| |
Head and Neck Elasticity Exercises for Strengthening and Toning Muscles!!
Your head and neck muscles are of vital importance. Having said this, it's also important to understand that while they are a little difficult to isolate for resistance training, they are usually some of the most over-worked and over-stressed muscles in our body. At "TEAM U", we advocate that you focus this part of your anatomy on a diet of mainly elasticity and aerobic training. Sure, there are a few special resistance routines for this area, but our experience shows that what most people need is to focus on a good stretch and some relaxation where these muscles are concerned. And as always, remember, while many exercises benefit the surrounding muscles groups simultaneously, the area between your shoulders, and above it, are our primary focus.
The exercises are broken down into only two sections or types this time, each with a different focus: Elasticity and Aerobics. Visit each link on the TEAM U site to view all three areas of focus. Try each is their simplistic form, and then increase difficulty as you improve your form, technique and conditioning. As Always ... MAKE IT FUN!
Elasticity Exercises:
Stretching the Stress Away!
No weights or other equipment are needed for these, although you could add some very light dumbbells to these once you have built up considerable conditioning.
First, Start by standing straight, feet approximately shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Look straight in front of you, then slowly bend your neck to look straight up to the ceiling. Now slowly bend the neck to look down to the floor. Once more, slowly lift your head so that you are back to the starting position looking straight in front of you. Continue for the desired number of reps.
Second, Start by standing straight, feet approximately shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Look straight in front of you, then slowly turn your face to look over your left shoulder. Now slowly turn your face to look over your right shoulder. Finally, turn back to the starting position and continue for the desired number of reps.
Third, Start by standing straight, feet approximately shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Look straight in front of you, then slowly tilt your head towards your left shoulder while at the same time raising your outstretched right arm to approximately shoulder height. Now, using your left hand, reach up to your head and pull down, applying a slight amount of tension to the stretch towards the left shoulder. Then slowly drop the right arm down to your right side. Play with the arm positioning a bit. By lowering the arm at different speeds, or by lowering it more towards your back or front you get an entirely different stretch. Lastly, do the same thing on your opposite side. Repeat this routine for the number of reps you feel are necessary for a good conditioning. It really is cool, give it a try!
For all three of these, it is extremely important to go SLOW and FEEL the stretch!
Return from "Head and Neck Elasticity" to "Elasticity" Main
To "Aerobics" Exercises
Back to "Team U Fitness Training Home"
Please read the "TEAM U Fitness Training" Disclaimer!
|
