I'm 19 and I can't touch my toes. I can barely lift a straight leg above my waist. I think I have the tightest hamstrings known to man. What are ways that one could train to become more flexible (not just for hamstrings but a whole body stuff)? And if anyone has an idea, are some people just born with certain muscles tighter than others?

I'm 19 and I can't touch my toes. I can barely lift a straight leg above my waist. I think I have the tightest hamstrings known to man. What are ways that one could train to become more flexible (not just for hamstrings but a whole body stuff)? And if anyone has an idea, are some people just born with certain muscles tighter than others?

You're wrong. I have the tightest hamstrings that ever existed. And I know the reason: years of running without proper stretching.

Fortunately, it can be recovered.

I recommend you to read this, first.

http://www.trickstutorials.com/index.php?page=content/flexibility

And then get yourself a copy of Tom Kurz's "Stretching scientifically"

http://www.amazon.com/Stretching-Scientifically-Guide-Flexibility-Training/dp/094014929X

Good luck.