Are you sore after a long run or lower-body workout day?

Or do you just want to be able to touch your toes finally?

Bonus: It doubles as a core strengthener as well.

best hamstring stretches: woman doing an extended hand to foot yoga pose

Photo: Peter Ardito

A.Start standing with feet hip-width apart.

B.Hinge at the hips to fold forward, reaching palms to the floor (bending knees if necessary).

D.Pause, then reverse the movement to walk hands back to feet and stand to return to start.

best hamstring stretches: woman demonstrating an inchworm stretch

Peter Ardito

Try this standing hamstring stretch anytime you’re feeling a little tight.

A.Stand with feet hip-width apart.

B.Shift weight into left foot and extend right leg slightly forward so heel rests on the floor.

best hamstring stretches: woman demonstrating a standing hamstring scoop stretch

Peter Ardito

D.Hold for 10 seconds.

Switch sides; repeat.

Do 3 reps per side.

best hamstring stretches: woman demonstrating a downward dog bend and stretch pose

Peter Ardito

A.Start on all fours in a tabletop position.

B.Lift hips up and back, gently straightening legs to move into downward dog.

C.Bend both knees slightly, reaching the tailbone toward the ceiling.

best hamstring stretches: woman demonstrating a lunging hamstring stretch pose

Peter Ardito

Hold for 3 counts.

D.Straighten legs to fully extend into downward dog.

Hold for 3 counts.

best hamstring stretches: woman demonstrating a moving low lunge stretch

Peter Ardito

A.Start in a lunge position with the right leg forward and left heel lifted.

B.Lower palms to the floor to frame the right foot.

Hold for 3 counts.

best hamstring stretches: woman demonstrating a lying hamstring stretch

Peter Ardito

B.Send hips back and gently straighten the right leg, keeping the spine long.

Hold for 3 counts.

Do 3 to 5 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Moving Low Lunge

Get even deeper into your lunges by lowering the back knee.

You’ll open both the front and back of your hips (including your hamstrings) with this move.

A.Start in a lunge with the right foot forward.

Drop your left knee to the floor to move into a low lunge.

B.Keeping back toes tucked, lean back to sit on the rear foot, straightening the right leg.

Reach arms forward and keep the spine long.

Hold for 3 counts.

C.Shift hips forward into a low lunge to stretch left hip flexor.

Hold for 3 counts.

B.Gently stretch one leg straight up.

Keep both knees straight, with opposite legs flat on the floor.

C.Relax the ankle to stretch the calf and hamstring.

Hold for 1 minute.

Switch sides; repeat.