In this video I show you this technique and explain what it really means about your “tight hamstrings”:
Can you touch your toes? If so, can you do it while maintaining a relatively straight lower back? If you are like a lot of riders I have met the answer to this questions is “no” and if you are among them this may be one of the most important videos you ever watch.
A lot of people mistake their inability to touch their toes as a lack of hamstring flexibility, but despite stretching the hamstrings few people see any real progress. The reason for this is because of a faulty movement pattern is causing the hamstrings to tighten up and, if left unaddressed, will always cause them to tighten up no matter how much you stretch.
Here is a video demonstrating a “trick” I learned from Gray Cook with Functional Movement Systems to help someone touch their toes without any stretching.
In less than 5 minutes I have seen this technique add 6-8 inches range of motion, allowing people to touch their toes for the first time in years.
MTB Strength Training Systems is the world leader in integrated performance training programs for the unique demands of mountain biking. As the strength and conditioning coach for World Cup Teams and 3 National Championships, his programs have been proven at the highest levels. James has helped thousands of riders just like you improve their speed, endurance and skills on the trail. Visit
www.bikejames.com to sign up for the free Trail Rider Fundamentals Video Mini-Course.
It's sad to see that most of the people here seem more interested into the new TLD D3 helmet colors than good (and FREE) tips to improve their fitness, techniques, habits, blablabla...
If you don't give a shit about it, at least show a bit of respect for the man.
That's probably the best way to describe em, yes.
1) To a girl: She slaps you for being perverted assuming you're trying to look at her ass
2) to a guy: He awkwardly comments that he is not gay and walks off feeling very uncomfortable.
Then conversely- if one (or more) structures are tight, there's realistically one or more STRETCHED out structures that need shortened (strengthened) so it can hold proper balance- an idea called tensegrity.
Not knocking this post, just elaborating........
I often times have somebody hold a stick, golf club, broom, etc along their back to have something to "feel" when their back starts to round.....
The best Hammy/calf stretch that also helps your back out is sitting in a chair with your butt all the way back, spine tall with both hands fingers monitoring the low back. Keep good spinal alignment, then slowly start to straighten your knee. Stop if your low back starts to slump (why your fingers are there), then pull your ankle back to increase the calf/HS stretch. Hold 5-10 sec. Repeat 10x, 2-3x/day. It takes 4-6 weeks for muscle length changes to occur, but happens. Most people have "tight" hammies from sitting all day with the knees bent for a long time (years of sustained posture), and repetitive stresses (biking).
Lateral thinking