Stretching Hamstrings and Water Bottle Cages!
 

I've always had problems with my hamstrings and stretching. I was wondering if there was a particular way to get them stretched out. I do alot of running and cycling. This was an issue my cycling coach brought up to me while watching my pedal stroke. Also, is it possible to just buy some water bottle cages and screw them on the bike myself or is this a job for the shop tech? I've got holes in the frame for where they go which are just screws placed in right now.

Appreciate the input! :D

cages are most definitely a do-it-yourself job.

I always though the best stretch for hammies is to gently try to touch your toes.

For a decent stretching routine, check into a yoga sequence called 'sun salutation'.

Thanks guys! So are cages sold at the shop?

wow! good move.. I too suffer the same plight and this move looks like a good one.. although I must say I dang near hurt myself just looking at the pics.. I guess if I could do what that guy is doing I wouldn't have this problem.. time, patience, and breathing thru the little incremental progress I guess.. I'll try it !

I prefer to warm up a bit before stretching, especially hammies. 5-10 minutes or so spinning lightly @ 90 on the trainer is a nice blood mover.

I prefer the standing hamstring stretch.

Standing Hamstring Stretch: Flex your left hip to 90 degrees, placing your left leg over the top of a chair or table (or whatever) Bending at the waist, lean forward, reaching for your left shin or toes until you feel a stretch on the back of your thigh. Hold for a count of 10-15 seconds, and repeat 3-5 times. Repeat with your right leg.


Keeping your back nice and flat is another key for me with hamstring stretches.

Deep Breathing is another key for me.

Ya, its a good one :D
I dont do all the breathing or spiritual side of yoga, but it does have the best stretching routines going. There is even one called power yoga, which basically does that routine at an aerobic pace.

Yeah yoga can get real weird.... like make sure you face east when you do that stretch. LOL

proper breathing is a big part of yoga.

I 2nd that. It makes a huuuuge difference. :)

When I first read the thread title, I thought "why stretch water bottle cages???"... :D

:D Sorry about that. I'm saving thread space. hehe.

Here is a good website that shows pics of some great stretches...

http://www.frixo.com/sites/fitness/stretches.html

Thanks!