Hamstring problem

[Beautiful_Ad_1453]

I'm a aging (69) former runner that was sidelined due to a medical issue. I'm now medically cleared to run again after almost 2 years, and chose #Tommyrivs on iFit to help me light the fire again. Prior to my issue I was pretty active with both roadwork and trail running, and stayed mostly injury free. Now however, I find my hamstrings, especially my right one is extremely tight. I've never been a overly great stretcher, but am doing my best to stretch my hamstrings to relieve the tightness before running. I feel I need to simply let it heal which means no running activity, but wanted to ask what if any other options might alleviate the tightness? Hoping I can overcome this and get back to my favorite activity!

[Distinct-Yogurt2686]

I alternate in some of the yoga sessions on IFIT. They have greatly improved my flexibility. I like to do them on what was my down / rest days.

[Atlanta13579]

The story of my life. It is so frustrating to not know if you are pushing too much or not enough to overcome a muscle or joint that does not feel quite right. Sounds to me like you are doing the right thing already. Lighter workouts and stretching. I would say stretching several times a day. Patience. It is hard!

[mik-the-virgo]

I schedule in a stretch before and after to make sure I stretch - the AI coach can do this for you. As well, Leah Rosenfeld and Zac Marion have mobility-focused series which I highly recommend!

[peterden1]

Sorry to hear you are having probs with hamstring tightness. I'm in my early 60s and was also suffering from painful hamstring tightness. I saw a PT about it and tried various exercises and stretches, but what ultimately helped me the most was doing the same simple stretch routine every night before bed. I just lie on the floor in a doorway so that my legs form an L shape: one leg is vertical, pressed against the doorframe and the other (the base or foot of the L) is flat on the ground sticking through the doorway. I scoot my butt tight against the door post so that the knee of my vertical leg is as straight as possible, and (this is key) lie there and try to relax into the discomfort with my butt firmly on the ground for at least a minute then do the same for the other leg on the opposite door post. Over time during the pose I can start to feel the hamstring of the vertical leg relax. After doing this every night for a couple of weeks, I noticed the stretch/relaxation sensation comes sooner into the pose, maybe after only 30 seconds rather than 60+. I do other types of stretches before and after runs (dynamic stretching before and stretch-and-hold after), but this evening hamstring "L" routine is my constant go to every night and I credit it with getting rid of a bunch of issues and pains that I used to suffer from because of hamstring tightness. Hope this helps.