Get flexible

Men's Fitness, March, 2003

IF JOHN WAYNE'S inimitable strut made you think his pants were too tight, the way the Duke ran probably convinced you he had really tight hamstrings as well. Reason being, tight hams limit your range of motion for everything from squats to walking to lifting heavy objects, What's more, a lack of hamstring flexibility can lead to posture and back problems by yanking your pelvis out of its normal position. For a great hamstring stretch, follow these steps, ya pilgrim:

1 Lie faceup or on your back, whichever is easier.

2. Bend your right knee and, holding a towel at both ends, place the center of the towel over the sole of your foot.

3. Straighten your leg, but don't lock it out, and raise it until you feel a comfortable stretch. Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds.

4. Remove the towel and gently ease your leg to the floor.

5. Repeat with your leg left out.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

(Alternate three to five times with each leg.)