Effective Neck Stretching Exercises
There are specific stretching exercises for each area of the body, and the same applies to neck stretching. There are some great exercises that you can perform to gently stretch out your neck, which is important before you partake in any sort of exercise or other physical activity.
Neck stretching can also help to relieve stiffness and soreness and can first be performed while laying on your back in order to provided assisted support and then in time when you are a bit more used to them and more advanced you will be able to perform them in the seated position, and can even do the neck stretching exercises while you are at work, or in a lineup at the supermarket for instance.
Flexion Stretch
The flexion stretch is one of the most efficient neck stretching exercises. You need to gently bend your head forward while bringing your chin down towards your chest and stop as soon as you begin to feel a stretch in the back of your neck. It is important with this and all other neck stretching exercises for that matter that you do not rush it or push too far because then you risk straining or pulling the muscles in the neck.
Hold the stretch in position for about twenty or thirty seconds, and then return yourself to the starting position. Repeat this about five times.
Extension Stretch
This is another of the most commonly performed neck stretching exercises. To execute you simply need to gently bend your head backwards to that your eyes are looking up to the ceiling, and then stop when a stretch is felt in the front of your neck. Hold this position for about twenty seconds and return to starting position, then repeat.
Lateral Flexion
The lateral flexion stretch is also great for the neck and easy to do. You just have to bend your neck gently in attempts to touch your left ear to your shoulder, and then stop when a stretch is felt on the right side of your neck. Now you want to hold for about twenty seconds and repeat this stretch about five times. Then trade sides and attempt to touch your right shoulder with your right ear, hold when you feel a stretch, return to starting position and then repeat.
These neck stretching exercises are great for helping to loosen up the muscles in the neck and prepare it for physical activity or even just reduce and relieve soreness and stiffness in general.
