Lower back exercises

Barbell Stiff-leg Good Morning

Also known as: Good morning jambes tendues à la barre · Good morning με τεντωμένα πόδια με μπάρα · Stiff Leg Barbell Good Morning · straight leg good morning

Primary
Lower back
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Compound
Force
Push
Suggested rest
1.5 min

How to do the Barbell Stiff-leg Good Morning

  1. This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.

  2. Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.

  3. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.

  4. Keeping your legs stationary, move your torso forward by bending at the hips while inhaling. Lower your torso until it is parallel with the floor.

  5. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by elevating your torso back to the starting position.

  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Lower back

Secondary

Glutes, Hamstrings

The spinal erectors keep your back straight under load. Hinges, back extensions and good mornings make them strong; start light and own the position.

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Barbell lower back exercises