Strength Training for a Strong Neck

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Title: Strength Training for a Strong Neck

Word Count: 653

Author: Lynn VanDyke

Email: ArticlesByLynn@...

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Strength Training for a Strong Neck

Copyright 2006 strength-training-woman.com

Strength training is often thought of as the lurking ground

for the strong and muscular among us. Only a few years ago

the free weight area was a breeding ground for modern day

Herculean men. Men that had on barely there tank tops and

those 80's M.C. Hammer pants.

They strutted around and stuck out their chest, they made

loud grunting noises and often times slammed down the free

weights. The lesser among us, mostly women and average

Joe's, were left to the cardio area and fitness classes.

Fast forward a few years and things have changed. A lot.

Strength training is now becoming recognized as one of the

best weight loss methods around. After all the more lean

muscle someone has the more calories they will burn per

day. Women and men, average Joe's and Jane's are all

making their way to the free weight area.

They all know a thing or two about strength training. They

know to lift a heavy enough weight over a period of several

sets. They know to do strength training before they do

their cardio. They also know to have proper form at all

times. Or do they?

The other day I was walking around the gym and noticed one

of my average Joe members on one of the neck machines. My

eyes popped out of their sockets and I stood there in

disbelief as this average Joe was whipping his head back

and forth.

I quickly walked over to him and asked if he would like a

few pointers. He stopped the back and forth motion of the

neck machine and agreed to listen to some of my suggestions.

I started to explain that doing exercises for the neck is

not necessary to do several times a week. I also mentioned

that if he decided to do strength training for his neck

muscles then he could get by with doing them about once per

week. Anything more really was not necessary.

The average Joe sat attentively as I explained that his

form was a bit off. All movements and motions should be

done in a slow and controlled form when performing strength

training exercises for the neck. It's not a good thing to

have whiplash.

There are several neck exercises that can be performed in

the gym or at home. Typically there is one machine in the

gym that pertains to strengthening the neck. The side of

the head will rest on a cushioned bar. The exerciser can

slowly begin to push the cushioned bar down to their

shoulder. Obviously this would need to be repeated on the

opposite side of the head as well.

Similar exercises can be done at home. One friend can

place their hand on the left side of another friend's head.

The first friend can begin to apply resistance as the

second friend slowly pushes their left ear towards their

left shoulder. The right side should be done afterwards.

Another option to strength train the neck is to lie face

down on a bed. Allow the head to relax off one of the

sides. Slowly pick the head up as far as possible before

you slowly begin to lower it back to start.

Alternatively, lie face up on the bed. The head should

still be relaxed off the side. Slowly lift the head up as

far as it is comfortable and then slowly lower back to

start.

Work at a slow and controlled pace while strength training

the neck. It is also important to stretch and warm up as

one would with any other exercise program.

Several studies have shown that strength training the neck

reduces neck pain in most individuals. It has also been

show to increase neck strength and increase range of

motion. The only caveat is to strength train with caution.

Always talk with a qualified professional if you are not

sure how to perform an exercise.

About the Author:

Lynn VanDyke is an elite personal fitness professional and

fitness nutritionist. She is the proud owner of

http://strength-training-woman.com . She is absolutely

dedicated to helping you achieve safe and life long fat

loss. You may learn more about her and her wildly popular

programs at http://melt-the-fat.com