Back to Exercises
StretchingBeginner
Inchworm
Equipment
Bodyweight
Target Muscles
Hamstrings
Category
Stretching
Muscle Group
Legs
Mechanics
compound
Target Muscles
Hamstrings
Breathing
Exhale during the exertion phase of the movement, inhale during the relaxation or lowering phase.
Common Mistakes
- •Holding your breath during the movement
- •Not using the full range of motion
- •Using momentum instead of controlled muscle tension
Safety Tips
- •Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
- •Start with a weight you can control, not your one-rep max
- •Maintain proper posture and alignment throughout the movement
Variations
- •Try a deficit version to increase the range of motion
- •Add a pause at the bottom to eliminate momentum
- •Increase intensity by elevating your feet
Alternatives
- •Try a dynamic warm-up version before workouts
- •Use the contract-relax PNF method to deepen the stretch
- •Choose another exercise that targets the hamstrings
Progressions
- •Master the basic form with bodyweight before adding external load
- •Increase the weight by 5-10% once you can complete all reps with clean form
- •Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to 3-4 seconds
- •Reduce rest periods between sets to increase workout density
- •Add an extra set or rep each week (progressive overload)
Regressions
- •Use an assisted version (bands, partner, or machine) to reduce load
- •Reduce the weight to focus strictly on technique
- •Decrease the range of motion if you feel joint discomfort
- •Increase rest intervals to ensure full recovery between sets
Beginner Tips
- •Master proper form before increasing weight
- •Focus on slow, controlled movements — don't chase speed
- •Start with 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps to build a solid foundation
- •Record yourself to check your form
Pro Tips
- Implement progressive overload by tracking every session and adding small increments
- Breathe deliberately — exhale during the hardest part of the movement
- Warm up with lighter sets of the same exercise to prime the nervous system