Lengthen Tight Hamstrings With Yoga

I feel like everything I do from running and biking to gardening and simply sitting, shortens my hamstrings. But I find yoga is good medicine for loosening up the backs of my legs. I have rounded up some yoga poses to lengthen tight hamstrings, which can also ease knee, hip, and low back pain and hopefully prevent injuries too. The first four poses are definitely suitable for beginners, with the final three poses being a bit more challenging. 

 

This variation of Standing Forward Bend stretches not only the hamstrings but targets the lower back and the wrists too — a bonus after long bike rides or days pecking at a keyboard.
Standing forward bend is an integral part of the Sun Salutation, a staple of almost any yoga class. So be prepared to bend this way many times each class and feel the backs of your legs open up. If you can't get your hands to the floor and under your feet, just place your hands on your shins.