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Simple Exercises for the Neck Area

According to Fitnesstipsforlife.com there may be a variety of reasons why we decide to do neck muscle exercises. You might have intermittent pain in the neck muscles that would benefit from stretching and strengthening, or you may be involved in a sports activity that requires strong and limber neck muscles. Whatever the reason, there are many ways to easily strengthen the neck. Just follow these simple exercises to help reduce the pain and irritation you feel in your neck, or to get the muscle results you need.

  1. Resistance

    • According to the University of Maryland, self-induced resistance can be a great way to help strengthen your neck muscles. Simply put your hand on the side of your head, and then try to tilt your head to that side while pushing back with your hand. The result will be strengthening your neck muscles and adding some strength to your arms as well. Be sure you work your neck side to side and back to front to develop your neck muscles evenly. It may help to prop your arm up against something to provide the leverage you need to provide resistance to your neck muscles.

    Simple Movements

    • You can use the simple daily movements you put your neck through to help build muscles. Start by slowly tilting your head forward, and then gradually moving it backward. Do the same thing going side to side, and turning your head from one side to the other. The important thing is to start off slowly so that you give your muscles a chance to stretch. Once you have done a few slow and gradual repetitions, you can begin to increase the pace. Do each movement in sets of 10 repetitions and then take a short break before moving on to the next movement.

    Things to Remember

    • According to Dr. Ben Kim the best time to do neck strengthening exercises is during the middle of the day when you have been moving around and your blood circulation is at its peak. Drink fluids when you exercise your neck muscles to help reduce any cramps and to hydrate the muscles as you exercise them. Be sure you are focusing only on your neck exercises and not mixing them in with any exercises that cause you to bounce around or jump. The violent movement of jumping around coupled with neck exercises could cause serious injury.

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