I have a hamstring and overall tightness questions.

amazon35
amazon35 Posts: 98 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I tend to pull my hamstrings very easily. At first I tried to just work through it but of course it made it worse. It took almost 3 months for it to feel good again. And that is when I fell off the wagon and gained all my weight back. I'm starting back up almost 2 years later and I want to be able to complete my goals. I don't want to get hurt again this time around. How do I prevent pulling that muscle? I don't run, I just walk fast on the treadmill 3.8 or 4 speed and change the inclines from -1 to 20 in intervals. I also do weights. I find when I'm stretching is when I tend to pull them.

Also when I workout either cardio or weight training after about a month my body feels super tight. Like tension tight not the good tight/firm. Is that normal or how can I get looser?

Replies

  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    Do you ever stretch?
    Yoga...

    If you're constantly straining a muscle, I'd go to a doctor or physical therapist and get it looked.
  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    Foam rollers are your friend. Before stretching.
  • amazon35
    amazon35 Posts: 98 Member
    I did yoga 3-4 days a week and still pulled them. I know nothing about foam rollers. Learn me please!
  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    I'd read up on it online. I can't figure out how to explain it over than it hurts at first, but it works! Just google foam rollers physical therapy or foam rollers stretching. There are different rollers, some harder than others. I found a slightly softer one was more bearable at first, but now I use the really hard ones and it feels great. I roll before and after my workouts and get better stretches after I've rolled.
  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    You also might want to research quad dominance as it relates to tight hamstrings. If I recall, dominant quads can put too much pressure on the hamstrings and keep them tight, which would contribute to pulls. Based on your workouts, I sounds like you could be quad dominant. There are all sorts of exercises you can do to fix that and bring yourself back into balance....
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    amazon35 wrote: »
    I did yoga 3-4 days a week and still pulled them. I know nothing about foam rollers. Learn me please!

    Doing yoga doesn't mean you're doing it right :) What about deadlifts? Stretch and strengthen those muscles at the same time.

    Try: baths with Epsom salts, massages, Tiger Balm.

    And also do you stretch after you work out as opposed to before? MUCH better to do it that way - make sure your muscles are really warm before doing any static (held) stretches. I wouldn't even think about stretching cold.
  • amazon35
    amazon35 Posts: 98 Member
    Wow ok alot of information!! So much I didn't know. Google is my friend :) Thanks ladies!!
  • amazon35
    amazon35 Posts: 98 Member
    I'm quad dominant!!! No wonder my hips hurt sometimes lunges inclines etc!! Thanks KIKI!!!
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  • kikichewie
    kikichewie Posts: 276 Member
    I've been doing a bit of the PT I learned when my IT band went haywire (quad dominant runner) and my hip flexors were torturing me. Based on what I learned, the Strong Curves program is GREAT for strengthening the glutes (all three) and the posterior chain as a whole. In one month I am seeing significant changes, and I can feel my glutes engaging more and more. Might want to check it out!
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