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Good mornings are an exercise aptly named. The move is called “good morning” because it mimics the motion of bowing or nodding your head in a greeting. But the compound exercise is also a great way to “wake up” the entire posterior chain — or back of the body — and get your blood flowing. Plus, it targets your hamstrings and lower-back muscles, which can help improve your overall lower-body strength.
It’s a worthwhile exercise to include in your exercise routine, especially if you sit all day, which can cause your glutes to weaken —a condition referred to as “dead butt syndrome.” However, if done incorrectly, good mornings are not only less effective, but can place undue stress on the back, so mastering proper form is key.
Good morning exercise benefits
The good morning exercise targets the entire back of the body, including your hamstrings, glutes and lower-back muscles. It is a great way to strengthen your posterior chain, which is especially important if you live a sedentary lifestyle.
As you hinge forward at the hips, your hamstrings are actively engaged to control the movement. At the same time, your glutes are working to stabilize your hips and help you maintain proper form. Additionally, your lower-back muscles, including the erector spinae, are activated to support your spine and keep your back straight throughout the exercise. It is a great all-around exercise for strengthening your posterior chain, improving your overall lower-body strength and combatting the effects of sitting all day (like underactive glute muscles).
Common mistakes when performing the good morning exercise
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is rounding their back while performing a good morning. This is a sign that you aren’t keeping your abs engaged, while can put pressure on your back. Instead, engage the core and…
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