Exercise guide
Stiff Leg Barbell Good Morning
The Stiff Leg Barbell Good Morning is a loaded hip-hinge exercise with the bar supported across the upper back. The lower back is listed as the primary muscle area, while the glutes and hamstrings contribute strongly as the hips move backward and return to standing.
Training context
Muscles Worked by the Stiff Leg Barbell Good Morning
The exercise challenges the muscles that hold the torso rigid while the hips move through a hinge. The hamstrings and glutes help control the descent and extend the hips, while the lower-back muscles maintain spinal position under the bar.
Use a light, manageable load until the hinge is consistent. The torso does not need to reach parallel if doing so causes the back to round, the knees to lock, or balance to shift toward the toes.
Technique overview
Hinge only as far as your position allows
Set the bar securely across the upper back and stand with the knees softly bent. Push the hips backward while keeping the bar balanced over the feet and the spine controlled. Stop when the hamstrings limit the hinge or the torso position begins to change, then drive the hips forward to stand. Use rack safeties and avoid forcing a predetermined depth.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.