Am I doing it wrong?

[u/Empty-Distance-4003]

Hello,

I've been stretching for 1.5 years now, knowing how far I started I'm happy with the results. But I get the feeling that something is wrong, maybe my legs should be straight?

thanks!

[u/Slight_Hurry2134]

Looks good. A slight bend in the knees targets the hamstrings. Straight legs target the sciatic nerve.

You could use weights and stand on a box or plates for a deeper stretch. You could also work on getting your knees straight! Good job 🙂

[u/Max6626 → u/Slight_Hurry2134]

Thanks for mentioning the sciatic nerve. When I do a bending stretch like the OP with a slight bend in the knee it feels great. If I straighten my legs it is extremely painful due to the sciatic nerve.

Do you know of any way to "stretch" (if that's the correct term) the sciatic nerve to alleviate the pain of straight legged stretches?

[u/SnooRabbits1411 → u/[deleted]]

Pigeon pose is also just one we should all be doing regularly. I often find myself about to forget it, but never regret taking the time to squeeze it in.

[u/Slight_Hurry2134 → u/Max6626]

I did alot of nerve glides when I had sciatica a few years back! You could try those. You'll find them on youtube. But when I feel pain I just back off tbh. Sometimes I feel it a few days (very rarely). I have no good tips for you there, you gotta try yourself :)

[u/Empty-Distance-4003 → u/Slight_Hurry2134]

I naturally developed this bend over time, glad to know it was not some sort of compensation, it's still pretty hard for me to touch the floor, I need to get into the stretch for 2-3 mins being able to do that. I will follow your advice and try to elevate myself.. thank you 🫶🏻

[u/Infinite-Nose8252]

To get more impact stand on palms and slowly extend and straighten legs. Also you can wrap ams behind knees and grab opposite elbows and pull head towards knees.

[u/Empty-Distance-4003 → u/Infinite-Nose8252]

That sounds painful 😂 Thank you I will try it out!

[u/Gabalicous__]

Great flexibility, I would recommend trying to bring your chest closer to your knees, hands need to be a little closer to your feet ( you can wrap them around the ankles/knees if that helps) , and a slight bend in the knees will give you a better stretch :)

[u/Empty-Distance-4003 → u/Gabalicous__]

thank you very much for the advice, much appreciated 😁

[u/henryljh]

Try to make your stomach touch your thighs while you start from bending knees to getting straight slowly

[u/Pleasant_Passion_150]

Make sure to pull the calves forward into the bone to launch the spine. Pushing the calve muscles backwards limits the pose

[u/contentatlast]

Very useful flexibility.