Neck Stretch | Illustrated Exercise Guide

Primary muscles: Neck
Secondary muscles: Shoulders
Equipment: No equipment

NECK STRETCH INSTRUCTIONS

1. Stand straight with your feet hip width apart and tilt your head toward the shoulder.
2. Place your hand on your head and gently pull until you feel the stretch in your neck.
3. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

PROPER FORM AND BREATHING PATTERN

Relax your neck, arms and shoulders, tilt your head and exhale (breathe out) as you stretch your neck muscles. Inhale as you release the stretch. Don’t force the neck beyond its normal range of motion and avoid any aggressive movements.

EXERCISE BENEFITS

Stretching your neck at the end of your workout routine helps to increase flexibility, improves range of motion and reduces muscle soreness. Adding this stretch to your everyday routine helps to remove tension, muscle knots and tightness in the neck.

INTENSITY AND DURATION

Stretch the neck slowly and as far as it feels comfortable. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds and then relax. Repeat on the other side. You shouldn’t feel any pain, but if you do, relax the neck and lift the head slightly until you reach a more comfortable position. Be extra careful if you have weak neck muscles.

CALORIES BURNED

To calculate the number of calories burned doing neck stretches, enter your weight and the duration of the exercise:

RELATED STATIC STRETCHES

Try these other static stretches to help your body relax and reduce stress and tension in your muscles:
Shoulder stretch
Chest stretch
Upper back stretch
Biceps stretch