The Straddle
A beginner mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
Starting position
End position
How to Do The Straddle
- Begin in a seated, upright position. Start by extending your legs in front of you in a V.
- With your hands on the floor, lean forward as far as possible. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to The Straddle
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Front Leg Raises
A beginner mobility exercise that works the hamstrings, needing no equipment.
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2
Hamstring-SMR
A beginner isolation mobility exercise that works the hamstrings, using a foam roller.
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3
Inchworm
A beginner compound mobility exercise that works the hamstrings, needing no equipment.
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4
Chair Leg Extended Stretch
A beginner isolation mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
-
5
Runner's Stretch
A beginner mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
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6
Seated Floor Hamstring Stretch
A beginner mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
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7
Standing Toe Touches
A beginner mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
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8
Hamstring Stretch
A beginner isolation mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
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9
Leg-Up Hamstring Stretch
A beginner isolation mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
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10
Standing Hamstring and Calf Stretch
A beginner mobility exercise that works the hamstrings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do the straddle work?
The Straddle primarily works the hamstrings. The inner thighs and calves assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for the straddle?
The source dataset does not record equipment for the straddle. Check the instructions above before you set up.
The Straddle: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Straddle is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of the straddle?
Front Leg Raises, Hamstring-SMR, Inchworm train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
How do I log the straddle in Fitnit?
As time held rather than reps. Fitnit records the seconds and credits them to the hamstrings on your body map, so you can see which muscles you train hard and never stretch.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
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