We’re all born with very individual degrees of flexibility. There are many factors that contribute to flexibility…genetics, posture, daily activity(or lack of) and your own, unique physiology.
The “hamstrings” are a group of muscles that run down the back of the thigh. This muscle group plays an important role in posture as the muscles attach to the base of the pelvis.
When they’re tight, it impacts the position of the pelvis, which then leads to a potential “pull” on the spine, particularly the lower back.
Now the reverse can also happen, a tight spine can impact the position of the pelvis and “pull” on the hamstrings.
The common factor in both situations is the position of the spine and pelvis…POSTURE!
Attempting to lengthen tight hamstrings by stretching without addressing postural imbalances can produce a “release”, which is also what a massage will do.
But if the underlying postural tension and weakness isn’t rebalanced and strengthened, the hamstrings will always be under tension and no matter how much stretching you do…they always feel tight!
The original pilates method of exercise is postural corrective strength training, which is designed to develop functional flexibility.
To achieve this takes time…it definitely doesn’t happen overnight and requires a commitment to working on posture and then learning about functional stretching for your specific, individual needs.
Functional stretching is about lengthening muscles and mobilising joints through movement, rather than just “passive” stretching. For instance, there are many twisting and rotating exercises that can actually lengthen the hamstrings!
Passive stretching tends to focus on just one area of the body, which can be what’s required for a short period of time, or if you’re a beginner. But strong, functional movement requires integration of the entire body. Nothing in the body works in isolation.
The longer you work on posture and functional stretching, the easier it is to maintain it, and as you get older having MORE movement capability.
If the underlying cause of “tight” hamstrings is never addressed it will definitely impact how the spine functions, the potential for injury and its ability to stay upright.
The number one step in addressing tight hamstrings is to have a postural assessment so you have a clear understanding of your unique postural imbalances. Then a personalised and individual functional stretching program can be developed that keeps you active and doing all the activities you love to do forever.
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