Purpose: This stretch is a variation of the forward fold that also has a balance and stability element. The front hamstring is stretched while the back quad is strengthened and the back calf and ankle are stretched.
Focus: Hamstring flexibility, quad strength, ankle mobility, calf stretch, balance, stability, back tension relief.
Up Next in Lower body flexibility
-
Foundation-Advanced: Hips lifted sing...
Purpose: This version of the hamstring stretch keeps the hips elevated and square so that skaters can work maintaining the square position of their hips and shoulders like they will need in the forward splits. This is a good stretch to put in sequence for working on the forward splits and spirals...
-
Beginner-Foundation: Seated single le...
Purpose: This seated forward fold allows skaters to work on the flexibilty of one hamstring at a time, which can be helpful as the flexibilty os both legs is generally not even, so in a double leg forward fold the legs are not stretched evenly.
Focus: Hamstring flexibilty, low back tension relief
-
Advanced-Elite: Seated feet elevated ...
Purpose: This forward fold elevates the feet so that the skater can get a deeper stretch in the hamstrings. This should only be done if the skater is able to reach their hands past their toes.
Focus: Hamstring flexibilty, low back tension relief
