Are Good Morning Exercises Good?

Yes, good morning exercises are beneficial for building strength and improving athletic performance.

Good morning exercises are a highly effective way to strengthen several key muscle groups. These exercises primarily target the posterior chain, which includes:

• Hamstrings: These muscles are crucial for hip extension and knee flexion, vital for many athletic movements. Multiple sources confirm the hamstrings are a primary focus of the good morning exercise (e.g., ISSA, Peloton, Shape).
• Glutes: The gluteal muscles are essential for hip extension and powerful movements. Strengthening them improves overall lower body power and stability (Peloton, Today).
• Spinal erectors: These muscles support your spine and are crucial for maintaining proper posture and preventing back injuries (ISSA, PureGym).
• Core muscles: Engaging your core is vital for maintaining stability during the exercise and strengthens core muscles (Peloton).

Furthermore, strengthening these muscles improves performance in endurance sports like cycling, running, and rowing by increasing efficiency and reducing injury risk (Peloton). The good morning exercise is also considered an injury-resistant exercise when done correctly, preventing injuries associated with high-intensity movements like squats (Reddit). The exercise primarily works the hip hinge movement pattern, a fundamental movement for many activities (Men's Health, Shape).