NFL kicker Younghoe Koo uses single-leg 'Good Morning' squats to strengthen his back, core, and glutes in one move - here's how it works
- Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo was seen doing an impressive workout.
- Koo did a squat on one leg while a resistance band tied his thighs together.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo led the NFL in scoring last year, and he recently shared one move that helps him stay in peak condition: the single-leg "Good Morning" squat.
Good Mornings are popular among bodybuilders, since they strengthen and stretch multiple muscle groups at once, including the lower back, core, glutes, and legs.
It involves bending over with a barbell balanced across the shoulders, then snapping back to standing, as Koo demonstrated in a recent workout video.
Koo added an extra twist: he wrapped a single resistance band around both his thighs as he bent forward.
Good Morning squats are extremely efficient for muscle-building - here's how to do them
Good Morning squats strengthen the lower-back muscles and core while helping to lightly stretch and bolster the hamstrings.
The purpose of doing it on one leg improves stability at the hip, and the resistance band around the thighs activates the hips, which will prime the body to handle more weights and more complicated movements over time.
To start, press the shoulder blades tightly together to make a shelf for the bar, elbows pointing downwards, and a tight arch in the back.
When the motion begins, move your hips back while keeping your knees soft. Lower your body slowly without any jerking or erratic movement.
After some practice, you can gradually increase the weight on the barbell, and attempt to do it on one leg at a reduced weight.
Good Mornings can cause back problems if they are not done right
Good Mornings can put stress on the lower back, which can lead to fractures or slipped discs.
If the weight used is too heavy, then it can cause you fall during the movement. The barbell can also roll onto the cervical spine or skull, according to Levels USA.
One way to avoid injuries is to practice the right form with a lighter weight repeatedly until it feels natural. The workout should be practiced even more before attempting to do it one leg like Koo.