Equipment Required:

None

Starting Position:

Stand with back straight, feet placed shoulder-width apart and abdominal muscles contracted to hold the torso stable.
Relax arms and shoulders.

Actions To Execute Exercise:

Keeping shoulders relaxed, slowly lower head forward, bringing chin toward chest.
Hold; return to starting position.
Slowly lower head to the right, bringing the ear toward the shoulder.
Hold; return to starting position and repeat on left.
Repeat each stretch position.

What The Exercise Does:

Stretches the neck and upper back.

Variations On This Exercise:

This exercise may be performed in a seated position on the floor or a bench.
For an enhanced stretch, use the hands to gently guide the head in each stretch position.
From starting position, rather than dropping the head to the side, look to the right as far as possible; repeat left.

Precautions / Contraindications

Do not stretch beyond the point of mild tension.
Be sure muscles are warm before stretching.
This exercise may be contraindicated for some individuals with neck problems.

Fitness Training Tips:

When stretching to either the right or left, press the shoulder of the side being stretched to the floor for an enhanced stretch.
This is a limbering and a flexibility stretch.