Thicken Up Your Neck to Complete Your Physique
You’ve got defined calves that flow into a muscular pair of thighs. Your rippling abdominals are the center point of a ripped torso. Your shapely forearms flow into a set of massive upper arms. Your shapely shoulders frame your body and lead into a thin, pencil-neck that looks like it belongs on a professional data enterer, not an avid weightlifter.
A Neck Makes the Man
Wait, what happened? Is your physique lacking a thick, muscular neck? Though your neck muscles are worked during exercises like deadlifts, overhead presses, and other full-body movements, if you don’t have great neck genetics, you should consider working your neck muscles out specifically to add another dimension to your overall look. Consider the fact that nobody can really see your rippling physique underneath your clothing. Your neck, on the other hand, is always on display. Unless of course you wear a turtleneck, in which case, you are clearly a time traveler from the 1970’s.
Prevent Injury
Strength and flexibility throughout the body is vital to prevent injury. The neck is no different. In fact, having a strong neck is particularly important to athletes. Boxers or other combat athletes should be especially concerned with increasing the size and strength of their neck. A strong, sturdy neck can provide much needed support to the head when it’s struck, helping to prevent rapid acceleration and maybe even prevent knockouts. Whether you’re working out your neck for athletic or aesthetic purposes, here are a few exercise choices to consider on your road to a Goldberg-sized neck. Remember to do some easy neck circles and rotations to loosen up and warm up your neck before exercising.
Neck Bridges
Used primarily by wrestlers, this unique exercise will not only strengthen the neck, but also provide a great stretch for your core, hips, and glutes. Lay down on your back and place your hands palm down beside your head. Slowly begin to lift your pelvis toward the ceiling and make sure to keep the back of your head flat against the ground. When you’re comfortable, remove your hands from the ground and place them on your chest, holding yourself up on your forehead with the power of your neck. Take care with this exercise. Use your hands at first and work on increasing the stretch until you achieve a full neck bridge. Then work on increasing your time. You can also gently roll back and forth on your head as you become more advanced.
Isometrics
A simple way to exercise your neck from all angles using only your hands. Put your hands on the back of your head and press forward while at the same time providing resistance with your neck in the opposite direction. Hold for 10 seconds and then repeat with your hands on the front of your head and then on each side.
Using Weight Plates
To add a little resistance to your neck exercises, use a light weight plate. Begin with 2.5 to 5 pounds and lie down on a flat bench with your head hanging off the end. Place the plate gently on your forehead and support it with your hands. Slowly lower your head and then contract your neck muscles to raise the weight in a controlled fashion. You can turn over and repeat the exercise the the weight on the back of your head.
Neck Harnesses – The Ultimate Tool For Neck Size and Strength
If you’re serious about gaining size and strength in your neck, definitely consider getting a neck harness. You’ll be able to gradually add resistance and build a massive, muscular neck that pops out of your collar. Attach the weight beforehand and then secure the harness to the top of your head. Slowly raise the weight and then lower it, aiming for 10-12 reps per set.
