Releasing Your Hamstrings from Lying on Your Back

Many students and clients have asked me if there is a way to release the hamstring muscles from lying on your back in supine. I actually prefer releasing my hamstrings from lying on my belly or from standing. However many people are uncomfortable lying on their belly and the standing position can also be problematic for some people too. The function of the hamstrings at the knee is to bend the knee. The hamstrings also extend the hip/thigh. This video deals with the knee bending function only. As you release the hamstrings from supine, bring your awareness into the back of your thigh (hamstrings). You'll be creating some friction with your heel in this demonstration to be able to contract your hamstrings. Follow the demonstration carefully. Some people have trouble feeling their hamstrings at first due to their high level of contraction. It's always prudent to move slowly and "do less." I've also included releasing the hamstrings from the belly (prone) position in the last part of this video. I have two other Youtube videos demonstrating the release of the hamstrings. One video is from standing and one video is only from the prone position.