Good Morning (Barbell, Stiff-Legged)

The Barbell Stiff-Legged Good Morning is a hip-hinge exercise that builds significant strength in the posterior chain by loading the hips through a long range of motion. It primarily targets the hamstrings and lower back while teaching proper hip mechanics.

How Iridium Helps

Because this exercise places high torque on the lower back, our AI analyzes your recovery metrics and previous spinal loading to prescribe safe weights and volume. If you log lower back sensitivity, the app can instantly recommend regressions like the back extension machine to maintain training effect without risk. Additionally, by strictly tracking RPE, the system prevents you from training to failure on this movement, which is critical for maintaining spinal integrity.

Form Cues

Do
  • Place the barbell across your upper traps
  • Unlock your knees slightly and keep them fixed
  • Hinge your hips backward as far as possible
  • Keep your spine neutral and core braced tightly
  • Drive your hips forward to return to standing
Don't
  • Don't round your lower back
  • Don't bend your knees further as you descend
  • Don't look up at the ceiling; keep neck neutral
  • Don't bounce out of the bottom position

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the lumbar spine
  • Turning the movement into a squat
  • Hyperextending the neck
  • Using excessive weight
  • Insufficient range of motion

Muscles Worked

This exercise is a potent developer of the posterior chain, placing an intense weighted stretch on the hamstrings. It heavily recruits the erector spinae isometrically to protect the spine, while the glutes work dynamically to extend the hips and return the torso to an upright position.

Primary

HamstringsErector Spinae

Secondary

Glutes

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