WOAH!!!! This really works. before watching video I could barely bend over and reach my ankles. By the end of the video (1st time watching) I could bend over and almost place my hands flat on the ground. WOW!
My results were not quite that dramatic but similar! I could finally touch my toes after just following along. Keeping the back arched really pounds those hammies! I also wonder if minding the back and chest distracts the mind to enable a more intense stretch without reactive contraction/jerking.
@@appuser instant results are not the goal. example: if you flex your quads for 10 seconds the hamstrings will relax and you will get a huge gain in ability to stretch the hamstring. But it won't last.
@@thersten yeah, I've definitely gained some flexibility, and can do a full half bend now and touch the ground, but I have to warm up to it first each time.
@@Gods._.Child. I start with the first one while I’m hot in the shower. Then do the other 2. I really try to make it only a few minutes total- the routine- nice and quick, so that the habit would form without being a big task to accomplish. The great thing is that forming the habit and seeing the results set up a fitness mindset. I’m now lifting weights again and sprinting when I hadn’t done much of that in years. I wish I would have done before and after pictures
Bro, I'm SO stiff and have been for a long time since my back injury and being on my feet all day at work. I've gone through all kinds of treatments that haven't helped much, and I want to let you know I love your gentle and encouraging approach toward beginner level exercises - these kind of exercises have been helping me feel more grounded and at peace with my body as I continue to work it. Thank you for showing that this is a long process and encouraging people to just stick with it even if they don't see results for quite some time.
What happened to your back Stefan? I am also really stiff and I have a bulging disc in my lower back. every time I try to do bent over movements like this, the disc ends up hitting a nerve or I get a bad back muscle spasm. I think my lower back has become incredibly weak over time and my hips, glutes, and hamstrings are extremely tight. are these exercises safe for me to do with a bulging disc? im hoping your situation is similar and you can guide me on what I can and can’t do
@@GautamJBhojwani I would say definitely take it slow with any movements like this. As he said in the video, not everyone will be able to do this right away and you don't want to push a tender area too hard so if all you can manage is an inch be proud of that inch. Making sure to keep that arch in your back should help as well. And work on it incrementally every day, even if all you can do is just a little. I started with the squat position he shows in another video even though at the time I could hardly manage it without falling over but after about a month or so of doing it consistently I can get down pretty far. If your legs get as stiff as mine there's also a few videos on loosening the ankles as well as the hips without any sort of bending forward movement that has been helpful in conjunction with finding a good pair of barefoot style shoes that are passable for work shoes - the pain may be further up but foot and ankle support can help take a lot of the strain off the area you feel most effected(Yes, it all connects). Most of all, breathe and be patient because it really is a long process.
@@GautamJBhojwani hello, I have the same problem as you did. Now I have weak back muscles and very tight hamstrings, so I can't even reach my knees. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me if these exercises are affective and if they were painful .
I used to dance professionally. I had full splits. Flexibility was never a problem. Now at age 71 and 30 years from my last dance class, arthritic knees that don’t bend all the way anymore without extreme pain and very tight hams, this progression felt good. It hurt, but it was that old good hurt. My extreme flexibility when young allowed me an injury free career. I was dumb to let it go. Hoping to regain some of it back. I am thinking it will be very beneficial as I continue to grow old!
HOLY CRAP!!!! IM ALMOST IN TEARS!!!! I have had one injury after another after exiting the Marine Corps in the past 10 years. I haven't been able to hardly touch past my knees. In the TEN minutes of stretching with you I JUST TOUCHED THE FLOOR!!!!! YOUR FREAKING AWESOME!!!
I have not touched my toes for probably 30 years and over the last couple of months have made my mission to accomplish it. I have been having no success after watching a few videos on youtube. I watched this video for over lunchtime today following the exercises shown and can now touch my toes again. Highly recommend.
i can def vouch for this vid, been having some serious and instance lower back pain for the last 2 years or so which was affecting my mobility and sleep. just doing this for 3 days once in the morning and once at night has already made my physical and mental health significantly. For those curious as to what worked for me: 3 Sets in the Morning and 3 sets in the evening - 15 reps of stretch #1 - 15 reps of stretch #2 - 15 reps of stretch #3 ~ hold the last rep of each stretch for 10-15 secs, trying to sink deeper while maintaining posture thank you so much for this strength side!
UNBELIEVABLE. I haven't been able to touch the floor with a straight leg stretch in years. Hamstrings have been locked from years of cycling without proper stretching. Did it easily just following through with this video once!!! Can't wait to see the results from adding this to my routine. Thank you. This is life changing.
I am 63 yrs old and have been watching your channel from the inception. I have been able to do a majority of your moves without much difficulty and every time I do those stretches I feel fine. Some of your moves are unthinkable of course. You are doing a great job son and really appreciate your effort. Greetings from Sri Lanka. (I performed the third one without much difficulty).
It's pretty nuts that many of us have been active/athletic our whole lives - with all of the stretching that comes along with it. Absolutely WILD how different this made my hammies feel. LOVE it - instant subscribe (hoping you have lots of movement and mobility content)
I have been training for the past 2 years and like you said I am getting stronger but stiffer. Your channel is amazing and just what I need. Thanks for sharing x
Hi Josh I've been doing this (together with other routine) about twice a week for about 2 months. Today I felt almost no pain when folding forward as I used to. I'll surely keep at it. Thanks a lot for the progress so far. I'll keep you up in the following months
I’m a classically trained dancer. 2 weeks ago I partially tore one of my small hamstring muscles while running choreography in the studio. Never before have I been able to get in that low squat position without my heels slightly off the floor until today. I did all 3 of the recommended sets and by the end of that 3rd set, even with a torn hamstring, I was able to get into that deep squat with heels completely on the floor….I’m impressed!
Having had previous round of sciatica, after event gym work, had developed a dull ache in my right leg, had tried numerous things but nothing gained. Came across this exercise and wow, after the first try, immediate relief, awesome...I know not every stretch and every exercise works for all people, but this amazingly worked for me, you should at least try...and be gentle on your body! Thanks for the clip and advice, awesome
i have to say a lot of the comments here are sketchy. it gave me a “too good to be true” vibe. but honestly after 2 days i’ve noticed a huge difference. for most hamstring stretches i could never really find one to stick with where i could see consistent progress, but i can really feel it here. can’t believe i just touched the ground after doing it thank you so much
I love how you emphasize that it takes time. This is something I forget unless I hear or repeatedly stated. I haven’t searched your entire library yet since I’ve only recently, today, found myself hooked but since you asked what I would like to see, I’ll mention a similar stretching video for quads.
Yessss love this 🙌🙌🙌🙌 we see endless people trying to static stretch with no load, likely making the muscles tighten up even more from fear! Loving your explanation of giving the hamstrings a 'reason' to go deeper! 🙌
Thanks for these. I read that some of my sciatica pain can be relieved by hamstring stretches and your video came up. I am 67 with a leg I jury/disability and these are totally doable. Gratitude.
Wow, after just one set I was able to touch the ground with my hands flat. I will definitely make this a daily routine. What I really like Josh, is that you are showing easy exercises for all levels. Your videos are totally inspiring.
OMG! I was so skeptical! I could only touch the bottom of my knees. After 1 time... FINGERS ON THE FLOOR! So crazy thank you!!! Definitely going to be following your work thanks again.
Best Hamstring stretches on RUclips by far!!! I watch a bunch of Chiropractors, Physiotherapist using elastic bands, rolls... All non-sense, this is the real deal! You feel it within the first few minutes especially the one sitting down, awesome video, great job!!!
Indeed! I strained my back a year ago and just realized I can’t arch my back! I can do bridges and bench press but your explanation made me notice I was compensating for a nearly paralyzed lower back! I did a few series of the seated exercise and I already feel better! Thanks!
I'm an old man, 72, and my hamstrings are pretty tight. The hamstring routine I'm doing now has helped me some, but I've been on it for about a year plus, and I've seen very little improvement. I will try your workout. I'm subscribed. Thank you.
Thank so much dude! I've just started my morning routine journey and following your videos has been a godsend. After just 4 days I was able to touch my toes and now finding this video is perfect as my hammies are a stiff mess! Keep being wonderful G x
How crazy is it that this ACTUALLY works?! We’re so used to staying in our comfort zone and this pushes you just enough to realize that you can unlock a new comfort zone. Do NOT underestimate your body besties ❤️ thank you for this Josh!!
Holy frig I've only ever Been able to barely touch my tows since I was a kid. I did some 20 minutes of static and dynamic hamstring stretches then I did this video and I almost got my palms on the floor. This is the best hamstring stretch video on the internet.
Dude! I have been doing the stretches for years but have never been told or instructed to keep my lower back arched. What a freaking difference! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!
This is the most noticeable difference I've had after any video I've followed along with. I've never been able to touch my toes, throughout my whole life, but I'm about 2 or 3 inches away now!
I’ve have tight hamstrings that goes past my knees into the calves. I’ve been over stretching them the regular way. Very painful. Im very flexible but afraid to reinjure. I tried your exercises cautiously. They really did make a difference even after one time. There something about arching the back that works. ❤️
I’m 73 and have had tight hamstrings nearly all my life but this really works for me - can touch the floor again and even squat further than before - brilliant! Thank you.
I most definitely made progress with these stretches! I went from being able to reach about 2-3" below my knees (my everyday limits), to all the way down to my toes. Yes!
I'm 63, 200 pounds and working toward better mobility. I AM flexible but having problems with pain/stiffness in my legs and back. This stretch is giving me GREAT results. All is better!
Wow! I am 3 weeks post lumbar decompression surgery and the video is real helping to loosen lower right side hip muscle and I can feel the tension go away from my glutes and hamstrings. Fantastic!
Like everyone else is saying this actually works wonders. My first time doing this was yesterday and I couldn’t get anywhere near touching my toes cause my hamstrings would hurt like hell. Today I did this exercise again and the first and second stretch were significantly easier. The third stretch was still pretty difficult but it felt good. Today after my second day of doing these stretches I’m able to not only touch my toes but touch the floor with my knees fully straightened with just moderate pain in the hamstrings. Feels amazing tho! Thanks for this!
I just watched one of your old videos and noticed that you're much more peaceful now than you were back then. Not that you were nervous in your old videos, not at all, but now you seem almost unnaturally calm. Is that due to being so in touch with your body? I have a theory that flexible people are naturally more calm because their bodies don't hold on to tension as much as an inflexible person does. I don't know if this is true or if it's me talking out my ass though. If you could give your thoughts on this it would be great!
DUUUUUDE! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I could not believe, that for the first time in my life (since I can remember at least), I was able to touch my toes from a standing up position. FROM DOING THIS TUTORIAL ONCE! I almost cried. Wow. YOU ARE A LEGEND.
I was feeling tightness in my shoulder and neck from my hamstrings being so tight. These exercises ESPECIALLY the last one helped me immediately. Thank you so much 💛✨
I had a new experience with feeling the stretch and connection to my hammies. They are STIFF and I am greatful for your inspiration and sharing of information! When I am reborn first thing I need to do is to learn to walk again. And you are helping me on that journey! Aloha!
Just tried this today for the first time and just WOW... the relief! My lower back has been giving trouble for years since an old squatting injury. THANKS FOR THIS
I practise yoga and I always struggle with downward facing dog because of my hamstrings… this exercise helps soooo much! I’ve been practising for a few days and I really can see the improvement! Thanks!
Thank you … my hammys have been tight my whole life - mostly due to not stretching after running in my youth. Now I’m on a different workout journey, and I want to ensure I incorporate the stretching in with the strength training … ima a new subbie - it’s 2024 so I hope you’re still doing content 🙏🏽🤍
Hamstrings are my biggest problem. Learning (still learning) how to do the kettlebell swing (if its not activating hamstrings its not right) has helped me significantly. Giving these a go is very interesting, as the motions are very similar to the swing. The crawl for 5 minutes idea from another video is also quite a challenge!
I've stopped doing all of my physical activities for 2 months and now I came back and your video was the 1st thing I tried (again) and my lower back feels blessed lol
For stretch #2 it's simply amazing how such a small change in keeping your back straight can make a huge improvement in the exercise. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I was skeptical at first since I've done so many of similar tutorials with no results. Doing this once allowed me to touch my toes and I'm hoping to do these regularly!
I've had fibromyalgia (inexpliccable cramps and chronic pains) for 4 years. Josh perspectives and wordings help so much for things to click in my brain. Listen to him regarding your hamstrings. I am 6 weeks in, "flossing" and doing the Arched back thing - which seemed crazy at first... but you must try it!!! Thanks Josh!
I’ve been really tight in my upper hammy and haven’t even been able to get parallel on an air squat and I felt like a beast after doing this just one time THANK YOU
I've never been able to have luck untightening my hamstrings. Even as a kid when I took ballet for a short stint, I was able to bend over backwards and hold my ankles, make floor baskets where my feet rested on my head, but never could touch toes. Definitely gonna work on these gradually because nowadays nearing 40 lol Thank you so much for this!
Best hamstring stretches of my life! Holy cow. I did martial arts as a kid, played football and rugby, been through various workout routines, etc. But stretching my hamstrings has always felt... off. My muscles and tendons in my legs would always feel like they would just snap any time I would stretch. These exercises are definitely a game changer for me!
Fo Sho! I hurt my back due to a seizure and have been going through many of the Strength Side videos. This one helped tremendously. My hammies have always been tight, to a point where I actively have to watch for my back arching when I am standing. I am just starting my flexibility journey.
Really helpful, bro!!! Thank you, thank you!!! I really didn’t realize how much time this would take, but I will say after this stretch was so helpful. I incorporated this into a daily practice because I have lower back pain, and this stretch (plus some of your others) have been SO life changing. Again, thank you!!
"Yes I have my shirt off to show my muscles of course, but also..." - That was actually funny. Watching a ton of fitness channels I don't even think about it anymore so it's just amusing it hear it expressed.
It also make me realised how much I have been watching those steroid youtuber. My first reaction was skinnh yoga instructor but he actually has good muscle lines definition.
I'm coming at this at 40, not old i know that, football car wrecks and all around being young and dumb with the body has had its toll. With all that said at some point I figured there had to be something better, then a more natural life style started coming to mind. Which I'm country any ways grow gardens raise animals things like that. But instead of all of life beimg so ridged stand one position all day sit one way all day, get to moving like all the foreign folks you see with the way they squat and things like that. Boy it's made a huge difference for me, thanks to so many out there who do these type videos
Adding this to my morning routine! My legs were shaking like leaves during an earthquake. I've got several months to go, yet I am gaining confidence. Thank you!
Can't thank you enough for this video. I struggled with forward fold as my hamstrings didn't seem to loosen up at all, I actually felt more strain and pain. Your instructions helped a lot. Even the deep squat is easier now.
Thank you for sharing this. I have Parkinson’s and I have some difficulty finding good stretches for my legs. Just going one time through the video and I feel that I have made a gain! Thanks again!
I am in my early seventies. And I have been workg out regularly for the past 35 years. My hamstrings are tighter on my left side. I stretch my hamstrings as often as I can. I wd like to try these. Hopefully I will not hurt myself. 😂
Several tips for you who give in this video. The hamstrings are made up of several muscles, and even if they have a common tendon, these different muscles allow movements in slightly different angles. So you have to vary these angles. In the positions that you show, - erase your cervical curvature (your constant error!) and hold this erasure when you bow down (stop looking through the window and look at the ground) 6:13 dont keep your eyes up ! - slightly turn your toes to position your different femurs in the coxbones (hips) - rise very gently to reduce the tension produced by stretching at inspiration and then stretch the time of nasal exhalation (longer than through the mouth) - Retract the navel on exhalation to facilitate alignment of the sacrum with the first lumbar vertebrae (L5, L4....etc) and stretch further the posterior chain - pull the arms as you grow to increase the stretch of the chain where the ends must go in opposite directions For the rest it is rather good level to boost a training dynamic for beginners and intermediate! Greetings from France
Ohh, man, this video helped me fix my right leg. Had a hip rotation and the left one was longer for about 10 years. Thank you so much for this, changed my life, really.
I absolutely love this video, first of all and thank you so much!. I'm amazed i was 240lb 5,9 FT and after i had a spiritual awakening i realized (among many other things) that my physical health was nothing more than a dimension i have inside of myself and its being reflected outwards. From there i started connecting with myself and the connection with my body. My body was telling me to do all kind of stretches' like this and many others, we can find all this by intuition by feeling, we have the answer for what we need! Again brother thank you so much for this video!
Man this is awesome! Exactly what I was looking for! Trying to get in the L-sit but no flexibility: I'll stick to this routine because even with just this 10 minutes I feel better. Thank you guys, always been a lurker since I stumbled on your channel, but always been a subscriber because of your approach and what you bring to the community. Keep on keepin' on!
I just want to thank you so much for the encouragement. I sit at a desk for 8 hours. I get up every twenty minutes to combat the sitting position but I’ve only just started trenching about a year ago after all the damage was already done. It seems that no matter how much I stretch sometimes it doesn’t work because I go back to sitting Monday through Friday. I need to be more consistent with my stretching because I do notice a huge improvement in my back pain and legs. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Were you able to open up those hammies? Having any trouble stretching anything else? Let us know in the comments below! Follow Along Program ► www.strengthside.com/guided IG ► instagram.com/thestrengthside
Holy moly I just touched the floor. That's insane! You're a wizard! I'm gonna keep coming back to this. My hamstrings are painfully tight and I wanna cry because they finally feel good!
Thank God I found this. I am getting into strength training and really trying to improve my lower body strength, and I have experienced pain lately because my hamstrings (and maybe quadriceps too) never seem to activate enough when training legs. I have had pain, and I figured seeking stretches would help. It sure has.
im gonna do this a couple times per week for the rest of my life i've been struggling with glute and hamstring exercises and i finally know what was wrong!!! thank you!!
man. ihave had stiff hams from deadlifts and having anterior pelivc tilt and hip issues, the pain in my hamstrings was causing me to plateau in the gym, i went through this video once and stayed as low as i could get with the standing hinge, and when i stood up my hanstrings felt normal for the first time in a year. this is amazing, even my tight heels and insteps feel better!
Wow, I thought everyone was exaggerating with their stories but it really does work!! I was able to finally touch my toes after just 10 minutes. I had to work a harder to do it but at least I could now. Definitely need more work as my hamstrings are still stiff.
THANK YOU!!!! You can't imagine for how long I have been trying to improve my flexibility, and how much effort I put into it. Nothing worked, with very limited gains. Your workout is finally improving my hamstrings' flexibility. I am 40 yo and now I am able to touch all my fingers to the ground. And I have no intention to stop there.
it works !!! i have just try once. I also focus on my breath to slow it down and relax. I will continue 2 or 3 times a week as you say. Thank you so much . so great ! 💯
I just HAD to subscribe. I've been trying to learn splits as a guy and just get my flexibility up in any way possible and these stretches skyrocketed my progress. My splits while bad still 😅 were IMMENSELY lower and I can keep my leg more straight at a higher raised position. All in all this was dope
Thanks for sharing. I'm 60 years old hiker always looking for workouts to keep my body healthy so I can continue to hike up Peaks in California until my golden years.
I really aspire to be as flexible as you. I'm 6'1 roughly 180 pounds, so not out of shape really.. but I find my body is so TENSE/TIGHT. I've been doing full body stretches, and I can literally FEEL the blood flow to all my limbs and extremities. Thanks to you and every other fitness guru I've watched on here. The key is to stay consistent and try not to sink into old habits.
WOAH!!!! This really works. before watching video I could barely bend over and reach my ankles. By the end of the video (1st time watching) I could bend over and almost place my hands flat on the ground. WOW!
how long did you take?
My results were not quite that dramatic but similar! I could finally touch my toes after just following along. Keeping the back arched really pounds those hammies! I also wonder if minding the back and chest distracts the mind to enable a more intense stretch without reactive contraction/jerking.
@@appuser instant results are not the goal. example: if you flex your quads for 10 seconds the hamstrings will relax and you will get a huge gain in ability to stretch the hamstring. But it won't last.
@@thersten yeah, I've definitely gained some flexibility, and can do a full half bend now and touch the ground, but I have to warm up to it first each time.
same situation for meeee°!! it worked, Thank uuuuu
I’ve committed to this every other day for 2 months now and it has honestly changed my life
Really? I wanna start goo bro
Yeah. I sit more comfortably. Stand more comfortably. I use to get tingling in my toes. Not anymore. Sex is more comfortable. 😅
Tell me about your process plzz😅please
@@Gods._.Child. I start with the first one while I’m hot in the shower. Then do the other 2. I really try to make it only a few minutes total- the routine- nice and quick, so that the habit would form without being a big task to accomplish.
The great thing is that forming the habit and seeing the results set up a fitness mindset. I’m now lifting weights again and sprinting when I hadn’t done much of that in years.
I wish I would have done before and after pictures
@@Graceisbadthat’s great! Did your flexibility improve by a lot? Are you able to do a forward fold now?
Bro, I'm SO stiff and have been for a long time since my back injury and being on my feet all day at work. I've gone through all kinds of treatments that haven't helped much, and I want to let you know I love your gentle and encouraging approach toward beginner level exercises - these kind of exercises have been helping me feel more grounded and at peace with my body as I continue to work it. Thank you for showing that this is a long process and encouraging people to just stick with it even if they don't see results for quite some time.
😁🙏thank you man! I hope you Keep making small progress every day 😁
What happened to your back Stefan? I am also really stiff and I have a bulging disc in my lower back. every time I try to do bent over movements like this, the disc ends up hitting a nerve or I get a bad back muscle spasm. I think my lower back has become incredibly weak over time and my hips, glutes, and hamstrings are extremely tight. are these exercises safe for me to do with a bulging disc? im hoping your situation is similar and you can guide me on what I can and can’t do
@@GautamJBhojwani I would say definitely take it slow with any movements like this. As he said in the video, not everyone will be able to do this right away and you don't want to push a tender area too hard so if all you can manage is an inch be proud of that inch. Making sure to keep that arch in your back should help as well. And work on it incrementally every day, even if all you can do is just a little. I started with the squat position he shows in another video even though at the time I could hardly manage it without falling over but after about a month or so of doing it consistently I can get down pretty far. If your legs get as stiff as mine there's also a few videos on loosening the ankles as well as the hips without any sort of bending forward movement that has been helpful in conjunction with finding a good pair of barefoot style shoes that are passable for work shoes - the pain may be further up but foot and ankle support can help take a lot of the strain off the area you feel most effected(Yes, it all connects). Most of all, breathe and be patient because it really is a long process.
@@stefanmckannon1634 Thanks for taking the time to reply me, appreciate the advice. Just going to take it slow and steady.
@@GautamJBhojwani hello, I have the same problem as you did. Now I have weak back muscles and very tight hamstrings, so I can't even reach my knees. I would really appreciate it if you could tell me if these exercises are affective and if they were painful .
I used to dance professionally. I had full splits. Flexibility was never a problem. Now at age 71 and 30 years from my last dance class, arthritic knees that don’t bend all the way anymore without extreme pain and very tight hams, this progression felt good. It hurt, but it was that old good hurt. My extreme flexibility when young allowed me an injury free career. I was dumb to let it go. Hoping to regain some of it back. I am thinking it will be very beneficial as I continue to grow old!
Look up the kneesovertoes exercises
Keep it up!!! ❤
Yeah i feel the Same at Age 25
HOLY CRAP!!!! IM ALMOST IN TEARS!!!! I have had one injury after another after exiting the Marine Corps in the past 10 years. I haven't been able to hardly touch past my knees. In the TEN minutes of stretching with you I JUST TOUCHED THE FLOOR!!!!! YOUR FREAKING AWESOME!!!
That's amazing, I'm happy it works!!
Semper Fi dirtbag. Lol.
Yay you! Hope you continued to heal!
Awesome to hear. Where did you have the pain?
Allah Akbar. Congrats bro :)
I have not touched my toes for probably 30 years and over the last couple of months have made my mission to accomplish it. I have been having no success after watching a few videos on youtube. I watched this video for over lunchtime today following the exercises shown and can now touch my toes again. Highly recommend.
i can def vouch for this vid, been having some serious and instance lower back pain for the last 2 years or so which was affecting my mobility and sleep. just doing this for 3 days once in the morning and once at night has already made my physical and mental health significantly. For those curious as to what worked for me:
3 Sets in the Morning and 3 sets in the evening
- 15 reps of stretch #1
- 15 reps of stretch #2
- 15 reps of stretch #3
~ hold the last rep of each stretch for 10-15 secs, trying to sink deeper while maintaining posture
thank you so much for this strength side!
UNBELIEVABLE. I haven't been able to touch the floor with a straight leg stretch in years. Hamstrings have been locked from years of cycling without proper stretching. Did it easily just following through with this video once!!! Can't wait to see the results from adding this to my routine. Thank you. This is life changing.
I am 63 yrs old and have been watching your channel from the inception. I have been able to do a majority of your moves without much difficulty and every time I do those stretches I feel fine. Some of your moves are unthinkable of course. You are doing a great job son and really appreciate your effort. Greetings from Sri Lanka. (I performed the third one without much difficulty).
It's pretty nuts that many of us have been active/athletic our whole lives - with all of the stretching that comes along with it. Absolutely WILD how different this made my hammies feel. LOVE it - instant subscribe (hoping you have lots of movement and mobility content)
I have been training for the past 2 years and like you said I am getting stronger but stiffer. Your channel is amazing and just what I need. Thanks for sharing x
Hi Josh I've been doing this (together with other routine) about twice a week for about 2 months. Today I felt almost no pain when folding forward as I used to. I'll surely keep at it.
Thanks a lot for the progress so far. I'll keep you up in the following months
Fantastic. Made me improve hamstring flexibility in 10 min more than in years. Thank you so much !!!
I’m a classically trained dancer. 2 weeks ago I partially tore one of my small hamstring muscles while running choreography in the studio. Never before have I been able to get in that low squat position without my heels slightly off the floor until today. I did all 3 of the recommended sets and by the end of that 3rd set, even with a torn hamstring, I was able to get into that deep squat with heels completely on the floor….I’m impressed!
I’m a dancer too! I’m going to try these.
I’ve been trying to loosen up my hamstrings for a while and this has helped the most! Thank you!
Having had previous round of sciatica, after event gym work, had developed a dull ache in my right leg, had tried numerous things but nothing gained. Came across this exercise and wow, after the first try, immediate relief, awesome...I know not every stretch and every exercise works for all people, but this amazingly worked for me, you should at least try...and be gentle on your body! Thanks for the clip and advice, awesome
Happy to hear it!
i have to say a lot of the comments here are sketchy. it gave me a “too good to be true” vibe. but honestly after 2 days i’ve noticed a huge difference.
for most hamstring stretches i could never really find one to stick with where i could see consistent progress, but i can really feel it here. can’t believe i just touched the ground after doing it
thank you so much
I love how you emphasize that it takes time. This is something I forget unless I hear or repeatedly stated. I haven’t searched your entire library yet since I’ve only recently, today, found myself hooked but since you asked what I would like to see, I’ll mention a similar stretching video for quads.
Yessss love this 🙌🙌🙌🙌 we see endless people trying to static stretch with no load, likely making the muscles tighten up even more from fear! Loving your explanation of giving the hamstrings a 'reason' to go deeper! 🙌
Thanks for these. I read that some of my sciatica pain can be relieved by hamstring stretches and your video came up. I am 67 with a leg I jury/disability and these are totally doable. Gratitude.
Wow, after just one set I was able to touch the ground with my hands flat. I will definitely make this a daily routine. What I really like Josh, is that you are showing easy exercises for all levels. Your videos are totally inspiring.
OMG! I was so skeptical!
I could only touch the bottom of my knees. After 1 time... FINGERS ON THE FLOOR! So crazy thank you!!! Definitely going to be following your work thanks again.
Best Hamstring stretches on RUclips by far!!! I watch a bunch of Chiropractors, Physiotherapist using elastic bands, rolls... All non-sense, this is the real deal! You feel it within the first few minutes especially the one sitting down, awesome video, great job!!!
Indeed! I strained my back a year ago and just realized I can’t arch my back! I can do bridges and bench press but your explanation made me notice I was compensating for a nearly paralyzed lower back! I did a few series of the seated exercise and I already feel better! Thanks!
I'm an old man, 72, and my hamstrings are pretty tight. The hamstring routine I'm doing now has helped me some, but I've been on it for about a year plus, and I've seen very little improvement. I will try your workout. I'm subscribed. Thank you.
Thank so much dude! I've just started my morning routine journey and following your videos has been a godsend. After just 4 days I was able to touch my toes and now finding this video is perfect as my hammies are a stiff mess! Keep being wonderful G x
Two years of Covid times made my 25 years gym routine derailed. At 78 restart is challenging. But I’m sure to met absolutely fit. Loved your spirit
How crazy is it that this ACTUALLY works?!
We’re so used to staying in our comfort zone and this pushes you just enough to realize that you can unlock a new comfort zone. Do NOT underestimate your body besties ❤️ thank you for this Josh!!
Holy frig I've only ever Been able to barely touch my tows since I was a kid. I did some 20 minutes of static and dynamic hamstring stretches then I did this video and I almost got my palms on the floor. This is the best hamstring stretch video on the internet.
I especially like the first, seated stretch. My hamstrings are so tight, it's an easy and safe first move.
Dude! I have been doing the stretches for years but have never been told or instructed to keep my lower back arched. What a freaking difference! Thanks for taking the time to share with us!
This is the most noticeable difference I've had after any video I've followed along with. I've never been able to touch my toes, throughout my whole life, but I'm about 2 or 3 inches away now!
I’ve have tight hamstrings that goes past my knees into the calves. I’ve been over stretching them the regular way. Very painful. Im very flexible but afraid to reinjure. I tried your exercises cautiously. They really did make a difference even after one time. There something about arching the back that works. ❤️
I’m 73 and have had tight hamstrings nearly all my life but this really works for me - can touch the floor again and even squat further than before - brilliant! Thank you.
I most definitely made progress with these stretches! I went from being able to reach about 2-3" below my knees (my everyday limits), to all the way down to my toes. Yes!
I'm 63, 200 pounds and working toward better mobility. I AM flexible but having problems with pain/stiffness in my legs and back. This stretch is giving me GREAT results. All is better!
I've had sciatica for 6+ years and my hammies are AWFUL! These beginner stretches were just what I needed. Thanks bro
Get an MRI to make sure it's not your SI Joints being inflamed. A T2 Fatsat type should show. Good luck!
Wow! I am 3 weeks post lumbar decompression surgery and the video is real helping to loosen lower right side hip muscle and I can feel the tension go away from my glutes and hamstrings. Fantastic!
Been doing these everyday for only like 3 days and i see HUGE improvement already!!! Thanks so much for helping all of us out ❤️
And now? Did you improve even more?
Like everyone else is saying this actually works wonders. My first time doing this was yesterday and I couldn’t get anywhere near touching my toes cause my hamstrings would hurt like hell. Today I did this exercise again and the first and second stretch were significantly easier. The third stretch was still pretty difficult but it felt good. Today after my second day of doing these stretches I’m able to not only touch my toes but touch the floor with my knees fully straightened with just moderate pain in the hamstrings. Feels amazing tho! Thanks for this!
I just watched one of your old videos and noticed that you're much more peaceful now than you were back then. Not that you were nervous in your old videos, not at all, but now you seem almost unnaturally calm. Is that due to being so in touch with your body? I have a theory that flexible people are naturally more calm because their bodies don't hold on to tension as much as an inflexible person does. I don't know if this is true or if it's me talking out my ass though. If you could give your thoughts on this it would be great!
thats true
more flexible you are more calm you are
There’s definitely a link between the physical and your emotional expression. And also… getting older helps become more comfortable as wel 😁🙏
SS, where are you "angry young man/wanna kill someone" stretches? I think they might help in 2021~! Wahi' Valleys
@@Tijeydc jjj jjjjjjj jjjjjjjjjjjj jjjjj jjjj jj
DUUUUUDE! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I could not believe, that for the first time in my life (since I can remember at least), I was able to touch my toes from a standing up position. FROM DOING THIS TUTORIAL ONCE! I almost cried. Wow. YOU ARE A LEGEND.
I was feeling tightness in my shoulder and neck from my hamstrings being so tight. These exercises ESPECIALLY the last one helped me immediately. Thank you so much 💛✨
Master Personal Trainer here and this is excellent video. Keep up the great work.
Yes I definitely felt a difference! I can touch the ground and after the routine I went even deeper! Thank you so much❤
I had a new experience with feeling the stretch and connection to my hammies. They are STIFF and I am greatful for your inspiration and sharing of information! When I am reborn first thing I need to do is to learn to walk again. And you are helping me on that journey! Aloha!
My wife caught me watching this, then I was forced to actually do it :)
And whose the man in the relationship
😂😂😂
@@crystalscott9370your mother is
😂😂😂😂😂
@@crystalscott9370
In a healthy adult relationship power is balanced and flows back and forth.
Just tried this today for the first time and just WOW... the relief! My lower back has been giving trouble for years since an old squatting injury. THANKS FOR THIS
I practise yoga and I always struggle with downward facing dog because of my hamstrings… this exercise helps soooo much! I’ve been practising for a few days and I really can see the improvement! Thanks!
great to hear!
Thank you … my hammys have been tight my whole life - mostly due to not stretching after running in my youth. Now I’m on a different workout journey, and I want to ensure I incorporate the stretching in with the strength training … ima a new subbie - it’s 2024 so I hope you’re still doing content 🙏🏽🤍
Hamstrings are my biggest problem. Learning (still learning) how to do the kettlebell swing (if its not activating hamstrings its not right) has helped me significantly. Giving these a go is very interesting, as the motions are very similar to the swing.
The crawl for 5 minutes idea from another video is also quite a challenge!
I've stopped doing all of my physical activities for 2 months and now I came back and your video was the 1st thing I tried (again) and my lower back feels blessed lol
For stretch #2 it's simply amazing how such a small change in keeping your back straight can make a huge improvement in the exercise. Thanks a lot for sharing!
I was skeptical at first since I've done so many of similar tutorials with no results. Doing this once allowed me to touch my toes and I'm hoping to do these regularly!
Love this. The last stretch felt amazing.
I've had fibromyalgia (inexpliccable cramps and chronic pains) for 4 years. Josh perspectives and wordings help so much for things to click in my brain. Listen to him regarding your hamstrings. I am 6 weeks in, "flossing" and doing the Arched back thing - which seemed crazy at first... but you must try it!!! Thanks Josh!
I’ve been really tight in my upper hammy and haven’t even been able to get parallel on an air squat and I felt like a beast after doing this just one time THANK YOU
This channel helped me a lot within a short time!! I have anxiety and depression and movement is something that helps me a lot. Thank you!!!
I've never been able to have luck untightening my hamstrings. Even as a kid when I took ballet for a short stint, I was able to bend over backwards and hold my ankles, make floor baskets where my feet rested on my head, but never could touch toes. Definitely gonna work on these gradually because nowadays nearing 40 lol
Thank you so much for this!
I'll join you on the journey, first to touch the floor!
@@Staroy heck yeah do your best, buddy!
Who won?
@@DekarsBlade Been stretching for 15m every night befor bed, have a pretty decent high kick for my muay thai sparring now!
Best hamstring stretches of my life! Holy cow. I did martial arts as a kid, played football and rugby, been through various workout routines, etc. But stretching my hamstrings has always felt... off. My muscles and tendons in my legs would always feel like they would just snap any time I would stretch. These exercises are definitely a game changer for me!
This exercise allowed me to touch my toes for the first time in about 25 years!
no way? That's awesome! Congrats!
Who cuts your nails?
@@ConstructiveMinds100 Well Ray Liotta used to do it. But he's gone now so I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Fo Sho! I hurt my back due to a seizure and have been going through many of the Strength Side videos. This one helped tremendously. My hammies have always been tight, to a point where I actively have to watch for my back arching when I am standing. I am just starting my flexibility journey.
Really helpful, bro!!! Thank you, thank you!!! I really didn’t realize how much time this would take, but I will say after this stretch was so helpful. I incorporated this into a daily practice because I have lower back pain, and this stretch (plus some of your others) have been SO life changing. Again, thank you!!
This mobility routine DESTROYED me, thank you for a great routine!
"Yes I have my shirt off to show my muscles of course, but also..." - That was actually funny. Watching a ton of fitness channels I don't even think about it anymore so it's just amusing it hear it expressed.
Truth bomb. Much respect 👊🏽😂
glad you said it lol .. yea it was a simple joke that put a smile on my face XD
It also make me realised how much I have been watching those steroid youtuber. My first reaction was skinnh yoga instructor but he actually has good muscle lines definition.
Simple authenticity goes a long way.
I always feel you are one of those Sadhus on the banks of Ganges
I'm coming at this at 40, not old i know that, football car wrecks and all around being young and dumb with the body has had its toll. With all that said at some point I figured there had to be something better, then a more natural life style started coming to mind. Which I'm country any ways grow gardens raise animals things like that. But instead of all of life beimg so ridged stand one position all day sit one way all day, get to moving like all the foreign folks you see with the way they squat and things like that. Boy it's made a huge difference for me, thanks to so many out there who do these type videos
I love the way the dog just casually walks by.
These stretches helped me get greater flexibility in my hamstrings. Wow! This stuff works.
This video came at a perfect time, I had the back of my legs sore this morning and this stretch immediately helped, thanks man!!! 👍
Adding this to my morning routine!
My legs were shaking like leaves during an earthquake. I've got several months to go, yet I am gaining confidence.
Thank you!
I am captivated by this beautiful expression of soul body connection.
Can't thank you enough for this video. I struggled with forward fold as my hamstrings didn't seem to loosen up at all, I actually felt more strain and pain. Your instructions helped a lot. Even the deep squat is easier now.
The BEST hamstring exercises!!
Thanks some much!
Please make a hamstring exercises video for people (especially men) over 60.
Thank you for sharing this. I have Parkinson’s and I have some difficulty finding good stretches for my legs. Just going one time through the video and I feel that I have made a gain! Thanks again!
I am in my early seventies. And I have been workg out regularly for the past 35 years. My hamstrings are tighter on my left side. I stretch my hamstrings as often as I can. I wd like to try these. Hopefully I will not hurt myself. 😂
Several tips for you who give in this video.
The hamstrings are made up of several muscles, and even if they have a common tendon, these different muscles allow movements in slightly different angles. So you have to vary these angles. In the positions that you show,
- erase your cervical curvature (your constant error!) and hold this erasure when you bow down (stop looking through the window and look at the ground) 6:13 dont keep your eyes up !
- slightly turn your toes to position your different femurs in the coxbones (hips)
- rise very gently to reduce the tension produced by stretching at inspiration and then stretch the time of nasal exhalation (longer than through the mouth)
- Retract the navel on exhalation to facilitate alignment of the sacrum with the first lumbar vertebrae (L5, L4....etc) and stretch further the posterior chain
- pull the arms as you grow to increase the stretch of the chain where the ends must go in opposite directions
For the rest it is rather good level to boost a training dynamic for beginners and intermediate!
Greetings from France
I agree with you about the cervical curvature and looking up (bad for neck). I am a dancer, 73 and still have really good flexibility and splits.
I'd love to see stretching exercises for the psoas muscle 🙂
Look up Taro Iwamoto
Ohh, man, this video helped me fix my right leg. Had a hip rotation and the left one was longer for about 10 years. Thank you so much for this, changed my life, really.
Actually insane, did it one time and already saw incredible progress. Happy to say that I will try to do it for the next few weeks.
I absolutely love this video, first of all and thank you so much!. I'm amazed i was 240lb 5,9 FT and after i had a spiritual awakening i realized (among many other things) that my physical health was nothing more than a dimension i have inside of myself and its being reflected outwards. From there i started connecting with myself and the connection with my body. My body was telling me to do all kind of stretches' like this and many others, we can find all this by intuition by feeling, we have the answer for what we need! Again brother thank you so much for this video!
Man this is awesome! Exactly what I was looking for! Trying to get in the L-sit but no flexibility: I'll stick to this routine because even with just this 10 minutes I feel better.
Thank you guys, always been a lurker since I stumbled on your channel, but always been a subscriber because of your approach and what you bring to the community.
Keep on keepin' on!
I just want to thank you so much for the encouragement. I sit at a desk for 8 hours. I get up every twenty minutes to combat the sitting position but I’ve only just started trenching about a year ago after all the damage was already done. It seems that no matter how much I stretch sometimes it doesn’t work because I go back to sitting Monday through Friday. I need to be more consistent with my stretching because I do notice a huge improvement in my back pain and legs. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
Were you able to open up those hammies? Having any trouble stretching anything else? Let us know in the comments below!
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Nice 👍
Do you have a video for hips? My hamstrings are flexible but my hips are tight.
Calves ! Help !
Upper pec where it meets the shoulder ! Help !
Front of the neck ! Help !
Holy moly I just touched the floor. That's insane! You're a wizard! I'm gonna keep coming back to this. My hamstrings are painfully tight and I wanna cry because they finally feel good!
Doc : "where are your hamstrings sir ?"
"I haven't unlocked them yet"
Doc : "oh... what!?"
Gotta beat the first boss
@@Strengthside indeed. Never thought you would reply to my comment tbh :D
@@Strengthside after purchasing the dlc that is ofcourse
@@Strengthside So I guess you are that first boss to beat. You'd actually make a decent Dothraki or something like that. ^^
great session! I am working on my tight hamstrings this month and here you explain perfectly how to do the exercises properly. Great channel!
"Pay attention to the sensations that are arising."
I feel an indescribable terror in my soul.
Thank God I found this. I am getting into strength training and really trying to improve my lower body strength, and I have experienced pain lately because my hamstrings (and maybe quadriceps too) never seem to activate enough when training legs. I have had pain, and I figured seeking stretches would help. It sure has.
Now that I've realised
...I have a very very very stiff lower back....🤕
im gonna do this a couple times per week for the rest of my life
i've been struggling with glute and hamstring exercises and i finally know what was wrong!!! thank you!!
It's working! Daily routine for one month now and progress is coming
This is AMAZING. My body feels sooo loose after doing this. You're the best.
I had a little pain in my back and after the first stretch the pain almost gone! Super awesome! Thanks !
man. ihave had stiff hams from deadlifts and having anterior pelivc tilt and hip issues, the pain in my hamstrings was causing me to plateau in the gym, i went through this video once and stayed as low as i could get with the standing hinge, and when i stood up my hanstrings felt normal for the first time in a year. this is amazing, even my tight heels and insteps feel better!
Wow, I thought everyone was exaggerating with their stories but it really does work!! I was able to finally touch my toes after just 10 minutes. I had to work a harder to do it but at least I could now. Definitely need more work as my hamstrings are still stiff.
THANK YOU!!!! You can't imagine for how long I have been trying to improve my flexibility, and how much effort I put into it. Nothing worked, with very limited gains. Your workout is finally improving my hamstrings' flexibility. I am 40 yo and now I am able to touch all my fingers to the ground. And I have no intention to stop there.
it works !!! i have just try once. I also focus on my breath to slow it down and relax. I will continue 2 or 3 times a week as you say. Thank you so much . so great ! 💯
I just HAD to subscribe. I've been trying to learn splits as a guy and just get my flexibility up in any way possible and these stretches skyrocketed my progress. My splits while bad still 😅 were IMMENSELY lower and I can keep my leg more straight at a higher raised position. All in all this was dope
Tried while watching tv and it was super effective, I started from barely touching my toes and finished wrapping my feet and lifting my toes up 😃
Thanks for sharing. I'm 60 years old hiker always looking for workouts to keep my body healthy so I can continue to hike up Peaks in California until my golden years.
I really aspire to be as flexible as you. I'm 6'1 roughly 180 pounds, so not out of shape really.. but I find my body is so TENSE/TIGHT. I've been doing full body stretches, and I can literally FEEL the blood flow to all my limbs and extremities. Thanks to you and every other fitness guru I've watched on here.
The key is to stay consistent and try not to sink into old habits.