Blog 1: Happy Hamstrings

Part 1: πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ Why Your Hamstrings Keep Getting Tight (and It’s Not What You Think)

You stretch them. You foam roll them. You even promise them a sports massage if they behave.

But somehow… your hamstrings still feel tight. Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone β€” and here’s the twist: your hamstrings might not actually be tight.

Follow along in this 5 part blog series by Dr. Keirstyn to learn more about what the underlying cause of your tight hamstrings could be.

Wait… What Do You Mean They’re Not Tight?

When muscles feel stiff or tight, most people assume they just need more stretching. But sometimes, that β€œtight” feeling is your body’s way of saying,

β€œHey β€” I don’t feel stable here, so I’m locking down for protection.”

Your hamstrings often pick up the slack when other muscles β€” especially your glutes (aka your butt muscles) β€” aren’t doing their job properly.

So instead of being short and stiff, your hamstrings might actually be tired and overworked.

Why Hamstrings Work Overtime

Here’s the simple version:

Your glutes are supposed to be the power movers when you run, bike, or lift. Your hamstrings help β€” but they’re more like the supportive crew, not the star of the show. When your glutes don’t fire well, the hamstrings step up and do more than they’re meant to. Over time, they get cranky, tired, and feel β€œtight” all the time. So that tightness? It’s often your muscles yelling,

β€œHelp! I’m doing too much!”

The Stability Story

Your body wants to feel safe and balanced when you move. If your hips, core, or glutes don’t provide enough stability, your hamstrings tense up to protect you. That’s why stretching alone doesn’t fix it. Because you’re not solving the real problem β€” stability and muscle balance.

Think of it like this:

You wouldn’t loosen a seatbelt if your car was sliding on ice.

You’d give the car better traction.

Your hamstrings are doing the same thing β€” gripping for stability!

How to Help Them (Without Overstretching)

Instead of endless stretching, try this combo that adds in functional strength:

Glute Activation:

  • Bridges or single-leg glute bridges

  • Hip Hikes

  • Monster walks with a band

Core Control:

  • Dead bugs

  • Bird dogs

  • Planks

Smart Mobility:

These help your body move as a team again β€” glutes power, core stabilizes, hamstrings assist.

The Takeaway

If your hamstrings are always tight, it’s usually a symptom, not the cause. Your body is amazing at compensating β€” but that doesn’t mean it’s efficient. So before you roll them into oblivion or stretch for the hundredth time, ask yourself:

β€œAm I helping my hamstrings… or just asking them to do more than they should?”

Want to Find Out What’s Really Going On?

We can help you figure out what’s behind your hamstring tightness β€” whether it’s a glute issue, movement pattern, or posture problem.

πŸ‘‰ Book a movement assessment at Endurance with Dr. Keirstyn and let’s get your body working together again β€” powerful, balanced, and pain-free!

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Blog 2: Happy Hamstrings

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Blog 5: Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy