Neck Exercise

Bad muscle habits in the neck cause creepiness and lines. When neck muscles are properly toned, the skin is held smooth and taut. When they are not, the horizontal lines crease and the contours sag. The neck is not an isolated area, but part of good posture, vital in keeping the throat area smooth and agile. Most women do not realize how little control they have over the set of their heads, or in moving from side to side. These exercises help to give you control by freeing the neck from tension, loosening and lowering the shoulders, elongating the neck muscles. It is important to be aware of what the neck is doing, how it is being held. Feel it; feel the distance between neck and ears; feel the shoulders hanging freely without knotted-up tension.

1. Neck Stretch---Lie down (on the bed) arms by sides, legs straight and together; slowly raise head and neck, stretching the neck as you raise it. Lower slowly. Do 5 times, work up to 20.
2. Muscle Toner---Sit (can be done on the bed also) with knees up to chest. Stretch neck up, shoulders down. Now tilt head forward; slowly pull head back as far as possible, open and close mouth slowly, 3 times. With mouth closed, bring head forward. Repeat 5 times.
3. Neck Control---Sit (on the bed) cross-legged, palm flat just behind buttocks; shoulders down, back straight. Without moving the torso at all, turn chin slowly over each shoulder, keeping neck stretched high. Repeat 5 times each side.

Shoulders Free---Stand with feet a little apart, arms in front with backs of hands touching, head lowered. Slowly lift head, stretch arms up and back, fingers apart, palms facing back, neck stretched. Repeat 10 times.