How to do the Lying Hamstring
- Lie on your back with your legs extended. Your partner should be kneeling beside you. Raise one leg up towards the ceiling and have your partner hold the ankle. Your partner can use their shoulder to brace your leg if necessary. This will be your starting position.
- With your partner holding your leg in place, attempt to flex the knee, contracting the hamstrings for 10-20 seconds.
- Then relax your leg, allowing your partner to gently push the leg towards your head. Be sure to inform your helper when the stretch is adequate to prevent injury or overstretching. Switch sides once complete.
Muscles worked
| Role | Muscles |
|---|---|
| Primary | hamstrings |
| Secondary | calves |
| Equipment | other equipment |
| Difficulty | expert |
No other equipment? Train the same muscles with these
Ordered by how likely you are to own the 6 options.
Easier than the Lying Hamstring
Same movement pattern, lower entry difficulty — work up from here.
Common questions
What muscles does the Lying Hamstring work?
The Lying Hamstring primarily works the hamstrings, with the calves as secondary movers. Runner's Stretch, Seated Floor Hamstring Stretch, and Seated Hamstring train the same muscle, across 9 equipment types.
What equipment do you need for the Lying Hamstring?
The Right Equipment. Without the right equipment, Runner's Stretch, Seated Floor Hamstring Stretch, and Seated Hamstring train the same muscle, and 20 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.
Is the Lying Hamstring suitable for beginners?
It is rated expert. Start with Runner's Stretch, Seated Floor Hamstring Stretch, and Standing Toe Touches and work up.
Similar exercises
Build a full legs session around this
The free generator picks the sets, reps and supporting exercises for you — using only the equipment you actually have.
Build a free workout