ex_IKBRND

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Upper Legs · Body Weight

Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch

beginnerflexibilityMale & female model

Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch is a beginner isolation flexibility exercise that works the hamstrings (upper legs), with the calves assisting. It needs no equipment beyond your own body weight. A typical prescription is 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds, and it burns about 3.1 calories per minute.

Target
Hamstrings
Body part
Upper Legs
Equipment
Body Weight
Category
Flexibility
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Static
Sets × reps
2-3 × 30-60 sec hold
Calories / min
≈ 3.1 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Hamstrings

Secondary muscles

  • Calves

How to do Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch

  1. Stand tall and place the heel of one foot on a low step or out in front of you with the leg straight.
  2. Keep your back flat.
  3. Hinge forward from your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of that leg.
  4. Hold, then switch legs.

Form tips

  • Keep the standing knee soft.
  • Lead with your chest.

Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch alternatives

More hamstrings exercises

Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch FAQ

What muscles does Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch work?

Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch mainly works the hamstrings in the upper legs. The calves work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch?

None. Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch is a body weight exercise, so you can do it at home or anywhere with enough space.

How many sets and reps of Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch should I do?

Start with 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch good for beginners?

Yes. Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the hamstrings.

How many calories does Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch burn?

About 3.1 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 2.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 31 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch?

Other exercises for the hamstrings include Standing Hamstring Calf Stretch With Resistance Band, Exercise Ball Seated Hamstring Stretch, Band Standing Leg Curl and Dumbbell Rdl Stretch Isometric.

For developers

Use Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_IKBRND" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_IKBRND",
  "name": "Standing Straight-Leg Hamstring Stretch",
  "model": "male",
  "counterpartId": "ex_M3PKJW",
  "target": "Hamstrings",
  "equipment": "Body Weight",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_IKBRND/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_IKBRND/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}