Topic: An exercise that improves flexibility in the rack position

[Jack]

Thanks for the discussion, Barry and Jim.

(IMHO)

I'm convinced the elbow pushing isn't doing any good in any circumstance for any purpose. To me, it falls in the same category as  guiding the trainee into a position with the hands, or pushing a part of the body this way or that to "explain" or enforce a position. The body's movements are too complicated and unique. A properly loaded bar will help in attaining positions, but the trainee should find his own set up, in time, and with coaching through hints, proposed mental images and demonstrations. The pushing or guiding will certainly divert the body from its "own" best path or movement pattern. In this case, the clean rack, is dependent on the whole body from tip to toe, not only the shoulder girdle.

Sjaak

[Erik Blekeberg]

Wolves and cheetahs see a rabbit, sprint to it, and kill it.  They don't do hurdler's stretches and yoga poses first.

Brilliant. The thing they do do is stay warm before sprinting. Movement is the best warm-up of all in my opinion. A general movement warm-up, then a specific movement. I still do see validity in the stretching exercise for people that lack the rack flexibility but, I think that was already established.