Hamstring stretching and knees

[creechitup]

When i hamstring stretch, either standing or sitting, the stretch feels strongest along the outsides of my knees and down the outsides of my calves. And my knees sometime ache afterwards. I'm not that supple and can only just touch my toes: so is this normal or am i doing it wrong?

 

[jpfitness]

Sounds like you need to do some foam roller work. Also, you may want to start doing some more mobility work as opposed to static stretching.

 

[trainerty]

I agree...
I want to add that if your knee is "bending" during a hamstring stretch you are "over stretching" (in general). Stretch to your range of motion. Suprisingly, it is usually not the hamstring that is tight because of this. Like JP said "foam roll" or tennis ball roll and really get into that IT Band. Stretch your "quads" and hip flexor area.....not so much the hamstrings. DO NOT STRETCH EVERY MUSCLE....that's just a waste of time and can be counterproductive.