Garrett Smith
06-10-2008, 06:46 PM
T-Nation article on neck strengthening (http://www.t-nation.com/portal_includes/articles/2008/08-108-training.html)
Sounds like a generally good idea to me, I've been taught some postural methods in the past (www.idealspine.com) that have heavily utilized weights to shift postural aberrations. Neck muscles are postural muscles as a general rule, so the swiss ball and neck strengthener variants are the ones I'll likely use.
The 5# version of the Title Boxing neck strengthener (on the www.titleboxing.com website) costs $15. Definitely worth it IMO if one doesn't want neck pain (or marks on their forehead from a MacGyver'd version).
I think I'm going to get one and use it during my (scaled-down) planks, planches, and flags. Easy addition, will also possibly increase my ability to create the necessary tension.
My neck is pretty mobile from all the Z-Health. Dr. Cobb has said something to the effect in an article that strength training really cements the mobility gains. This is one thing that I have been missing in the neck region to this point and finding a way of working it into my training without adding more time is key. Until I get that piece of equipment, I'll likely start with the swiss ball variations to build basic strength and put that ball to some use...:)
I also just had a thought, if I do something stupid (ie. poor judgement) at gymnastics class, a stronger neck surely would help if face/head met floor...
Can anyone here personally testify to neck strengthening helping to boost other exercises? I've heard it can help pulling strength...
Sounds like a generally good idea to me, I've been taught some postural methods in the past (www.idealspine.com) that have heavily utilized weights to shift postural aberrations. Neck muscles are postural muscles as a general rule, so the swiss ball and neck strengthener variants are the ones I'll likely use.
The 5# version of the Title Boxing neck strengthener (on the www.titleboxing.com website) costs $15. Definitely worth it IMO if one doesn't want neck pain (or marks on their forehead from a MacGyver'd version).
I think I'm going to get one and use it during my (scaled-down) planks, planches, and flags. Easy addition, will also possibly increase my ability to create the necessary tension.
My neck is pretty mobile from all the Z-Health. Dr. Cobb has said something to the effect in an article that strength training really cements the mobility gains. This is one thing that I have been missing in the neck region to this point and finding a way of working it into my training without adding more time is key. Until I get that piece of equipment, I'll likely start with the swiss ball variations to build basic strength and put that ball to some use...:)
I also just had a thought, if I do something stupid (ie. poor judgement) at gymnastics class, a stronger neck surely would help if face/head met floor...
Can anyone here personally testify to neck strengthening helping to boost other exercises? I've heard it can help pulling strength...