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Hamstring-SMR

Hamstrings Beginner Stretching Foam Roll
Hamstring-SMR Hamstring-SMR
Equipment
Foam Roll
Level
Beginner
Force
Static
Mechanic
Isolation
Instructions
  1. In a seated position, extend your legs over a foam roll so that it is position on the back of the upper legs. Place your hands to the side or behind you to help support your weight. This will be your starting position.
  2. Using your hands, lift your hips off of the floor and shift your weight on the foam roll to one leg. Relax the hamstrings of the leg you are stretching.
  3. Roll over the foam from below the hip to above the back of the knee, pausing at points of tension for 10-30 seconds. Repeat for the other leg.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Hamstring-SMR work?

Hamstring-SMR primarily targets the Hamstrings. This makes it an effective stretching exercise for building hamstrings development.

What equipment do I need for the Hamstring-SMR?

You will need a foam roll to perform the Hamstring-SMR. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Hamstring-SMR suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Hamstring-SMR is a beginner-friendly exercise. Focus on proper form before adding weight or intensity. It's a great movement to include early in your training.

Is the Hamstring-SMR a compound or isolation exercise?

The Hamstring-SMR is an isolation exercise that focuses on a single joint and muscle group. Isolation exercises are useful for targeting specific muscles, correcting imbalances, and adding focused volume. They are typically performed after compound movements in a workout.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Hamstring-SMR?

Hold the Hamstring-SMR for 20-30 seconds per side, repeating 2-3 times. Stretch after your workout or on rest days when your muscles are warm. Never bounce or force a stretch past your comfortable range of motion.

What are good alternatives to the Hamstring-SMR?

Good alternatives include the 90/90 Hamstring, Alternating Hang Clean, Ball Leg Curl. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Hamstrings) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

How to use Hamstring-SMR — How to, Muscles, Form

Best for: Building practical strength and adding focused work for Hamstrings. Use it when the movement fits your goal, equipment, and recovery.

Programming tip: Start with a load you can control for every rep. Add reps before adding weight, and keep the last rep clean enough that you could repeat the movement next week.

Common mistake: Chasing heavier weight before the setup, range of motion, and tempo are consistent. If the rep changes every set, the log stops telling the truth.

Track it: Log weight, reps, sets, and one short note about form or difficulty. Over time, those notes explain plateaus better than motivation quotes ever will.

Track this exercise

Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.

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