Stretching

Hamstring Stretches

Remember being asked to bend over and touch your toes in gym class? Good idea, bad execution. Bending over like that might cause stress to the lower back.  Instead, avoid such stress by using the Toe Touching Hamstring Stretch.  Instead of standing straight up, lean against a wall or pole.  Keeping your buttocks against the pole, place your feet approximately six inches to one foot away.

Continue leaning against the wall while you bend down and try to touch your toes. Focus on preventing your legs from bending. Keeping your feet away from the wall reduces the stress on your back and avoids straining the sciatic nerve, one of the largest nerves in your body, located in the pelvic region.