Tight Hamstrings – Evaluation

Check standing alignment.

• Weight should be placed between the front of the heel to the back of the ball of the foot.
• Standing with weight at the back of the heel with locked knees stresses hamstrings.

Check sitting alignment:

• Cue client to keep seated weight on between the front and mid sitz bones.
• Recommend ergonomic seating for the computer-bound and use pillows and wedges to help during seated exercises.
• Many clients learn to find their sitz bones while seated on a fitness ball.

Tight hamstrings are not necessarily strong and you must remember to work on strengthening and stretching at the same time.

For instance: cramping during a bridging exercise might mean that the hamstrings are tired and stressed or that they are very weak.

Remember to continue stretching and strengthening the quads, calves, IT band, ankes and feet as you address the hamstrings. It all works together.