Protraction in PE1 and PE3 iM

Hi everybody,

My question is, are we supposed to maintain some protraction of the scapula in the seated flexion stretch and the seated flexion reps? I can do the iM exercises just fine with 8 lbs If I pull my shoulders back to open them up without worrying about protraction. But, I just tried to perform the seated flexion stretch with protraction and holy moly I sure do get some massive serratus anterior and left oblique cramps...MASSIVE...in addition to making the iM a much more complicated movement in terms of trying to pull the shoulder back yet protracting at the same time. It's a wierd concept to get my head around.

I've been going through the HS1 exercsies, testing my mastery for everything. Last week I got through PE1 and PE2 no problem, with mobility mastery disregarding protraction. Today, I got through PE3 no issue, disregarding protraction in the iM reps.

So, just wondering about the correct scapula positioning in PE1 and 3 iM, because if we're supposed to protract slightly (I really can't tell from the video) then I gotta go back to PE1!

I think this is one of those cases where you're really over-thinking things.  Protraction is for pushing forward and this is not a forward pushing element.

 

Concentrate on shoulder elevation and pulling the bar as far back as possible, and the rest should sort itself out.

Thanks, Cannister. Yea, I tend to overthink these things!

I suppose, when in doubt, be like Blairbob.