Increasing functional Hamstring Length and Ability

Static stretching often gets bashed, and deservedly so as there are several different alternatives that are proven to be more effective long term.  That being said, if you have the time, there is nothing wrong with doing some CORRECT static stretching before you move into more active and dynamic work. Either way there are a few points of emphasis for stretching and number one is don't sacrifice your spine! If your humped over trying to touch your nose to your knee then your promoting dysfunctional movement patterns that may translate to other scenarios. Always make sure to get moving after a static stretch, since hamstrings are shown we could do some RDLs or good mornings after the stretch to get the most bang for your buck, then go squat, run, climb. Use your new found mobility. Best way to keep it! Adding some more pieces to the hamstring series we have been on with. RDLs or Romanian Deadlifts. This is just another tool you can use to work your hamstrings through their full range of motion and be active during that range. This is a much better option than simply "stretching out" your hamstrings (no such thing as stretching out). We are moving into more dynamic or active stretching with Good Mornings. What we are doing here putting load and tension through the hamstrings while we control the movement down and then we activate our hamstrings to move us back up. The idea is to find a little more rang of motion when we bend over each time, maintain a flat back and postural control, then contracting through that range. A few studies have been done on good mornings and hamstring length, and this is a proven method for obtaining some better positions if you think you are a little more restricted in your posterior chain. Give it shot and remember to test and re test with movement!