Neck Muscle Training Techniques and Benefits

Aug 11, 2024

Neck Muscle Training Lecture

Importance of Neck Training

  • Muscles Involved: Sternocleidomastoid, Trapezius (Traps), Erector Spinae
  • Benefits:
    • Increased strength and thickness of neck
    • Improved posture
    • Reduced risk of neck injuries and concussions
    • Decreased neck pain
  • Neck Pain Prevalence: Affects 1 in 3 people, often due to prolonged screen time

Exercises for a Stronger Neck

Isometric Neck Bridges

  • Exercise: Targets multiple layers of muscles
  • Execution: Sit on a bench, slide forward, position head/neck on bench, hold for as long as possible
  • Goal: Work up to holding for 1-2 minutes, optionally with added weight
  • Safer Alternative: Simple isometric hold instead of traditional neck bridges

Neck Harness Extensions

  • Equipment: Neck harness (affordable on Amazon)
  • Execution: Fit harness, attach weights, lower chin to sternum and extend back up, repeat
  • Benefit: Allows for progressive overload

Prone Weighted Neck Extensions

  • Execution: Lay flat on bench, head hanging off, place plate weight and towel on back of head, lower chin to chest and extend, repeat

Stability Ball Neck Crunches

  • Targets: Front of the neck
  • Execution: Sit on stability ball, feet forward, shoulder blades on ball, head hanging off, place towel and dumbbell on forehead, tuck chin and crunch, repeat
  • Note: Hands balance the dumbbell, neck muscles do the work

Side Neck Crunches

  • Execution: Lay sideways on bench, head hanging off, hold weight on side of head, lower head down and raise, repeat for both sides

Resistance Band Exercises

  • Options: Forward neck crunches, side neck crunches, neck extensions
  • Setup: Tie band around sturdy object, wrap band around head, turn body to target direction
  • Additional Exercise: Rotational strength training (turn head left to right, time-based 30-60 seconds)
  • Benefit: Good for targeting sternocleidomastoid

Trapezius (Traps) Exercises

Barbell Shrugs

  • Execution: Load barbell, hands wider than shoulder-width, stand tall, shrug shoulders up and down, avoid rolling shoulders

Deadlifts

  • Full Body Exercise: Intense, works many muscles including traps
  • Execution: Load barbell, step close with shins, feet hip-width apart, hinge hips, grab bar, lift weight by squeezing abs, pushing feet, and hinging hips, repeat

Dumbbell Shrugs

  • Execution: Hold dumbbells at sides, shoulders straight up and down, neutral grip
  • Recommendation: Start with barbell shrugs, supplement with dumbbell shrugs for variety

Workout Setup

  • Shrugs and Deadlifts: Incorporate separately into back workout
  • Neck-Specific Exercises: Choose 4-5 exercises, 10-20 reps, 3 sets each, 2-3 times per week for growth and strength

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