|
Neck Exercises
Everyone Should Do!
The neck is one of the most overlooked areas of the body when
it comes to physical fitness. Yet what most people don’t seem
to realize is just how important having a strong neck is to be
in optimal physical condition. The neck is part of the spinal
column and carries out a lot of important functions within the
human body including protecting the blood vessels and the
nerves that run from the brain. Injuries to you r neck could
cause irreparable damage throughout your entire body.]
There are many options when it comes to neck exercises. The
great thing about neck exercises is the ability to perform them
anywhere and at any time, as they require no exercise equipment
or special skills. Performing neck exercises as a preventive
measure is a great way to ensure you won’t suffer from neck
injuries in the future. Neck exercises are safe for anyone and
can be performed by children and elderly persons. Neck
exercises don’t have to wait until you do a full body exercise
regime, try neck exercises the next time you’re sitting in
front of the TV!
Getting started with neck exercises
There are several methods that can be used to complete neck
exercises. No matter which position you use its essential that
your back be kept straight at all times and your eyes should
look straight ahead.
-Standing: You should stand with your feet no more than
shoulder width apart and your hands should hang loosely at your
sides.
-Sitting on the floor: should sit on the floor with your legs
crossed and hands on your knees.
-Sitting in a chair: If you choose to sit in a chair it needs
to be firm but comfortable enough that you can keep appropriate
posture.
3 simple neck exercises to get started
Remember when doing neck exercises the neck is a very
vulnerable part of your body. To prevent jarring of your neck
each movement should be done slowly, speed is not the purpose.
When starting out try each movement for only a few repetitions,
and if a move doesn’t feel comfortable don’t push yourself.
1. The Tilt: One of the most popular neck exercises
around and the most simple. In fact many of us do this all the
time without realizing it’s a neck exercise! Tilt the head back
far enough that you can look up then return to starting
position.
2. The Turn: Turn your head to the right as far as you
can go without straining, hold for a second then return back to
starting position. Then complete the move on the left side.
3. The Bend: Bend your head to the right at an angle as
if you were trying to touch your right ear to your right
shoulder. Your ear and shoulder should not touch though.
Benefits of neck exercises
Increasing your neck strength helps to improve overall posture
which in turn reduces strain on the shoulders and upper back.
Regular use of neck exercises can help prevent tension and
muscle stiffness.
Protect your neck when doing regular exercises
In addition to doing neck exercises caution should be used when
completing any exercise program to ensure injury isn’t done to
the neck. Many floor and mat exercises when done incorrectly
can cause trauma to the neck. It’s important to learn how to
take your time and learn the correct body positions when
exercising to ensure this does not happen. If you already
suffer from neck injury try yoga as a gentle low impact way to
protect your neck but still get a regular
workout.
|