[mrodock]

I was practicing my set-up in the mirror, making sure my right forearm is on plane. I noticed my back is not in a straight line from the base of the neck to the tail bone, in other words I am in a slightly slouched position. I have the same amount of slouch when standing (bad habit, I know). When I try to straighten my back, it is both ridged and slightly painfull. Is this something I should look to change or is it ok since it is my natural standing position. I am not talking hunchback of notre dome here, just slightly slouched

Thanks

Do you have mid-back pain? If you do, scapular stabilization exercises preceded by chest stretching can help a great deal. There are good scapular stabilization exercises in Core Performance by Mark Verstegen, Functional Training for Sports by Mike Boyle and on Ron Jone's website at http://ronjones.org/Coach&Train/Body...houlders2.html. Also look up exercises that focus on the lower trapezius, that is an important muscle that needs to be isolated at first.

Until you acquire the ability to naturally stand without some forward hunching of the shoulders it will be extremely difficult and awkward to stand that way at address. But it can be remedied with exercise. Scapular stabilization is very helpful for avoiding rotator cuff problems and without proper scapular muscle endurance a person greatly increases their chances of becoming a hunchback of Notre Dame.

Matt