Neck - Lying Face Up Plate

Recommendations: 1-5 Reps, 1-2 Wght

Beginner Neck Plate Flat Bench Push Gym Home

Purpose: This exercise tones and strengthens the neck muscles.

Benefits: The primary advantage to a strong neck is that it helps align the rest of your body. Neck exercises are often overlooked by gym goers, so it's important to create awareness around simple neck isometric exercises like these.

Lie face up on a supine (flat) bench with your shoulders at one end. Your neck and head will extend beyond the bench. Place a light weight against your forehead. Lower your head. This is the starting position. Slowly push forward (upwards) with your head against the plate by contracting your neck. Ensure that you are pushing your head towards the plate and not the other way round. Keep your head looking forward at all times. Breathe normally during this movement. Pause for the recommended time. Return to the starting position by releasing the tension slowly. Repeat for the required number of repetitions.


The neck muscles are responsible for holding your head up. The motion of the neck can be divided into rotation (looking side to side), lateral flexion (ear to shoulder), flexion (chin to sternum) and hyperextension (looking up). The most common neck injury is whiplash. Another common neck problem is limited rotation.

Step 1

Lie face up on a flat bench with a plate against your forehead.

neck-lying-face-up-plate-step-0

Lie face up on a supine (flat) bench with your shoulders at one end. Your neck and head will extend beyond the bench. Place a light weight against your forehead. Lower your head. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Slowly push your head against the plate. Pause.

neck-lying-face-up-plate-step-1

Slowly push forward (upwards) with your head against the plate by contracting your neck. Ensure that you are pushing your head towards the plate and not the other way round. Keep your head looking forward at all times. Breathe normally during this movement. Pause for the recommended time.

Step 3

Return to the starting position by releasing the tension slowly.

neck-lying-face-up-plate-step-2

Return to the starting position by releasing the tension slowly. Lie face up on a supine (flat) bench with your shoulders at one end. Your neck and head will extend beyond the bench. Place a light weight against your forehead. Lower your head.