Arthritis, Knee Pain, Back & Hip Pain
The one thing these all have in common
“I just need to stretch them more.”
And yes—tight hamstrings can absolutely make your whole body feel stiff and uncomfortable.
But here’s what often gets overlooked…
👉 Tight doesn’t always mean short. Sometimes it means WEAK.
Let me ask you something…
Do you deal with knee pain?
Maybe arthritis?
What about nagging hip or low back pain?
These common issues in midlife often have one thing in common 👉 Weak hamstrings.
When they’re weak, other areas—like your knees, hips, and lower back—have to pick up the slack. And that’s when pain and dysfunction start to show up.
In this issue, I’m going to help you combat weak hamstrings.
JUST ONE THING
Your hamstrings are a pretty incredible group of muscles. They don’t just do one job—they do TWO 👉 bend your knee and extend your hip, which means they’re involved in almost everything you do.
Your JUST ONE THING to Avoid Lower Body Pain
Strengthen Your Hamstrings
Your hamstrings are constantly working behind the scenes to support and stabilize your body, during:
Walking
Standing
Sitting
Climbing Stairs
So, when they’re weak? Other areas—like your knees, hips, and lower back—have to pick up the slack.
If you’ve been stretching your hamstrings, but still feel tight, achy, or unstable…
It is time to shift your focus.
💪 Don’t just stretch your hamstrings—strengthen them.
Start simple.
Incorporate movements like bridges, hip hinges, or hamstring curls a few times a week.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does need to be consistent.
Try this 👇 easy move today to begin strengthening your hamstrings.
Towel Hamstring Curls
- Start in a bridge position with a towel under one heel
- Slowly slide your heel out and pull it back in with control
- Do 10-15 reps/side
Extra Tip: Try this exercise first with your hips on the floor to simply practice the movement of pushing your heel out and pulling it back in. Once that feels smooth, then try it with your hips lifted.
Did You Know...
- Fun Fact: The word hamstring comes from the Old English word hamm, “the hollow or bend of the knee,” and string refers to a ligament or tendon. It has nothing to do with pigs!
- If you feel sharp pain right on your sit bone, it could be “proximal hamstring tendinopathy”—an irritation of one of your hamstring tendons where it attaches to your pelvis.
- Weak hamstrings impact how you walk. They are the main muscle group that pulls your leg back and bends the knee with every step, so strength is key.
Until next week... Be strong💪
