Bodybuilding Routines for the Neck: Train Your Lateral Flexors, Extensors and Traps
We often overlook training this vital area for two main reasons. We either don't know how to do it, or we don't have the equipment to do so.
Lateral Flexors. A persons lateral flexor tilts the head from right to left, this are can be worked out in the same way as flexors. In the beginning you will lie upon your side on top of a bench, then you must rest a towel on the side of the head while holding in a weight against the spot with you hand.
Just simply let your head tilt downwards, and then pull it back upwards as if you are trying to touch your ear to the shoulder that is off the bench. Again you must use several sets of 10-15 reps of moderate resistance before you go and switch to your other side to work out the opposite lateral flexor group.
Extensors. Extensors are a lot like the flexor groups in that they can be worked out with a head strap or neck machine. In using the head strap the most common way is to attach the end of the chain to the strap and hook to a low pulley or you can just hang plates on the chain. Then be sure to put your hands on your quads and bend at the waist.
Now you will focus more on tilting your head backwards as though you looking up. Another path to take would be to lie down on a bench with you head over the other end. Put the towel on the back of your head and put the weight on top of it.
Now while the plate is being held in your hands, let the head drop slowly, then begin to raise it bending only you neck. Having moderate resistance for a few sets of 10-15 will be ideal for you as with the other exercises.
Traps. The trapezius or trap muscles are apart of the extensor muscles group, so they will of course get some attention while doing exercises mentioned under the extensor heading. Moreover, they can be worked out with additional barbell exercises, as most would be aware of.
Mostly, people tend to lump basic barbell or dumbbell shrugs and the sole motion for traps. The dead lift and the various others can work the traps really hard specifically during the lockout part of the lift. Notice the huge looking traps on power lifts that have a lot of big pull.
Even though the dead lift is usually in my routine, there are some lesser-performed lifts that will hammer out those traps hard. One of the most common lifts in this category would be the power clean and to some extent, also the squat clean. Since the arms are kept straight for as long as possible during the pull, the traps, hips and upper back will provide the power that is needed to accelerate the bar before the dipping under it to rack the lift.
In the same way as the clean variations, the snatch will provide a lot of stimulation for the traps. The pull is going to have a rough "shrug" while the bar continues to accelerate before it dips beneath it.
I generally do the power snatch, where you don't drop as low upon completion of the lift and the bar is locked out overhead while in what would be a 1/4 squat position. I don't see a reason to go into a complete squat snatch, which does allow the use of more weight due to the deep bottom position you attain to get under the bar. I feel that the power clean and power snatch force you to pull much harder, since you'll have less time to drop under the bar to rack it.
If you are a person who suffers from tightness cause by many long hours of sitting on your tailbone at some office. Just the stretching will help you live more comfortably overall. The power you will gain in your traps will help you in pulling and defiantly gives your body and very finished look to it.
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