Stretch - Side Neck

Recommendations: 1-2 Sets, 1-5 Reps, 15-20 Dur

Beginner Neck Stretching Body Only 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.

Stand or sit in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your body straight. Place your right hand firmly on the left side of your head about ear height. This is the starting position. Tilt your head to the right. Gently pull your head to your shoulder. Keep your head looking forward at all times. Breathe normally during this movement. Pause for 15-20 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat for the required number of repetitions. Stand or sit in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your body straight. Place your left hand firmly on the right side of your head about ear height. This is the starting position. Tilt your head to the left. Gently pull your head to your shoulder. Keep your head looking forward at all times. Breathe normally during this movement. Pause for 15-20 seconds. Return to the starting position. 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

Stand upright with your right hand placed on the left side your head.

stretch-side-neck-step-0

Stand or sit in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your body straight. Place your right hand firmly on the left side of your head about ear height. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Slowly pull your head towards your shoulder. Pause.

stretch-side-neck-step-1

Tilt your head to the right. Gently pull your head to your shoulder. Keep your head looking forward at all times. Breathe normally during this movement. Pause for 15-20 seconds.

Step 3

Return to the starting position.

stretch-side-neck-step-2

Return to the starting position. Stand or sit in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your body straight. Place your right hand firmly on the left side of your head about ear height. Repeat as required.

Step 4

Stand upright with your left hand placed on the right side your head.

stretch-side-neck-step-3

Stand or sit in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your body straight. Place your left hand firmly on the right side of your head about ear height. This is the starting position.

Step 5

Slowly pull your head towards your shoulder. Pause.

stretch-side-neck-step-4

Tilt your head to the left. Gently pull your head to your shoulder. Keep your head looking forward at all times. Breathe normally during this movement. Pause for 15-20 seconds.

Step 6

Return to the starting position.

stretch-side-neck-step-5

Return to the starting position. Stand or sit in a neutral position. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your body straight. Place your left hand firmly on the right side of your head about ear height. Repeat as required.