Why Is It So Important to Maintain Strong Neck Muscles?
Neck strengthening exercises are not only effective in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders but can also help prevent serious injuries in contact sports and other traumas like whip lash that can wreak havoc on the muscles of the neck. Unfortunately, when it comes to exercising, the neck is usually one of the most neglected parts of the body, and because the average workout usually does not incorporate a neck routine into the circuit, these exercises can easily be overlooked. Making a conscience effort to add a few neck-strengthening exercises to your workout can be extremely beneficial in maintaining good posture and poise.
What Exercises Are the Best?
You don't have to take a trip to the health club in order to strengthen your neck muscles. Isometric neck exercises can help you achieve strong neck muscles safely, without the need for heavy gym equipment. Isometric exercise uses resistance to strengthen and tone muscles. This form of exercise is highly effective and so stress free that it can even be used for rehabilitation. One of the best isometric neck strengthening exercises are known as isometric slides. For this exercise, place your right hand on your right cheek, while sitting up straight and looking straight ahead. Hold your head and neck firmly in place as you attempt to use your right hand to push your head over to the left side. Your own body will help form the muscle strengthening resistance as you hold firm and prevent your head from tipping to the left. Perform isometric slides on both sides of your head, holding for at least 10 seconds on each side, repeating as necessary. Forward and backward tips also strengthen the neck and can be performed while sitting. Just tip your head forward, pressing your chin firmly into your neck for 10 seconds, then tip your head back as far as possible without causing discomfort and hold for 10 seconds; repeat.
How do Neck-Strengthening Exercises Achieve Results?
As with any muscle-strengthening exercise, the resistance causes a strain on the muscle, which weakens and causes tiny tears in the muscle fibers. Your body then begins a quick repair process that makes the muscles even stronger than they were before by increasing the density and thickness of the muscles. The process is repeated with every workout, becoming stronger and stronger after each healing.
Don't Over Do it
While neck-strengthening exercises can be highly beneficial, it is important to listen to your body while you perform any form of exercise and know when to quit. If at any time you experience severe pain or discomfort during any of your neck-strengthening exercises, or any other workout for that matter, stop immediately. Give your body time to rest and heal if you have overextended. It is better to take a few days off from exercising than to continue working out and risk the possibility of causing more damage. If pain persists, see your doctor.
Tags: your head, neck-strengthening exercises, your right, form exercise, isometric slides