This is a popular stretch also known as the “sit and reach” stretch. It’s even used as a “test” for your flexibility.
You sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Then, you lean forward as far as you can. Seems simple enough. So, how could this be bad for you?
First, when you sit on the floor with your legs straight, if your hamstrin 
gs are tight, and in most people that’s the case, those muscles will pull your pelvis back under you increasing the static stretch on your lower back as in the image to the right.
To do this stretch properly with much less risk to your lower back, you must keep the lower and upper back straight and lean forward at the hips. For most people, this is just too difficult.
You can modify this stretch by sitting on a stool or low bench. This reduces the tension on the hamstrings and allows you to maintain the correct posture and position.
Or, better yet, skip this stretch and try a standing position. Set your foot on a low stool. Stand tall. Bend forward only at the hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. If it’s too easy, get a taller stool.
If you’re going to do the “sit and reach”, stand up instead.
DK
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For the latest on MY TRAINING ROUTINES, click here.
**
New to the View? Consider subscribing to my RSS feed: Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates in the box at the top left hand corner of my blog and then share this blog with your friends.
**
Do you have a copy of my new book, "The Little Book of Sparks"? Here's what one reader had to say about it. "This
was great reading. "The Little Book of Sparks" inspired me to live a
healthier lifestyle. Each chapter in the book motivates me to do
something daily to keep my mind and body healthy and active. This is a
book that's entertaining, and filled with simple suggestions that when
applied to our daily routines make a positive difference in our health
and happiness- David."
You can read a sample and order it here.
This is a popular stretch also known as the “sit and reach” stretch. It’s even used as a “test” for your flexibility.
You sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Then, you lean forward as far as you can. Seems simple enough. So, how could this be bad for you?
First, when you sit on the floor with your legs straight, if your hamstrin
gs are tight, and in most people that’s the case, those muscles will pull your pelvis back under you increasing the static stretch on your lower back as in the image to the right.
To do this stretch properly with much less risk to your lower back, you must keep the lower and upper back straight and lean forward at the hips. For most people, this is just too difficult.
You can modify this stretch by sitting on a stool or low bench. This reduces the tension on the hamstrings and allows you to maintain the correct posture and position.
Or, better yet, skip this stretch and try a standing position. Set your foot on a low stool. Stand tall. Bend forward only at the hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your leg. If it’s too easy, get a taller stool.
If you’re going to do the “sit and reach”, stand up instead.
DK
**
For the latest on MY TRAINING ROUTINES, click here.
**
New to the View? Consider subscribing to my RSS feed: Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or sign up to get email updates in the box at the top left hand corner of my blog and then share this blog with your friends.
**
Do you have a copy of my new book, "The Little Book of Sparks"? Here's what one reader had to say about it. "This was great reading. "The Little Book of Sparks" inspired me to live a healthier lifestyle. Each chapter in the book motivates me to do something daily to keep my mind and body healthy and active. This is a book that's entertaining, and filled with simple suggestions that when applied to our daily routines make a positive difference in our health and happiness- David."
You can read a sample and order it here.