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Stretch Sitting AND Hamstring Stretch

proprioceptivel...
proprioceptivelycuriouschris's picture
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06/22/2017 - 5:57am
Stretch Sitting AND Hamstring Stretch

Hi y'all, I'm loving the Gokhale Method! I have known for a quite a while that my hamstrings and probably also my hip flexors are super super tight. I'm wondering if there is a way to modify the stretch sitting so that I'm not only getting a stretch in my back, but my hamstrings too? 

 

I'm trying to sit on the floor with a wedge to tilt my pelvis have my back streetched against the front of the couch and then also have one of my legs out in front of me to get a passive, comfortable/slight stretch on the hamstrings while I sit throughout the day. I'm experimenting with using my arms to hoist myself, tilt my pelvis until I feel a slight stretch in the hamstrings and then settle into that position to feel a continuous stretch on them. I would really love to get as flexible as the photos showing hip hinging!

 

Any suggestions/thoughts on any other ways I could stretch the hamstrings in combination with the sitting I'm already doing throughout the day? I'm finding between exercising, somatics, stretching, mobility work, trying to fit cardio in, etc. I could easily spend all day just setting aside time to stretch or strengthen something lol so any suggestions that work passively while seated would be awesome!

Cecily Frederick
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04/03/2015 - 6:23am

I personally like the position that you mention (stretch-sitting with the aid of the front of the couch, sitting on the floor with one or both legs extended).  This will help the hamstrings to lengthen in a passive way.  A couple of things: 

1. It isn't necessary to sit on a wedge when you are stretch-sitting.  If it ends up being more comfortable for you go ahead with it.  At some point your well developed glutes might serve as your built-in wedge.

2. Another good way to stretch the hamstrings without adding an additional exercise is to bend well, using the hip-hinge method. 

Sounds like you are on the right track.  Good luck to you!

Cecily Frederick

Gokhale Method Teacher, Madison, WI

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