Unlock Your Hamstrings Fast

[@bettyangwenyi1797]

In 2 minutes the woman gave priceless information that helped overcome years of struggle.

[@msdreamliner787]

did you actually overcome and improve your flexibility? just curious : )

[@robertporter6527]

Thank you very much for the tip !👍 so be it 🙏

[@mr.nonamanadus4463]

This worked amazingly fast. A little background, for 30 years suffering from tight back to the point spazms literally made my vertebrae pop. I'd drop to the ground like I was tazed. Things were getting worse, it felt like I had trips of duct tape across my back. Chiropractors, massage therapy and doctors couldn't help any more. It was an imbalance in muscle tension so I started doing these types of exercises, yoga & physiotherapy. My back is feeling a lot better. And this exercise I just tried out was easy on my back (xrays say I have significant degenerated vertebrae), no pain. Thanks for the video.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you!!!

[@cherylglaze8706]

Didn’t she!!!!!

[@GreenEarth140]

Over 35 years of martial arts training , NO ONE HAS EVER given me such a crucial tip about stretching my hamstrings. Absolutely crucial !!!!! Thank you so much !!!!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

@@GreenEarth140 glad it was helpful!

[@edi9892]

In my martial arts classes, I was told to never bend the knees. No wonder, that I never made any progress...

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

This is basic Pilates. Every Yoga instructor needs Pilates cert/training Every "fitness" or "movement" instructor needs Pilates training/cert.

[@KraftyUk]

This has to be the best explanation I've ever heard; most people show you the exercise, and after a while you quit because you don't understand what you're stretching. You've given me a new perspective on the complexities of stretching. xXx

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was insightful! I always like knowing the why behind things and as you implied it really helps. motivate us to do more!

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

Basic Pilates. Check out STOTT Pilates. Every "movement" instructor needs Pilates cert/training. 🎉

[@jiya_r16-8-23]

THIS MAY HELP YOU. I just wanted to share an experience of mine I started streching on 1st Sep 2024. I was a complete beginner, who could only bent and touch the knees, my hands won't go longer than that. But today on 10 sep 2024 I can proudly say that I can touch my knees with my forehead. All I did was trying to go lower and lower every morning for approx 1min and that's it. HOPE THIS HELPS

[@jimhinkle7245]

WTH?????? 52 years and I'm learning this NOW???? THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

[@johnraffensperger]

65 and just learning this now!

[@ST4RG1R7GF.]

hey better late than never!

[@Om-mg9gb]

Age is nothing, enjoy, do exercise

[@chivato72]

Same here lol!!

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

One word. PILATES.

[@emilycross4527]

Wow, immediate improvement! Went from thinking “I just don’t think my body does that” to seeing a path forward. Thanks, great tip! 🙏

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@mysticflow467]

sameee

[@NorthernLadyOffical]

I have the same❤️🥰😘

[@SamuelAlder]

microbend, yeah, great, it works

[@sunilpargi-qv6oj]

​@@NorthernLadyOfficalI love you❤❤

[@federicosting9796]

Many times while stretching, I've been told that no matter what I do, I should have my legs straight. I just tried the opposite as you suggested, it released tension in my body after the first try. Thanks!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm glad this helped! There are some positions it makes sense to have the legs straight, but these folds aren't them! I'm glad it helped!

[@Squishmallowstar-wj2lv]

Same with me!

[@Chris_Does_Everything]

This is the only explanation I have ever seen that has helped me. After literally a lifetime of trying to forward fold and stretch my hamstrings now I can. Thank you!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

@@Chris_Does_Everything I’m so glad it helped!!

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

Google Pilates. Stott is my fav.

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

This is Basic Pilates. Look up the 5 Basic Principles. Pelvic Position is 2nd Basic Principle. Everyone needs to take Pilates. Every "movement" instructor needs Pilates cert.❤

[@my2cents2u]

Years ago someone told me to focus on touching my thighs with my belly button, without touching them with my chest. That imaging really worked for me.

[@shah.ritesh]

You’re a legend, no one else has been able to explain this in a way that you have. Thank you!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

@@shah.ritesh I appreciate that! Glad it was helpful

[@replica4132]

11/10 literally unlocked something I have been working on for months in 5 minutes with straightforward advice!

[@teslarex]

Great video. Problem solved!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad!

[@julianernst4027]

That was so helpful! You really have a talent for explaining things very comprehensively instead of "only" instructing. Thank you for sharing and for being such a patient and gifted teacher.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

What a kind comment. Makes my day! Thank you for watching

[@PrimalCoder]

Agreed.

[@Denie4]

Oh wow, you explain everything exceptionally well; you definitely excel at what you do …. thank you so much 🇦🇺🌷

[@arturiuspendragon6849]

As someone who loves to learn the why of doing something a certain way and not just being shown a movement, I so much prefer to see videos like this. Great tip to apply to lots of other movements and better posture too. As a new subscriber, can't wait to see more.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad this approach resonated with you!

[@vanessadelgado248]

This makes soooo much sense. No one talks about this! Thank you for educating us!

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

Look up PILATES. This is basic Pilates. ❤🎉

[@andrehutchinson7620]

After years of running this clear explanation has helped no end..Thank you.

[@natewalkercoaching3506]

Where have you been all my life?! I started taking Yoga classes nearly 6 years ago, and what you’re describing has never been mentioned. Thank you!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm glad it was insightful! Thanks for watching

[@cliftonmadden1992]

I have struggled with the toe touch most of my life. No one ever explained the correct way to do it until now (I’m 61). Thank you so much! I am now subscribed and look forward to more enlightening videos. 😊

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you so. much for subscribing and I'm so happy this video was useful! More to come!!

[@lissseveneleven]

Omg how has this never been explained to me! I feel like this is going to be a game changer for my practice and flexibility

[@Azure888]

This video addressed a major problem I’ve been dealing with lately! It was so specific and concise! Thank you!

[@danperlea5034]

Woah! I’ve always had this problem and have never been close to touching my toes. I’ve never had anyone explain it to me this way. Fantastic explanation and I am excited to get those muscles properly stretched!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

So glad it was helpful!

[@mpulido102]

Holy cow, I needed to hear this! Thank you for giving me hope I just turned 50 and always thought I had to lock my knees to gain hamstring flexibility.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it's helpful!!

[@Ken-harris]

Wow how amazing .. I been cheated my entire life and mislead thinking i MUST keep my legs straight while stretching … I would patent this because obviously professionals doesn’t know about this

[@lucienvanpuyvelde4333]

The absolute best explanation I have ever seen or heard. Love it! Thank you!

[@blue-fj9ky]

I've been doing asanas for 52 years and I found this very helpful!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was helpful and love to hear about your long and dedicated practice!

[@dksculpture]

This may be the key to my poor flexibility that I’ve been misunderstanding for decades. Fascinating. Subscribed.

[@shonuff6699]

Thank you! Like others have said, I’ve been doing it wrong forever. The difference is night and day when doing it your way. You have yourself a new subscriber here! I can’t wait to look at your video library and see what other gems are there to be discovered!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! I'm so glad it was helpful to you and others!

[@shaneandangelareisinger9796]

This is brilliant. Due to back injuries at an early age I spent years researching stretches and such. This is the most concise, definitive description I've ever seen. Thank you for your service to the people.

[@bonstar50sLife]

This was such a great explanation. Thank you so much. My hamstrings really need this kind of work.

[@BP-kg7ti]

All the years of practicing yoga I never got the information you just shared. As a life long can’t touch my toes, you gave me the instructions as to how I might start to be eventually able to bring my head to my knees. Thank you!

[@soarwithsydney]

Wow. Just wow. Super high value video. Thank you!!

[@RavenCro-g8t]

I love you Cathy!.. Thank you so much for making this video. My hams are tight as a banjo, and I needed this information. 23 years of Army training where they stress the "legs straight" mentality hasn't helped one bit. You are an angel. Freedom starts today!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

So happy you found this video! Hope it's working

[@PauloSantos-rm1mt]

You have the knowledge, the wisdom, the tranquility, the ability to move us forward. Many thanks, best regards from Portugal 👏👏👏

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you so much!!

[@pamg2628]

I have been trying to do this for months and could never get to touch my toes. Nobody told me about anterior/posterior tilt. I was able to do touch my toes without bending at the knee in 3 days. Thank you Cathy!!!

[@lewisheard1882]

This is exactly what was missing in my practice, my instructor works in lots of poses with folds, but making sure my hips are in *checks notes* anterior tilt makes them feel completely different! I’m excited to continue my practice with this knowledge ❤

[@metalkneckkramer5077]

My hamstrings have been very tight for probably the last six months. I stretch and that hasn't seemed to help. It is especially bad after I've been driving or sitting for a while. I found this video and it has made a huge difference. She is right that I have always incorrectly thought that I had to keep my legs straight. Glad I found this!

[@garywhitaker9854]

Great tip to prioritize tilt over straight legs. I get chest to knees 1st, then work on straightening legs. I AT the pelvis when bending at work now too and it is such a relief on the lower back! Thanks.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad to hear it!

[@knowledgescience7165]

In a minute you solved my problem that I've been struggling to find the solution for years! God bless you love.

[@alicec.6195]

I've always had trouble with stretching like this no matter how I try to improve but only recently I found out about this technic. The suggestion I saw was to put a sock or something between your thighs and belly so you practice holding it while doing the stretch. I hope it finally works for me.

[@willmac4242]

Thank you so much, i am 54yrs old sportif since 8 years old and always had tight hamstrings no matter what different types of stretching i tried, these simple ideas are so logical when explained and so beneficial for me

[@iahorvath]

Thank you for explaining the forward fold step-by-step and how it affects the body.

[@vvardhan14]

iam a software engineer and u just showed me a video that has logic ...now a subscriber ...wish i could get 1-1 class from you on stretching

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Every morning before my tall glass of water, I relax into my forward fold (with legs straight). Beginning tonight and again tomorrow morning and ever after, my forward fold (with knees bent) will be giving me so much more mobility. Thank you!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Love to hear this!

[@Captain-Cat]

This really clicked for me. Have been just trying to touch my toes with straight legs thinking I'm stretching my hamstrings but nope. Following this video and bending my legs with back straight I could feel my hamstrings actually stretch. Great video, great tip, thanks! Oh and subbed.

[@CalmAchiever]

Super useful Cathy! I’ve made tremendous progress on my forward folds but never focused on my anterior tilt. So looking forward to do that now!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Great, can't wait to hear any progress!

[@venkatkrishnan7646]

I had back pain one month back due to prolonged sitting, which i more or less got relieved thro yoga. But for the last 15 days i got into a severe hamstring pain. I can't able to walk for three minutes. I tried stretching and strengthening, various yoga from you tube videos. Nothing helped. By god's grace i got to see this video. At first i thought it may another yoga video. But that bend the knees and try to touch the floor immediately helped. Super. At a very first attempt i felt relieved. Now i can able to walk more time without pain. Thank you very much.

[@skaarlner]

so helpful especially as it is far more painful to stretch with straight legs as it hits the siatic nerve a lot when youre not used to it

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Indeed! Thanks for watching

[@samuelcooley9970]

I'm 49 and this is the 1st time I've ever heard this. Thank you.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

You're welcome! and 48 here!

[@samuelcooley9970]

@Cathy Madeo Yoga I so envy your skills. I was exactly as you described in the video and with as much as I read you would think I would have stumbled across this. How did you learn this?

[@jondo9919]

The world looks very different when you’re past 70 compared to when you’re 25-30. Trust me on this.

[@laurebourgeois7256]

What about the harmstrings?

[@bubbacheeks143]

That’s true; not many people can say that chick is 50 years younger but still a Milf

[@iknowimobsessedforreplying6052]

😂😂😂 maybe he's saying we better start now​@@laurebourgeois7256

[@tdhtran]

You should tell us more than just that.

[@youaligned]

You are rocking these videos and thumbnails, Cathy!!

[@corkaczarownicy]

Understanding that the foward fold happens in the hips, not in the lower back is very important and is the tip number one that I would give to anyone trying to learn yoga. I just returned to the practice and I am so happg because of that!

[@sashash9003]

Thank you so very much for this tip! I’ve been struggling with my forward folds, sometimes feeling that I actually hurt myself and make everything worse. This makes so much sense! Thank you thank you

[@trevor3187]

I promise you I am not a bot. I just did this and it actually works.

[@LittleDream99]

Wow... I just tried it and IMMEDIATELY FELT THE DIFFERENCE! I coudl feel the stretch!

[@nicolasbrunicardi7248]

Exactly what I was looking for! My forward fold is horrible so these tips will help me for sure. Thanks 🙏

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was useful! Thanks for watching

[@ComeinCiderbox]

i was looking for something for the wank bank, also successful

[@adriancastillo1957]

I’ve been taking my mobility far more seriously as I age… this simple tip really changes the game for me… great advice.

[@charlesbishop2704]

Great…really clear instructions…well done.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you for watching!

[@HusseinKherbek-z3x]

I've been doing this the wrong way for months and got no improvement. Thank you so much for making this achievable!

[@Ladymusicc]

This is so helpful. Thank you for breaking this down.

[@vidphile1]

i stopped this video and tried this with bent legs. my body almost IMMEDIATELY allowed the stretch and i went down. i have sciatica but will try more of this. thank you.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was useful and yess this is a great way to modify to relieve sciatica!

[@MVJ437]

Indeed! I practice standing forward bends daily to offset the sedentary effects of my main job (freelance journalism) and the standing effects of my part time gig in retail. I tend to walk with a posterior tilt, so I was keenly aware of the impact in standing forward bend, but not at all of it in seated variations. Thanks much!!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you for sharing your experience and insights!

[@brighterdaytarot]

you put this in a way that totally clicked with me, thank you!!!

[@christopherfisher1694]

I have heard others tell me similar information, but I never understood WHY until now. Thank you for VISUALLY explaining this. I'm smashing that subscribe button now. Looking forward to more of your content as I'm a rubber band ball of knots.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Welcome to the channel

[@ganotheg]

Extremely helpful thank you!!

[@elbee1771]

What an excellent and thoughtful video. Makes a lot of sense and I more understand why I have never really noticed any meaningful progress.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@AngelaOrtiz-n8s]

No one has ever actually explained it as well and thorough a you just did. Thank you

[@santhoshbellams]

Thanks Cathy. A really wonderful tip.

[@violetpup4272]

Just came to say THANK YOU!!! I have been having a lot of pain in my butt and lower back for 4 months. It was so bad at one time I had to go to urgent care to get medication and muscle relaxants that only took the edge off. I couldn’t sit with my legs straight and my right leg was the worst and painful to get straight no matter the position. I am finally getting lasting pain relied by doing this stretch multiple times a day. There are still times my back tightens up but I can sit in a chair and drive again without having to wait out a massive muscle spasm so I can walk. My legs are no where near straight but I am working on it.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm sorry to hear that! I also suffered from chronic low back pain due to spinal stenosis (I had emergency spine surgery about 4 years ago) I have a great yoga for low back pain video designed for people in pain to help relieve it! Hope it helps you

[@celticlass8573]

WOW I just finished watching this, and then put it to the test, noting the difference in where I could feel the stretch/pressure in straight-knee vs bent knee, and was so surprised! It felt completely different, and starting with hands (well, fingers lol) on the floor with bent knees and trying to straighten the knees while maintaining touching the floor, I can feel the muscles all through the back of my legs, including my glutes, stretching. Amazing! *THANK YOU!!*

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

That's great feedback thank you!!

[@thomas36087]

Wow that's amazing. The trick is 101% working. I always lock my legs when I did forward bending but after using your trick my hamstrings are getting flexible. Thankyou so much.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Glad it helped!

[@faeriesprout]

That’s really interesting! I didn’t understand why it’s better to not lock your knees but this makes sense! Do you have any tips on avoiding strain on your wrists while loving a vinyasa and downward dog heavy practice?

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad this insight was useful to you. Thanks for watching!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Also, yes! I can make a video on this for you and others who need some wrist strengthening and stretching for weight bearing poses!

[@madhoneymadhoney]

@@CathyMadeoYoga yeees that would be awesome :)

[@hemarabadia5890]

Wow, I’ve had a few days of intense lower back pain and this helped a lot to relieve the issue.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm sorry to hear about your low back pain and yes, this is a great way to modify for low back pain while also getting a good stretch!

[@farhanhussain_]

That advice on slight knee bend is really effective, but oftentimes we tend to over do it. There should be some benchmark or limit as to how much knee bend is too much. It would be great if you could elaborate on this.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Good point! I say bend your knees as much as you need to get your chest to or close to your thighs

[@danielsparringa2316]

I have been trying many different ways. They did not make significant progress. Your approach is just magnificent. Salute! Thank you so very much

[@Yourhealtyascension]

extremely helpful!! I always wondered why none of my yoga teachers could teach me how to do this!!! Thank you so much

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@blueicer101]

This explains so much that no one else explained about the problems with stretching.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Glad it helped!

[@jenpruitt863]

I am an “inflexible” yogi, this hamstring video was very informative. I think I mostly have an anterior tilt when I forward fold, but this will make me more mindful of my pelvis. My husband has had 2 spinal fusions, he is basically fused 360 degrees. He also has spinal stenosis, he stretches daily and has incorporated some yoga poses. I ask him constantly to come and practice with me, but he is afraid.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thanks for sharing Jen! I have a great video for him called Yoga for low back pain- as you know I also have spinal stenosis so I designed the class for people in pain. Bg hug

[@spiderslip]

that was incredible. i'm 260lbs and 6'2" tall. i'm a big fat man, i have always remained somewhat flexible but i always wondered what was up with my forward tilt why i didn't feel it in my legs as much, i did this and instantly was able to fold almost flat but felt it in my hammies. thank you.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I’m sooo happy to hear that!

[@freeatlast3032]

Thank you Cathy. Excellent advice and clearly demonstrated.

[@JK-sz8xp]

That was just one heck of a tip Cathy. You simply nailed it for me. Lots of love and thanks a ton for showing the way.

[@indregaleckiene6066]

Best videos so far, so so helpful. Answers to my prayers. ❤

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Wow thanks so much!

[@lelaknox]

Thank you for this video! I teach Yin yoga, and this will definitely help me explain why we elevate the hips in forward folds.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was useful!

[@Azaus26]

Whoa... I've also only ever been trying to keep my legs straight. I'm overweight and I sit alot at work and at home. I go out to play disc golf and have injured the my glutes/back when making big drives multiple times over the past 3 years. I've been trying to stretch them out the old fashion way for about a year now and it's helped reduce my injuries some, but not fully. I just tried it this new way focusing on getting my pelvis right first with my legs bent and gently straighten them and IMMEDIATELY could feel the stretching in all the places you mentioned and my legs/back have that satisfying "just worked out" soreness feeling. I'm absolutely going to do this all the time now! Thank you so much!

[@yongheekim1462]

Thank you Cathy! the tip was very helpful!

[@k3vinshum]

5 minutes changed my life. Good delivery.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thank you!!

[@katelyra5656]

Thank you. Cathy! I have been exercising for years and this is the first time I’ve ever really understood this subtle change in posture💕💕💕💕💕

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it was useful!

[@AthleteEnterprise]

I did not believe you and just tried it out and WOW.. it actually works and I can feel the stretch all the way thru

[@intarcus425]

Exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@Stefrodo82]

Thanks Cathy and youtube algorithm for bringing me here. This video is a game changer after several years of stretching the wrong way.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@UsernameUserName-User-Name]

How are you Cathy ? 2 awesome practices this week 😊 (considering the one of Saturnomovement's channel too ) Great !

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thanks for watching Flavio! I'm doing great and I hope you are too :)

[@forrestsloan]

Such a simple change and it totally worked. Thank you.

[@zevawenis]

Thank you. This makes sense. I always struggled with forward fold and standard forward fold. I see why now!

[@davidmorgan6967]

After watching this video, I'm committed to undo 40 years of tight hamstrings and inflexibility. Thanks

[@jon-marcyaden6265]

Brilliant. Such great advice! Thank you for sharing your practice, Cathy!

[@kfbrowning]

This was very helpful and probably the best explanation I have come across. Thank you for teaching us the right way to do these. Much appreciated.

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

Thanks so much for the feedback!

[@dalisayjohnson658]

this was so helpful, made sense, and gave me such a better stretch all over; especially in my back. thank you!

[@CathyMadeoYoga]

You're so welcome!

[@veganwindowcleaningservice5139]

The best information I've ever heard, I'm a Pilates instructor and I'm always looking for better flexibility and now this simple adjustment I can totally fold, thank you ❤❤

[@lovemesomepollo]

Beware you can totally screw up your back if you don’t know what you’re doing. Beginners should first look up and perfect “How to Hip Hinge” before attempting to copy this expert Yogi, who makes it look so easy. She fails to emphasize this.

[@User_ML907]

I think she did. She told to bend the knees to access to the position. So beginners could also do it safely at their own level.

[@lovemesomepollo]

@@User_ML907 What I mean is, it's not obvious to the clueless until it's too late.

[@alexsantebla2480]

That’s why she talks about the anterior tilt and folding at the hip. Clearly you didn’t watch very well.

[@lovemesomepollo]

@@alexsantebla2480 And clearly you can't read very well? I'm just sharing my experience of hurting my back trying to do this, and warning others it's easy to hurt yourself too IF you don't get it. Sheesh.

[@bodyzoasispersonaltraining9186]

First minute she shows you how to move safely.

[@Jahefe13]

I started stretching for MA in my twenties , now sixty this is the very first time I have heard this. Keep sharing ..... please!

[@marymiller974]

Dear person reading this YOU are such a blessing to beyond a gazillion times and beyond that and beyond that and beyond that and beyond that!😀

[@adp2205]

And you are too! God bless you 🙏

[@stephss]

So are you. 💌

[@marymiller974]

@@stephss Absolutely Amen!😀

[@owieprone]

I do a variation of this, both standing and sitting, i bend my knees quite far bring my torso to my thighs then slowly straighten my legs as much as I comfortably can. I often have to re-bend to reset, but I get a much better stretch this way and I can better control my posture - doing it as shown in the vid makes me bend my back for some odd reason.