Shoulder Dislocations and Squat Stretch

[edzio]

Couple of quick questions regarding Shoulder Dislocations and the Squat Stretch. I searched but couldn't find the answers I was looking for.
Basically, I am the most in-flexible person you will ever meet, but I am working on it and seeing some progress with my hamstrings and glutes.
The shoulder dislocations are strange for me, I seem to have to have such a wide grip just to get my arms round without bending at the elbows that it seems pointless, is this necessary in the beginning, or is there something that I can do to make this easier on me?
Also, with the squat stretch, I am having problems with rounding out my back as I get right down, should I just go as far as to not round? It is really difficult for me to keep my chest up and I seem to feel a real pull in my back whenever I try and do it, I am just sooooooooooo tight!

Any suggestions?!

[Wellhairedbeast]

Start wide with the dislocations and gradually narrow it as you improve mobility.

And dont round your back during the squat stretch, do the stretch as close to mimicking a squat as you can to get the most benefit imo.

[lovestolift]

Take a look at Dan John's video, just click on the 5:10 link to get to the relevant portion. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6529481301858251744#

[Wellhairedbeast]

btw don't be disheartened as my flexibility/mobility used to be awful if you work hard at it then you will see improvement, it just takes time

[edzio]

Thanks for that, I guess persistance is the key here?
I can keep by back nice and straight for the squat stretch if I hold on to something when I go down, such as a chair or the pole at the end of my stairs, is this ok or should I really be doing it without support?

[lovestolift]

Using support is fine if it gets you into the proper position.