Cramps in your hamstrings? It may have nothing to do with electrolytes or vitamins. Learn how to teach your brain to interface better with your hammies and get rid of those cramps.
First, the background. Coach E starts by looking at the length-tension relationship in a muscle. You'll learn roughly how muscle strength and activation work. However, when cramping occurs as you activate the muscle, the physiology differs from normal contractions.
It's a good read as an intro to how your muscles work. We cannot encourage you enough to read the article below, "Nervous System Control of Muscle Tension."
A foam block will help with the exercises. But if you don't have one, that's okay! You can use anything—a rolled-up towel or even a pair of sweatpants.
The key to any of these exercises is to keep doing them. You're teaching your muscles and your brain to work together. Keep at it. Add layers of different movement patterns. Try to do this at least three times a week to retrain your neuromuscular patterning.
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IN THIS VIDEO
00:00 - Intro
02:10 - Research
10:10 - Short Ham Prep
11:34 - Short Ham Hip Extension
16:25 - Exercise scheduling
17:30 - Next steps
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED
Nervous System Control of Muscle Tension: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-ap1/chapter/nervous-system-control-of-muscle-tension/
ROM Coach app (free!): https://www.precisionmovement.coach/rom-yt - our beautiful mobile app to improve your mobility and help you achieve movement longevity, includes the Daily Movement Tuneup and gives you 3 new exercises that will activate every muscle and mobilize every joint in your body every 1-2 weeks (only 3-5 mins/day!)
Medical Disclaimer
The medical information on any/all of our content is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.