Flexibility testing

[Kareem151]

I'm helping a relative with a fitness project that involves measuring your lower back/hamstring flexibility. Similar to a sit and reach test, however your feet are up against a wall. The goal is to reach as far as possible towards the wall while keeping your knees straight. If your palms can touch, you have excellent range of motion. If you can't reach your shins, you have some work to do. After my second try, I could barely touch the wall.

How far can you go? Try it and post your results. I'm taking as many volunteers as possible. By the way, you may want to do a quick warmup.

 

[Kareem151]

Also, any advice on a solid lower back/hamstring stretching program would be appreciated.

 

[Rob_NC]

Explain in detail how we're supposed to perform this little test. I can't tell from your post above.

 

[Kareem151]

Sit with your legs straight in front of you with your feet up against the wall. Reach as far as you can with your fingertips aiming for the wall. Record how far you can reach. This test is alot harder than standing up and trying to touch your toes.

 

[Rob_NC]

Shit, my legs are longer than my arms. That ain't fair.

 

[Kareem151]

LOL!!!! I know, however this is one of the ways hamstring flexibility is measured.

 

[Kareem151]

Any other volunteers?

 

[Kareem151]

To give an update only 22% percent could reach their toes, 8% could reach the wall with their fingertips and only 1% could place their palms on the wall. Amazing.

 

[Dale Mabry]

I could flatten my palms out on the second try, but I am also pretty well warmed up from doing rack deads an hour ago.

 

[Trump]

No warmup. Palms flat against the wall, with boots on.



Soccer

 

[nikegurl]

palms flat against the wall. gymnastics as a kid i guess

 

[Dale Mabry]

Are we supposed to be doing this barefoot?

 

[Leslie]

Only fingertips to the wall
I did run last night, so my legs are sore

 

[Kareem151]

I've been testing people with their shoes off. Although it is probably more difficult to do this exercise with your shoes on. I can't get my palms quite to the wall as of yet. I'm still working on it with an aggressive stretching routine.

 

[Kareem151]

Thanks to everyone for your help thus far!