Major Muscles and Actions Involved
The gluteus maximus, hamstrings and the upper hamstring tendons are involved in hip joint extension. At the same time, the erector spinae muscle is involved in statically holding the spine in proper alignment. In this exercise the trunk is raised up and back from a forward lean position with the axis of rotation in the hips.
Muscles in Action
Sports Uses
The muscles and actions involved in the good morning are needed in football (linemen coming off the line), weightlifting (snatch and clean and jerk), and in powerlifting (deadlift). The exercise is great for running in the pawback action, for stretching the hamstrings, fielding in baseball and softball, jumping, gymnastics, diving and various moves in wrestling.
Important Facts to Know
- The major workload in execution of this exercise falls on the hip joint extensor muscles: the gluteus maximus, and the hamstrings. Your back (erector spinae) muscles are contracted isometrically to hold the spine in place (in its arched position) and not allow any spinal movement.
- However, it should be noted that this isometric contraction (admittedly not as effective as the concentric contraction) also strengthens the spinal muscles. Thus, the entire back side (posterior chain) is strengthened as a unit.