This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Good Morning Exercise: A Key to Strong Hamstrings ¶
Published on August 7, 2019, by Men's Health, this article highlights the importance of proper form when performing the good morning exercise.
According to Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., fitness director at Men's Health, the good morning exercise is a core training staple that can help build super strong hamstrings. However, it's essential to ensure that you're doing the exercise correctly to avoid injuries and get the most out of the movement.
One of the critical aspects of the good morning exercise is maintaining proper posture and positioning. Ebenezer emphasizes that the barbell should sit on your upper back, not on your neck, to avoid putting strain on your lower back and neck. He also stresses the importance of keeping your hands aggressively gripping the bar to prevent it from slipping.
Another key aspect of the good morning exercise is focusing on pushing your butt back instead of bending at the waist. This movement creates a friendlier and safer angle for your lower back and allows for proper stretch on your hamstrings.
It's also essential to maintain proper bracing throughout the exercise. Ebenezer advises to really squeeze those shoulder blades and brace your entire core on every good morning rep to prevent rounding at the lower or upper back.
Lastly, don't worry if you can't get your torso horizontal to the ground. Work within your own mobility, and the more you do the good morning, the more range you'll gain over time.
For more information on proper form and technique, check out Men's Health's entire Form Check series.
