If you have stiffness in the middle of your back (thoracic) then you’re likely going to have a tough time front squatting and doing overhead movements. Additionally, if you have mid-back stiffness it could contribute to other issues such as low back pain (one of the most common complaints in strength athletes/strength populations)—which could mean instability in the lumbar spine—its all a chain reaction. This is just one of MANY reasons for low back pain—its is not that black and white unfortunately. The human body is complex and problem solving for each individual is unique to each own. I recommend to have a professional assess you.
Here are two of some of my favorite exercises to open up the T spine. For these exercises I like for my clients to keep their rib cage down with pelvis neutral while inhaling and exhaling as much of the air as possible—more about why and breathing work in a future post. Now that you have improved T-spine mobility then we add in a anti-extension exercise to improve core stability to help limit hyper extension in the lumbar spine. Child Pose Foam Roller
Bench T-spine Opener- you will also feel in lats if tight. Kneeling Cable Press- The goal here is to brace (rib cage down/pelvis tucked) and pressing without hyperextending your back.
#strengthcoach #oaklandstrength #mobility #thoracicmobility
Here’s the video: