This is most powerful method for addressing hamstring tightness I’ve found so far. It’s called the Hamstring CRACR and I believe it’s the key to unlocking chronically tight hamstrings.
But the most useful thing in this video isn’t the stretching technique itself, but rather the concept of strengthening the antagonist muscles that aid that stretch. You see, each muscle group has an opposing muscle group (usually on the other side of the joint) and its task is to provide the strength and stability to keep the body upright and in balance. This is the agonist/antagonist relationship (google that if you’re unfamiliar).
So what I want to encourage you to do is to:
- Watch this video
- Pay close attention to my cues
- Try the hamstring CRACR for yourself
- Test before and after
Perform the Hamstring CRACR in 3 sets of 4 reps on each leg, two times a week should be plenty to make a significant improvement.
This is not your standard relaxing stretch… its something else entirely.Yes, It’s important to relax and breathe when we stretch.. but, it’s also important to focus on what you feel and build some integrity in the position and we do that by tensing the opposing muscles.
This is the essence of mobility!
And if mobility is your goal, start applying this concept to any and all stretching you do. It’s a beautiful combination of strength and flexibility, and it’s what I constantly aim for when I’m putting together my programs. When we have strength and range of motion combined, we have a greater sense of freedom in our bodies and a much lower chance of injury!
