Breakthrough with Lunge Hamstring Stretch

[Adley]

When I started doing ST about three years ago, the Lunge Hamstring Stretch quickly became my favorite stretch. I have very tight hamstrings and could tell that because I felt protected, this would give me a great shot at being able to relax while working my hamstrings. 

In general, as I continue to do ST, I am increasingly learning to relax while I stretch. Every moment is a new opportunity to relax, and just notice how my body is experiencing the stretch that day. What am I actually feeling?

I have made great progress and still have far to go. 

Last night, while doing the lunge hamstring and close to my end range, I was noticing some very intense feelings in my upper hamstrings. Often when I experience this, I use this as the signal to come out of the stretch. But last night I was able to just notice the sensations and just be with them, and in fact went even deeper. I felt more curious and interested in exploring the intense feelings as opposed to running away from them. I was able to relax (or my current version of relaxing) in my end range of that day. It felt like a breakthrough for me and I am very pleased. 

I will also note that for me, it helped to do longer contractions while doing the LHS, maybe closer to 10 seconds. It feels like it takes that long for me to really identify what muscles are contracting and to tire them a bit. 

[Nathan]

That's what it's all about. Thanks for sharing!