Warm-Up & Mobility

Supine Hamstring Stretch — Simple Cool-Down Guide

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By Borja Bes — CrossFit Athlete & Hyrox Finisher

The supine hamstring stretch lengthens the back of one leg while the floor supports the spine. A strap makes the position accessible and helps keep both hips heavy instead of lifting the pelvis to chase range. Use it after training at a gentle intensity, breathe slowly, and stop if the position causes sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.

Quick answer

The supine hamstring stretch lengthens the back of one leg while the floor supports the spine. Use Supine Hamstring Stretch after training with slow breathing and mild tension only; it should settle the session, not become another workout.

Curated demonstration

Watch Supine Hamstring Stretch Technique

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Hamstring Stretch with a Strap, Supine - Ask Doctor Jo

AskDoctorJo · reviewed 2026-08-06

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Muscles Worked

HamstringsCalvesGlutes

Equipment

Strap or towel (optional)

Best For, Avoid If, and Scaling

Best forUsing Supine Hamstring Stretch as a calm post-training transition that gently addresses hamstrings and calves while breathing and heart rate return toward baseline.
Avoid ifAvoid or scale Supine Hamstring Stretch if sharp pain, tingling or numbness appears. Correct this common fault before adding volume: pulling the leg so far that the pelvis lifts.
ScalingKeep the non-stretching foot on the floor and bend the raised knee.

How to Do the Supine Hamstring Stretch

1

Lie on the back with both knees bent.

2

Loop a strap around one foot and extend that leg upward.

3

Straighten the knee only until mild hamstring tension appears.

4

Keep both hips heavy, breathe, and change sides.

Common Mistakes

✕

Pulling the leg so far that the pelvis lifts.

✕

Locking the knee aggressively or creating nerve-like tingling.

Coaching Tips

✓

Keep a soft knee if the stretch feels sharp.

✓

Let the arms hold the strap without lifting the shoulders.

Scaling Options

Easier / Beginner

Keep the non-stretching foot on the floor and bend the raised knee.

Harder / Advanced

Extend the opposite leg along the floor while the pelvis stays neutral.

Cool-Down Examples

Use Supine Hamstring Stretch to Finish the Session

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Supine Hamstring Stretch Recovery Reset

supine hamstring stretch cool-down

2 gentle rounds

30-45 sec Supine Hamstring Stretch per side

5 slow nasal breaths

Keep every position pain-free

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Post-WOD Supine Hamstring Stretch Flow

post-workout supine hamstring stretch

4-minute downshift

60 sec easy walk or march

30-45 sec Supine Hamstring Stretch per side

Finish when breathing feels calm

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should Supine Hamstring Stretch feel?

Supine Hamstring Stretch should create mild, steady tension while you can still breathe normally. Ease out immediately if you feel sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.

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