Preventing a pulled hamstring

The hamstring muscles, found on the backs of your thighs, are big players not only in fitness and exercise activities, but also in the every day movements of regular living. And unfortunately when a large muscle suffers an injury, such as in a pulled hamstring, it can really put a kink in your plans.

So before every exercise session, or even anytime you're feeling stiff, try this stretch to limber up and get the blood flowing: Sit on the floor with one leg out in front of you and the other leg bent at the knee with the sole of your foot up against the inside of the straight leg. Lean forward slightly, touching your toes if you can. Keep your toes (on the straightened leg) upright and hold the stretching position for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

And remember that stretching is important for all muscles, for every body!