← All poses

Reclined Hamstring Stretch

Lie down, loop a strap, and let the floor hold you. The gentlest hamstring stretch there is.

How to

1. Lie on your back with a yoga strap (or a long belt) looped around the ball of the right foot.
2. Straighten the right leg towards the ceiling, holding one end of the strap in each hand.
3. Keep the left leg long on the mat and the left hip heavy.
4. Walk the hands up the strap as the hamstring softens, without lifting the head or shoulders.
5. Release and switch sides.

Tips

• A slight bend in the raised knee is fine — a straight spine matters more.
• Press the back of the grounded thigh into the mat to keep the pelvis level.
• For the outer hip, let the leg drift a few inches across the body.