Austin American Statesman, Friday, September 10, 1999

Healthy Living

by Nicole Villapando

We've all walked or run a little too much at one time and felt a pull from the back of the thigh. That pull is from the hamstrings, a group of three muscles that extend from the hip to the knee.

An injury to the hamstrings is the second most common reason for physical therapy, just behind an ankle problem, said Sarah Scott, president of Ironsmith Inc.

The hamstrings are easy to injure because the body is naturally imbalanced, Scott said. We have three hamstrings, but for quadriceps, the muscles at the front of the thigh. And injuries happen because people forget to condition the hamstrings, Scott said. The hamstrings are important because they allow you to stop or switch direction.

To start toning the hamstrings, begin with the bridge exercise. Lie on the floor with knees bent; feet, hips and shoulders in alignment; and head on the ground. Hold for three seconds. Lower for three seconds.

Begin by doing 15 reps every other day. Then you can add more reps at a rate of 5 percent a week. Give yourself a day to rest between sessions, Scott said, because overconditioning the hamstrings can cause injuries.