Standing Hamstring Fold

Stand with the feet under the hips, hinge forward with soft knees and let the head hang; the backs of the legs lengthen.

Standing Hamstring Fold, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Feet under the hips, knees soft, arms hanging.

Steps

  1. Hinge from the hips and fold forward, letting the head and arms hang.
  2. Let the weight settle into the middle of the feet.
  3. Straighten the knees only as far as the back stays long.
  4. Roll up slowly, head last.

Common mistakes

Locking the knees to reach the floor: the back rounds instead. Bouncing at the bottom; the hold does the work. Standing up fast at the end, which is where people get dizzy.

Breathing

Exhale on the way down, then breathe evenly in the hold.