So many of us work out and even stretch before or after our routine. But do we ever stretch out our neck muscles? In almost every exercise routine we tend to use our neck muscles quite often.
Seeing as your neck muscles will get used whether you are using a weight lifting exercise or if you are solely doing a cardio workout, it just makes sense to stretch the area.
For example I cannot imagine going for a run without stretching my hamstrings or my quads.
Okay, so here is what you can do for the neck. I love simple lateral bends. Tilt your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold this stretch for 10-20 seconds then repeat. Then do it on the right side. This will stretch the trapezius, the levator scapulae muscles, as well as the cervical paraspinals. You may even stretch the SCM Muscle and scalene muscles too. Next do simple head rolls. Half circle to the front and half circle to the back. This will also help to loosen the muscles in the neck as well as mobilize the spine.
That's it. Two minutes. You're Done.
Another thing that also helps it just to make sure and warm up before your workout. This could be simple: jogging, or riding the stationary bike for five minutes. Doing this simple gets your body moving and your blood flowing.
So next time you exercise, do a warm up as well as some quick easy neck stretches. You will soon be able to able to wipe away the fear you have of getting your neck aggravated.
Additional Reading Resources:
- Stretches for the Neck
- Posture Products for the Neck and Midback
- Tips to Prevent Neck Pain
- Neck Traction and Neck Pillow for Pain Relief
- I have a reverse C Curve in My Neck, Which Pillow Do You Recommend?
