This page deals with some suggested stretches
to include when you stretch your legs.
Most athletes will include most if not all of these stretches
in any stretching regime that they are undertaking.
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Again, remember - never force an exercise when stretching. Go to the point of
tension and hold for 10-15 seconds. For safety, ensure knee and feet
alignment and avoid "locking" elbows or knees straight.
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Legs (Hamstring)
Place one leg on a barrier of a comfortable height. Keeping
your back straight, gently lean forward from hips, stretching the hamstring. Keep support
leg slightly bent and ensure supporting foot is facing
forward. Repeat on other leg.
This exercise can be done equally well by lying on your back
and pulling you leg up towards your chest (effectively replicating
this stretch at 90 degrees, but with you leg moving rather than you
torso).
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Legs (Quadriceps)
Bring one foot to backside (preferably your own!) Clasp with
one hand. Keep knees together and support leg slightly bent, thus stretching your quadricep or thigh muscles.
Keep back straight and upright. Ensure support foot is
facing forward. You can use your free hand on a wall to
support yourself.
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Lower Leg (Calf) (1)
Step back with one foot. Bend front knee. Ensure both feet
are facing forward. Push back heel into floor. Back
straight. Use wall for support. Repeat for other leg.
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Lower Leg (Calf) (2)
Take small step forward with right foot. Back upright, hand
on hips for balance. Bend knees placing weight through left
leg, stretching the lower part of calf, down into achilles tendon. Keep both feet flat to ground and facing forward.
Repeat for other leg.
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Hip Flexor
Kneeling, place one foot forward. Make sure front foot can be
seen over knee. Ease hips forward. Place hands on hips for
balance.
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Adductors
Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together as in the
diagram. Keeping your back straight push down on your knees
with your elbows to stretch the muscles on the inside of your
upper leg, stretching the adductor muscle.
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