Three Simple Hamstring Exercises for kids to help Prevent early childhood injuries.

Simple hamstring exercise for kids can be a great way to make sure your children have a head start on their presidential physical fitness test for school. Many schools require a timed mile run, recorded times in shuttle races, and a v-sit and reach measurement for the children to pass. These three events can be greatly prepared for, and lessen the chance of injury for children if they have knowledge of three simple hamstring exercises.

1. Standing toe touch stretch – Have your child stand straight with their feet together and then bend completely over and touch their toes holding the position for ten seconds. This trains the hamstring to be more flexible and will help prepare your child in the long run for better muscle flexion.

2. Standing cross leg stretch – This exercise starts the same basic way and with the same principle of the Standing toe touch stretch. Only this time cross the right leg in front of the left and then bend and hold for ten seconds. Then repeat with the left leg in front of the right.

3. Seated individual toe touch stretch – TO accomplish this exercise have your child sit on the floor with their legs spread wide apart and have them bend with both arms outstretched to each toe individually and hold for ten seconds. Like the standing cross leg stretch this allows greater focus on each individual hamstring during the exercises.

The advantages of stretching when a child include; decreased risk of cramps, lessening of growing pains, better environment for muscle growth, better flexibility to decrease risk of injury while running or playing with friends, and also increased stamina through just simply keeping their muscles in tune with their needs for flexibility.

These simple hamstring exercises for kids can greatly reduce their chance of hurting themselves not only in gym, but in everyday life. Most kids love to run around and play and this helps their muscles develop strength. At such a young age there is no need for weight training to achieve results. The most important step is providing your children with the ability to further their health through simple means.