Decoding the Hamstrings

Of course it makes sense to stretch tight muscles if they’re causing a problem. But what if they’re solving one?

That’s the exact question we’ll try and tackle today with brevity and compassion.

The hamstrings are one of the most important lower body muscles that we have.

They (mostly) attach below the knee and run all the way up to the back of our pelvis. This means they have influence in all three planes of motion throughout (for the most part) the entire body.

They’re particularly active when we deadlift and are the prime movers in a leg curl.

The hamstrings are also important postural muscles as they work in conjunction with the abdominal group to hold our pelvis in a more neutral position when we’re standing.

So where do these tight hamstrings even come from? 

The truth is that the hamstrings can sometimes feel a little like the kid in the group project that does a little more than their fair share of work.

Weakness through the abdominals secondary to a host of other factors and contributors can manifest as tight hamstrings as those posterior chain muscles try to make up for those abdominal slackers. 

But this isn’t just a funny metaphor because keeping a somewhat neutral pelvis is critical to pelvic and spine health, not to mention movement and posture both in and and out of the gym.

So how do we address tight hamstrings?

For starters, we need to be careful about rolling or stretching tight hammies (especially in the presence or with a history of hip, abdominal, or lower back issues). 

Unloading a hamstring group that’s trying to compensate for abdominals isn’t going to make the problem better. It’ll probably make it worse. 

Instead, we can focus on building strength through the abdominals and adductors and relieving tension at the lower back and hip flexor group.

Combine this with some deep, positional breathing exercises and you’ll create a more stable midsection that will allow the hamstrings to gently relax, all on their own.