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World's Greatest Stretch

World's Greatest Stretch is an intermediate bodyweight stretching that mainly works your hamstrings, with help from your calves, glutes and quads.

💪 Hamstrings🏋️ Bodyweight📈 Intermediate🎯 2-3 holds of 20-30 seconds per side
World's Greatest Stretch: starting position
Starting position
World's Greatest Stretch: end position
End position

How to do the world's greatest stretch

  1. This is a three-part stretch. Begin by lunging forward, with your front foot flat on the ground and on the toes of your back foot. With your knees bent, squat down until your knee is almost touching the ground. Keep your torso erect, and hold this position for 10-20 seconds.
  2. Now, place the arm on the same side as your front leg on the ground, with the elbow next to the foot. Your other hand should be placed on the ground, parallel to your lead leg, to help support you during this portion of the stretch.
  3. After 10-20 seconds, place your hands on either side of your front foot. Raise the toes of the front foot off of the ground, and straighten your leg. You may need to reposition your rear leg to do so. Hold for 10-20 seconds, and then repeat the entire sequence for the other side.

Muscles worked

Primary: HamstringsSecondary: CalvesSecondary: GlutesSecondary: Quads

Sets and reps

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, 2-3 times per side. Stretch after training or on rest days.

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World's Greatest Stretch alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

90/90 HamstringBodyweight · BeginnerLying HamstringOther · ExpertRunner's StretchBodyweight · BeginnerSplit SquatsBodyweight · IntermediateThe StraddleBodyweight · BeginnerFront Leg RaisesBodyweight · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the world's greatest stretch work?

It mainly works your hamstrings; your calves, glutes and quads assist.

How many sets and reps of world's greatest stretch should I do?

Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, 2-3 times per side. Stretch after training or on rest days.

Is the world's greatest stretch good for beginners?

It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.

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