How to Safely Increase Load Weight for Neck Training

Exercising your neck is an important part of any strength training regimen. A strong neck is an extension of strong shoulders and maintains healthy balance. One aspect to consider is how to safely increase load weight while neck training. The neck is a sensitive muscle and care must be taken not to damage this muscle.This article will explain how to safely increase load weight for neck training.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Neck extension weight machine

Safely Increasing Load Weight for Neck Training

1. Know your necks limits. Think about whether you have a past neck injury or have pulled the muscle recently. Any tenderness or sensitivity should be cause for alarm and care taken while exercising your neck.
2. Stretch your neck properly prior to any strenuous activity. Stretching these muscles helps promote flexibility and prevents muscle pulls. Gently turn your neck to each side and hold for several seconds once the muscles tense. This is a good starter.
3. Begin your workout on a small scale. Don’t load your machine up with a high weight just to see how strong you are. Put a very small amount of weight on that you know you can do, just to warm up. Do several repetitions at this weight.
4. Increase the amount by five pounds or less at a time. This allows your neck to slowly build up resistance and allows you to monitor your body’s reaction to the weight. This is your best option to avoid pulling a muscle or damaging your spine.
5. Keep a smaller weight on the machine and perform several repetitions. Instead of a few reps with a lot of weight, try this method to help save your neck muscles. Performing several reps keeps your neck from working too hard and possibly injuring itself.

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