How to do the World Greatest Stretch
World Greatest Stretch is a beginner multi-joint compound pulling exercise targeting the Hamstrings in the Upper Legs region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the flexibility category. Secondary muscles engaged include Glutes and Quadriceps.
World Greatest Stretch demonstration · © GymiaFit
World Greatest Stretch at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Hamstrings
- Secondary muscles
- Glutes, Quadriceps, Calves
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Compound (multi-joint)
- Force
- Pull
World Greatest Stretch step by step
- 1Start in a lunge position with your right foot forward and your left foot back.
- 2Place your hands on the ground on either side of your right foot.
- 3Lower your left knee to the ground and extend your right leg, keeping your right foot flat on the ground.
- 4Rotate your torso to the right, reaching your right arm up towards the ceiling.
- 5Hold this position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position.
- 6Switch sides and repeat the stretch with your left foot forward.
World Greatest Stretch — questions
What muscles does the World Greatest Stretch work?
The World Greatest Stretch primarily targets the Hamstrings. It also recruits the Glutes, Quadriceps, Calves as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the World Greatest Stretch?
None — the World Greatest Stretch uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the World Greatest Stretch suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the World Greatest Stretch?
Hamstring Stretch, Kick Out Sit, Leg Up Hamstring Stretch train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the World Greatest Stretch demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.