The good morning is a barbell hip hinge that loads the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back through a long range of motion. It builds posterior chain strength that directly improves your squat and deadlift.
Get the Good Morning in tomorrow's workout
Text START to get a personalized program that includes this exercise — delivered daily by SMS.
7-day free trial · Cancel anytime via SMS · No app required
Form Guide
Step-by-step: Good Morning
1Bar rests on your upper back like a high-bar squat.
2Soft bend in the knees (not locked). This is a hinge, not a squat.
3Push your hips back as you hinge forward, keeping your back flat.
4Go to a torso angle where you feel a strong hamstring stretch — typically parallel to the floor for most people.
5Drive hips forward and stand. Do not hyperextend at the top.
Common Mistakes
What most people get wrong
Rounding the lower back: use light weight and perfect form. Lower back rounding under a barbell is dangerous.
Squatting instead of hinging: knees should not travel forward significantly.
Programming
How to program the Good Morning
Light-moderate weight, 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps. Good mornings are not a max-effort exercise. Use them as accessory work to strengthen the hip hinge pattern and posterior chain.