FormTwinExercises › Good Morning

What muscles does the Good Morning work?

The good morning is a hip-hinge with the bar on your back that builds strong hamstrings, glutes and a bulletproof lower back.

Primary muscles worked

Secondary muscles worked

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How to do the Good Morning

  1. Set the bar on your upper traps like a squat.
  2. Soften your knees and brace your core hard.
  3. Push your hips back, hinging your torso toward parallel.
  4. Feel the hamstring stretch, then drive your hips forward to stand.

Common mistakes

Variations

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the good morning work?

The good morning trains the hamstrings, glutes and erector spinae (lower back) as a hip-hinge, with the core bracing hard. It's excellent for posterior-chain strength.

Is the good morning safe?

It's safe when done with a flat, braced back and moderate load. Because the bar is on your back, it punishes rounding — so master the hinge light before adding weight.

Good morning vs Romanian deadlift?

Both are hip-hinges for the hamstrings and glutes. The bar-on-back position of the good morning loads the lower back more; the RDL loads the hamstrings more directly. They complement each other.

Related exercises

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Muscle involvement varies with form, grip and individual anatomy. Consult a professional before starting a new program.