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

Supine Hamstring Stretch is best used when the workout goal matches its main demand: warm-up & mobility capacity, clean mechanics, and scalable intensity.

Muscles Worked

HamstringsCalvesGlutes

Equipment

Strap or towel (optional)

Best For, Avoid If, and Scaling

Best forWarm-Up & Mobility WODs, skill practice, and athletes who can keep supine hamstring stretch mechanics consistent under fatigue.
Avoid ifPain changes your movement pattern, fatigue makes reps sloppy, or the workout asks for a standard you cannot repeat safely.
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.

Related WODs

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Movement Practice WOD

exercise wod

AMRAP 12

8 controlled reps

10 bodyweight reps

200m easy run or 60 sec cardio

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Technique + Conditioning

scaled workout

4 rounds for quality

10 technique reps

30 sec core hold

12 low-skill conditioning reps

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should Supine Hamstring Stretch feel?

You should feel mild, steady tension and be able to breathe normally. Ease out immediately if you feel sharp pain, tingling, or numbness.

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