Blog 1: Happy Hamstrings
Part 1: πββοΈ Why Your Hamstrings Keep Getting Tight (and Itβs Not What You Think)
You stretch them. You foam roll them. You even promise them a sports massage if they behave.
But somehowβ¦ your hamstrings still feel tight. Sound familiar? Youβre definitely not alone β and hereβs 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.
Waitβ¦ What Do You Mean Theyβre Not Tight?
When muscles feel stiff or tight, most people assume they just need more stretching. But sometimes, that βtightβ feeling is your bodyβs way of saying,
βHey β I donβt feel stable here, so Iβm locking down for protection.β
Your hamstrings often pick up the slack when other muscles β especially your glutes (aka your butt muscles) β arenβt doing their job properly.
So instead of being short and stiff, your hamstrings might actually be tired and overworked.
Why Hamstrings Work Overtime
Hereβs the simple version:
Your glutes are supposed to be the power movers when you run, bike, or lift. Your hamstrings help β but theyβre more like the supportive crew, not the star of the show. When your glutes donβt fire well, the hamstrings step up and do more than theyβre meant to. Over time, they get cranky, tired, and feel βtightβ all the time. So that tightness? Itβs often your muscles yelling,
βHelp! Iβm doing too much!β
The Stability Story
Your body wants to feel safe and balanced when you move. If your hips, core, or glutes donβt provide enough stability, your hamstrings tense up to protect you. Thatβs why stretching alone doesnβt fix it. Because youβre not solving the real problem β stability and muscle balance.
Think of it like this:
You wouldnβt loosen a seatbelt if your car was sliding on ice.
Youβd 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:
Controlled leg swings
Dynamic warm-ups before runs (see our blog on levelling up your warm up)
These help your body move as a team again β glutes power, core stabilizes, hamstrings assist.
The Takeaway
If your hamstrings are always tight, itβs usually a symptom, not the cause. Your body is amazing at compensating β but that doesnβt mean itβs efficient. So before you roll them into oblivion or stretch for the hundredth time, ask yourself:
βAm I helping my hamstringsβ¦ or just asking them to do more than they should?β
Want to Find Out Whatβs Really Going On?
We can help you figure out whatβs behind your hamstring tightness β whether itβs a glute issue, movement pattern, or posture problem.
π Book a movement assessment at Endurance with Dr. Keirstyn and letβs get your body working together again β powerful, balanced, and pain-free!