Legs are the foundation of your body, so it’s really important to keep them strong and supple…that’s why I have lots of videos about leg toning and stretching.
Previously we have worked on strength training for quads, glutes and inner thighs, but what about hamstrings? Hamstrings are key, supportive and postural muscles that you need to keep strong and supple. It’s not enough to just keep stretching your hamstrings, they require strength…
…and STRENGTH before STRETCHING
It’s not effective to stretch cold muscles, so there’s no need to pre-stretch before a workout. However, restorative (joint mobility) type exercise performed before strength is optimal and last week’s video here is ideal.
Given the choice, I would always choose standing rather than lying down exercises for leg training. This is because standing is more functional. Functional exercise is that which directly supports daily life, e.g squats and lunges. However, when it comes to the hamstrings (muscles in there back of the thigh), they can be toned and lengthened when lying down.
Gym machines are ok, but they can be quite linear and therefore lack the 3 dimensionality that your legs want to express.
Back to the Ball
The gym ball however is a great tool for focusing on hamstrings. It brings the added challenge of balance so your core muscles will also be involved.
If you don’t have a ball yet, try out some alternative leg strength here. And do get a ball soon, so I can keep making videos!
Many thanks
Take care
Danny
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