When it comes to fitness, the neck is often overlooked despite its important role in posture, stability, and injury prevention. Strengthening your neck muscles improves your overall fitness and athletic performance. neck harness (also known as a neck strap or head harness) is one of the most effective tools for this task.
Are you ready to take your neck training to the next level? This article introduces you to three important exercises for building a strong and balanced neck, and teaches you how to prepare, safely, and master these movements. We’ll also give you tips on who will benefit most from incorporating it into your routine.
Why use a neck harness?
Neck harnesses are specifically designed to target neck muscles and can help you:
- Improves neck muscles and neck strength.
- Improves posture, especially for desk workers and people with their heads forward.
- Prevent injuries during contact sports and other high-impact activities.
This simple yet effective tool is versatile and allows you to train your neck from different angles to develop balanced muscles.
Who should perform weighted neck harness exercises?
of weighted neck harness is a versatile tool suitable for a variety of individuals looking to improve their fitness, athletic performance, and recovery.
- experienced athlete The aim is to improve performance and recovery in high-impact sports.
- body builder Aim to build a thicker, defined neck to achieve a balanced physique.
- fitness enthusiast We aim to overcome plateaus and take your training to the next level.
- people recovering from neck injuries: Always consult a medical professional or physical therapist before incorporating weighted exercises into your rehabilitation.
Warm up before starting
Before getting into weighted exercises, a warm-up is essential to prevent injury and prepare your neck muscles to withstand the load. Perform the following warm-up routine.
- rotation of the neck: Slowly rotate your neck in a circular motion, 10 to 15 times in each direction.
- tilt of the head: Move your head forward, backward, left and right. Perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps.
This warm-up increases blood flow, loosens tight muscles, and prepares your neck for more strenuous activity.
3 Weighted Neck Harness Exercises
1. Flexing the neck harness
advantage
- The target is front neck musclesincluding sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalene muscleplays an important role in neck flexion and stabilization.
- Increases neck mobility and helps prevent forward head posture caused by desk work and screen time.
How to play
- Set up your equipment
- Use a neck harness designed for weightlifting.
- Attach the lightweight plate to the harness chain and secure it securely.
- prepare the bench
- Adjust the training bench 45 degree slope.
- Sit on a bench and lean back to support your upper back while keeping your head over the edge of the bench.
- starting position
- Secure the neck harness to your head and ensure a snug fit.
- Let your head hang slightly back in a neutral position.
- perform the movements
- slowly bend your neck forwardbring your chin towards your chest in a controlled movement.
- Pause at the top of the movement to fully contract your neck muscles.
- Gradually return to the starting position while resisting the weight and lowering your head.
- repetition
- execute 2-4 sets of 8-15 repetitions. Gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.
2. Neck harness extension
advantage
- strengthens back neck musclesincluding trapezius muscle, Head splenitisand semispinalis capitis.
- Improves neck stability, improves posture and reduces the risk of neck injuries in sports and daily activities.
How to play
- get into position
- lie face down Sit on a bench, supporting your chest and abdomen.
- Try to stick your head above the bench.
- starting position
- Attach weights to the harness and make sure it is securely attached.
- Lower your head slightly and stretch slightly.
- perform the movements
- slowly stretch your necklift your head until it is in line with your upper back.
- Pause for 1-2 seconds to fully engage the muscle.
- Gradually lower your head back to the starting position, maintaining control from start to finish.
- repetition
- execute 2-4 sets of 8-15 repetitionsadjust the weight as necessary.
3. Neck harness lateral bending
advantage
- Activate. muscles on the outside of the necketc. levator scapulae and sternocleidomastoid muscleimproves side-to-side mobility and balance.
- For athletes in contact sports, it helps increase neck stability during impact.
How to play
- starting position
- Secure the head harness to your head and attach the weight plate.
- lie on your side Sit on an incline bench and stick your head above the bench.
- Allow your weight to rest naturally, creating a light stretch on the opposite side of your neck.
- perform the movements
- Just breathe out bend one’s head to the sidelift your head towards your shoulders in a slow and controlled manner.
- Hold in top position for 1-2 seconds.
- Inhale and lower your head back to the starting position.
- repetition
- execute 2-4 sets of 8-15 reps on both sides for balanced development.
Important safety tips
- start light: Start with a manageable weight to master your form and avoid overloading your neck.
- focus on form: Keep your movements slow and controlled to engage the correct muscles and avoid injury.
- avoid overtraining: Take 48 hours of rest between neck workouts to allow your muscles to recover.
- listen to your body: If you experience any discomfort or pain, stop immediately and reconsider your technique and weight.
final thoughts
Strengthening your neck muscles with a neck harness has huge benefits, from improved posture to increased athletic performance. By incorporating these three exercises and following safety guidelines, you can develop a stronger, more stable neck that supports your overall fitness goals.