28-Oct-2010

Stick Out Your Neck

Neck-Strengthening Exercise

Ever felt like you’re carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders? No wonder--your head weighs 8 to12 pounds, depending on your size and age. That’s a lot to carry around, and a reason your neck can sometimes feel fatigued. Not to mention that during the course of any given day you use your neck while staring at a computer, as well as looking down at books and using your cell phone. Here’s a simple four-part exercise to strengthen the muscles responsible for all this work:

Sit comfortably, looking straight ahead. Place your palm on your forehead and push firmly, but gently with your head into the resisting palm. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Next, interlace your fingers, cup them behind your head and press with the head into your resisting palms. Finally, place your right palm above your right temple and press with your head into the palm of your resisting hand. Hold the push for 10-15 seconds, then switch sides. Repeat the set 3 times a day for a neck-rejuvenating break!

Recommended Read: Yoga Heals Your Back: 10-Minute Routines that End Back and Neck Pain by Rita Trieger