stretching)

Tight hamstrings?

Stretching them more may NOT be the answer!

There are a variety of reasons muscles can feel tight, and not all of these reasons mean that you need to stretch that muscle more.

Like, for instance, our hamstrings!

Often when our hamstrings feel tight, we stretch them.

But actually stretching our hamstrings may perpetuate the tightness instead of correcting it.

It may actually be making things worse!

And that is because a muscle can feel tight from being overstretched or because there is instability at a joint.

Tightness does not always mean a muscle is SHORTENED which is why you’d want to stretch it.

In the case of our hamstrings, tightness can often stem from tight hip flexors, which leads to excessive anterior pelvic tilt and the hamstrings becoming over stretched.

Or even hip or knee instability, causing the muscles to compensate and become overworked and tight.

In either circumstance, stretching your hamstrings more isn’t the answer.

So what can you do?

GLUTE ACTIVATION!

[willek]

Thumbs up for getting straight to the point. Most YouTubers waste a good minute faffing about with intros, caveats, lengthy context, "hit that like button", etc. Thank you.

[MarthaMcCrum]

Your no-nonsense style of getting straight to the point is very refreshing amidst all the windbaggery to be found here. Love your channel and your sweet dogs :)

[brockbah]

I appreciate how quickly and precisely she talks. Also she's in really fantastic shape, congrats!

[alisonanzalone]

You’ve just summed up months of pt work in a nice, short video, thank you! Hearing WHY I need to do these glute exercises will help me do actually do them :)

[TRIAXPerformance]

What we've found is that some people can't effectively activate the glutes using double-leg bridges. Some over compensate in the lumbar spine and it actually places the load down the lower back. Alternatively it can also become quad dominant with low glute activation. We've found that if you keep your heels on the ground but toes off the ground, particularly in a single-leg bridge you can fire the glutes and hamstrings a lot more efficiently.

[peterhoatson]

YES YES YES! I'd discovered myself that stretching doesn't work and it's SO refreshing to hear someone say what to do instead!

[mellowcat]

I've had a physiotherapist provide this same diagnosis of my own tight hamstring issue. Following these exercises will help!

[yvonnelourenco]

Tx tx tx! Im 68 yr old. With swollen leg for a week and putting it up as much as possible. Finally after listening to so many people on you tube. When I heard you what you said fit the bill! I also tried the glut exercise you showed was very do able for me also. So grateful for you

[AlexMQQ]

It makes total sense. I have had three back surgeries and on-going lower back issues. Most times in therapy I am always told how tight my hamstring and hips are and looking back they most always have me bridge and work my glutes now I see why. Your video put it in perspective

[bzyhc]

I having tight hamstring recently, been trying to stretch but it doesn't seem go away, now I know I shouldn't stretch it. Thank you so much!

[akin]

Reciprocal inhibition. 2:20. Such a good point being made. It is why low back pain can be due to tight hip flexors and weak glutes.

[valeriepaigeferguson]

Glad I watched the whole way through! Your thorough, scientific explanation is much appreciated! :)

[rjohnson]

I love it. You literally confirmed everything my physical therapist has been focusing in for me. My hamstring issue stems from ankle problems. I have severe flat feet and PT has really helped with the process. Doing everything I can to avoid them cutting me open.

[USMCdad]

This comes at a great time. Been having issues with my hips, legs and ankles. Will try all these excersizes

[spacemanad]

Amazing. I've had a long history of weak hamstrings, and now I know why my PT gave me a lot of glute/hip exercises to help.

[RosieWilliamOlivia]

I have nerve damage which causes spasms in my hamstrings and get super tight hamstrings in turn. Thank you for this video, I'm looking forward to trying these out to help.

[inawrocki]

The first 20 seconds of this video apply to your back, as well. Lower back pain is almost always approached with a bunch of nonsensical stretching, when what is really needed is lower back strength training and activation. Foundation Training fixed my lower back like no one would believe, then I graduated to strength training with stiff legged deadlifts and back extensions. It saved my life.

[Eightch]

This is amazing. Its taken me decades to unlock these secrets. Been injured for too long doing the wrong things thinking that they were helpful when in reality I doing more damage. Thanks for this video.

[albo]

Wished this video was around 6 years ago. By far the best info. Seen and spent worthless money on specialists couldn't explain the pain I was constantly having in my arch. Thanks you. 👍

[ameliacarter]

I totally trust everything you say. You’re smart and practice what you preach. We all see that. So my right leg from calf to hamstring is much tighter that the left. Even my ankle hurts at times on that side. When I saw this vid it dawned on me that my stretching wasn’t working at all. It makes sense about the glutes. Thank you so much I will try that too! HUGS