Key takeaways:
- Hamstring tightness is often a result of anterior pelvic tilt caused by a combination of tight hip flexors, weak core muscles, foot pronation, and underactive glutes.
- Improving hip flexor flexibility, core stability, foot strength, and glute function can help alleviate hamstring tightness and improve posture.
- Incorporating specific exercises, stretches, and adjustments to daily activities (like using a standing desk or wearing minimalist footwear) can help address the root causes of anterior pelvic tilt and tight hamstrings.
Hip Flexor Flexibility #
- Prolonged sitting can lead to tight hip flexors, which contribute to anterior pelvic tilt and hamstring tightness.
- To test your hip flexor flexibility, lie on a table with one knee to your chest and the other leg hanging off the edge. Observe the position of the hanging leg's knee and shin in relation to the table.
- Improve hip flexor flexibility by using a standing desk, altering sitting positions, sitting on the floor, and performing dedicated hip flexor stretches.
Core Stability #
- Core stability is important for maintaining pelvic alignment and reducing hamstring tension.
- A study found that core stability exercises were more effective than stretching for improving hamstring flexibility.
- Assess your core stability by attempting to hold a plank position with good technique for 1-2 minutes.
- Build core endurance by performing plank exercises with proper technique and progressions.
Foot Posture and Strength #
- Overpronation of the feet can contribute to anterior pelvic tilt and hamstring tightness.
- Building strong feet, possibly by wearing minimalist footwear, can help maintain good posture and flexibility.
Glute Strengthening #
- Strengthening the glutes can help correct anterior pelvic tilt and alleviate hamstring tightness.
- Determine if you are glute or hamstring dominant by performing a single-leg hip extension test.
- To strengthen the glutes, begin with isolation exercises like the clamshell to improve the mind-muscle connection.
Summary for: Youtube