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There is nothing like a torn hamstring to ruin a training program and tight hamstrings are a warming sign that there is a risk that a tear is imminent.
A pulled or torn hamstring is a serious and debilitating injury that may need long periods of rest, physiotherapy, medical attention or even surgery. The tendons of the hamstring can be over-extended or torn off the muscles, which can themselves be damaged.
The quite small hamstrings consist of three long muscles: the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus muscles. These muscles extend from your buttocks to the area behind your knees, on the inside and outside of the back of the legs. They not only assist in bending the knee, they stabilize the joint when you are jogging, running, walking and twisting. It's crucial that these muscles remain flexible so that they can do their job properly.
To check your hamstrings, position yourself so that your legs are straight. Reach down from the waist with both hands in the direction of your toes.
This action extends your hamstrings. If there is any pronounced pain when you do this exercise one of your hamstring may be pulled (there is usually a lot of pain when it first happens, for severe tears). Do not do workouts until you have requested medical attention.






