Yin Routine · Intermediate

Deep Legs & Hamstrings

20 minutes for tight legs, hamstrings and feet

20 min · 8 poses · no props

Twenty minutes to work slowly through the legs — the hamstrings, inner thighs, calves and even the often-forgotten feet. This is the practice for anyone chasing more flexibility, or whose legs feel tight from running, cycling or long days on your feet. Keep a soft bend in the knees in every forward fold so the stretch stays in the muscle, not the joint, and back off the moment anything feels sharp. Come as you are, and let time do the work.

Press play and follow along — each hold is timed, with a gentle chime and a moment to ease out before the next pose. Use Skip or Prev to move at your own pace.

What's in this routine

  1. Dangling Hang forward with soft knees and let the hamstrings and back release.
    2 min
  2. Toe Squat Tuck the toes and sit back — intense on the feet, so keep it short.
    1 min
  3. Ankle Stretch Untuck the toes and lean back gently to stretch the fronts of the ankles.
    1 min
  4. Half Butterfly Fold over the straight leg — this is the hamstring side. Micro-bend the knee.
    3 min each side
  5. Caterpillar Fold over both legs and let the whole back line lengthen.
    3 min
  6. Dragonfly Open the legs wide and fold from the hips — inner thighs and hamstrings.
    4 min
  7. Squat Sink low to open the hips, ankles and lower back.
    2 min
  8. Corpse Let the legs go completely heavy and rest.
    3 min

Common questions

Will this routine improve my hamstring flexibility?

Over time, yes. Long, patient holds are how Yin encourages the hamstrings, inner thighs and calves to release. Keep a soft bend in the knees so the stretch stays in the muscle, not the joint.

Is it suitable for beginners?

It's a gentle intermediate practice because the leg holds are deep, but beginners can absolutely follow along by micro-bending the knees and easing off well before anything feels sharp.

How often should I practise for more flexibility?

Two or three times a week is a sustainable rhythm that builds flexibility steadily. Consistency matters far more than forcing any single stretch.

Go deeper

Want it guided, start to finish?

This routine is yours to practise any time. For a voice-guided version and a plan that tells you exactly what to do each day, join the membership — or follow a free program.

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