
All Things Hamstrings: Cramps, "Yoga Butt", Flexibility, Strength, & More
About this episode
Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss all things hamstrings!
Points of discussion include:
- The anatomy of the hamstrings muscles
- The biomechanics of how to strengthen the hamstrings
- Does yoga strengthen the hamstrings?
- What’s the connection between hamstring strengthening and hamstring flexibility?
- What is “yoga butt” (a.k.a. proximal hamstring tendinopathy)?
- What causes yoga butt? Who tends to develop this condition?
- How is yoga butt generally treated? What measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing yoga butt?
- Does bending the knees in forward folds protect the hamstrings?
- Why do the hamstrings commonly cramp, and what are cramps?
- Does sitting shorten the hamstrings?
- Do tight hamstrings cause anterior pelvic tilt?
- Does stretching the hamstrings cause sciatica?
- …And much more!
Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Brand new program! 5 Weeks to Strong & Flexible Hamstrings
Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis
Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni
Strength for Yoga email newsletter
Podcast episode: The Connection Between Strength Training & Range of Motion w/ Greg Nuckols
To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram
Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.
**Become a supporter of the Yoga Meets Movement Science podcast – starting at $3/month!
Get every episode summarized
Each time Yoga Meets Movement Science publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Yoga Meets Movement Science

Yoga and Artificial Intelligence w/ Jules Mitchell, MS
Yoga Meets Movement Science

Wellness Myths in the Yoga World
Yoga Meets Movement Science

The Top 7 Most Misused Movement Terms
Yoga Meets Movement Science

What Yogis Should Know About Cardio
Yoga Meets Movement Science