Move of the Day: Good Mornings at Her Active Life

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Move of the Day: Good Mornings

Posted February 27, 2008 at 10:00 AM by Lindsay Hutton

Section: Her Fitness, Move of the Day

Good Mornings This move increases strength throughout the glutes, hamstrings and lower back, and requires the use of a barbell. Before trying this advanced exercise, ensure there is no rounding in the shoulders. If poor posture is apparent, flexibility throughout the chest and upper back should be addressed prior to continuing.

To begin, lie the barbell across the tops of your shoulders, making sure it is resting on your shoulders and not on the neck and cervical vertebrae. Grip the barbell with both hands so your elbows are bent at about a 90 degree angle. Stand tall with just a slight bend in your knees to ensure your joints aren’t locked out. Keep your shoulders back by squeezing your shoulder blades together. Slowly bend forward at the hips and flex down to the point where your body is at a 90 degree angle. Make sure your back remains flat; do not allow your shoulders to round forward. Return to starting position and repeat. Complete 10-12 repetitions, or until fatigue.

Remember: If your shoulders round forward when bending at the hips, reduce the weight of the barbell. If the shoulders still round forward, decrease the range of motion and gradually progress to 90 degrees. You should not feel any pain in your lower back or neck when completing this exercise. If you do, discontinue and consult your doctor.