This may have been referenced here before, but I thought I'd put up the link.

The author discusses the problems and injuries associated with holding a hollow chest, round shouldered, tucked hip posture, the posture many teachers of the martial arts, especially the "Internal" martial arts advocate.

I get a good number of inquiries about why I believe the above alignments are improper and can ultimately leave one prone to injury.

http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/320/

i think much of this would be pretty apparent to anyone that ever attempted any heavy lifting.

"i think much of this would be pretty apparent to anyone that ever attempted any heavy lifting."

Heavy lifting isn't often paired with IMA training.

much to both their detriments

quote from the article

"Check the pictures of any top (or even beginner) competitors and this is what you will see."

Please excuse my ignorance. I'm curious as to why has this posture become a norm in gymnastic? Is it because it makes them look good or it actually offers some biomechanical advantage to what they do, despite the risk of injury?

(i was taught to hollow out the chests too, during the old swimming training days, because it supposedly gave hydrodynamical advantage.This might have contributed to the back pain)