SHIFT Fit
Seated hamstring stretch
Seated hamstring stretch: written movement steps, equipment and example doses. General information to help you choose an appropriate starting point.
How to do it
- Sit near edge with one heel forward.
- Hinge forward gently over the straightened leg. Keep the spine long.
- 2 bouts × 10s per side; 15s rest between bouts. Move only to gentle tension, never pain. Do not bounce. Complete all bouts on both sides/directions, with the stated rest after every bout. Keep breathing; stop a bout if position or control is lost. Keep the spine long.
Equipment
- chair
Example variations
The written steps above use one library example. These other doses are separate options, not instructions to complete every variation or progress automatically.
| Level | Example dose | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | 2 bouts × 10s per side; 15s rest between bouts. | chair |
| beginner | 2 bouts × 20s per side; 20s rest between bouts. | chair |
| beginner | 2 bouts × 30s per side; 30s rest between bouts. | chair |
Safety and comfort
- Stop for pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness; do not force range or train to failure. Use gentle tension only; stop for tingling or radiating symptoms.
- Rounding the back to reach farther; locking the knee; pulling hard on the strap. Exercise check: Keep the spine long.
General movement information, not an individual exercise prescription. Independent trainer or clinical review is not claimed. Use appropriate support and seek individual advice for an injury or restriction.