These 3-way head nods/turns seem way too simple to make a difference but listen, y’all: you just might change your life if you do these evvvvery day. (Seriously.)
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Everyone with a neck can benefit from this exercise. Particularly if you sit at a desk, work at a computer, do crafts/quilting/art, or sleep. I’m pretty sure that encompasses just about all of us.
HOW TO DO IT:
Breathe through your nose (mouth closed) and pull the breath down deep into your belly. Let your breath match your movement ⇢ Inhale as you look up; exhale as you look down. Keep your eyes open and let them lead the movement.
Do it with hands held low behind you (as I’m doing here) or just rest hands on hips. Alternatively, you can also try holding a small kettlebell or dumbbell in your hands behind you to help the stretch.
WHY?
Release tension in the neck and shoulders; warm up before a workout; reduce/alleviate tension headaches; and even help improve your balance as your brain gets better at processing information from your eyes during movement. If you struggle with dizziness, keep the movement slow but know regularly doing these can eventually help.
WHEN TO DO IT:
Every day, in the morning and anytime you’ve been sitting for a while, plus before workouts.
Quite seriously, I credit these for a large part of how I’ve been able to improve mobility in my arthritic neck and greatly reduce the frequency of headaches.
Give them a try — and be consistent about it — then let me know how you feel in a month. As always, reach out if I can be of assistance to you!
Owner/Coach. Powered by tea, books, & sunshine. I help people build stronger, more resilient bodies — because fitness isn’t as much about what we do in the gym as what it helps us do beyond the gym.