Exercises For A Slender Neck

Exercises that elongate the neck muscles help give the appearance of a longer, more slender neck. Many dance exercises help create long necklines by lifting and toning the neck muscles, without creating bulk in the neck and shoulder area. Keeping your neck muscles in shape will also improve your balance and posture. This will help decrease ailments that are often caused by neck stiffness, such as headaches, according to Yoga Journal.

Modified Port de Bras

The port de bra is a series of ballet movements that move the arms through a series of graceful positions, with accompanying neck and head movements. The modified version of the exercise places emphasis on the neck while moving through a few of the positions. Begin standing in ballet first position, legs together, turned out from the hips. Slide your right foot forward slightly and hold this position. Round your arms as if you were hugging a large beach ball in front of your torso and lift your shoulders upright over your hips as you lift your neck up--out of your shoulders. Holding the slight bend in your elbow, slowly lift your right arm up toward the ceiling, with your chin following. You will feel the neck lengthen and stretch during this move. Release your arm and chin back down, and then extend to your right side with your chin following to look right. Pull your right foot back to center, extend your left foot out slightly and repeat the sequence on the left side.

Ear to Shoulder

The ear to shoulder exercise strengthens and stretches the muscles on the sides of the neck. Less tension is held in your neck and shoulders when you keep your neck loose and flexible. This allows your neck muscles to hold your neck upright in a higher position to create a longer neckline. Begin this exercise standing or sitting in upright posture, with your shoulders in alignment with your hips and your arms comfortable at your sides. Lift your neck and relax your shoulders down, away from your ears. Inhale and slowly lower your right ear down to your right shoulder and hold. Exhale and reach your left arm out diagonally from your side, you should feel an increase in the stretch. Relax your arm back to your side and release the neck stretch. As you lift your head back to center extend out and up, flexing the muscles. Repeat on the opposite side.

Chin Lift and Tongue Press

The chin lift and tongue press engages the neck and jaw muscles. Begin standing tall, with your shoulders away from your ears. Tilt your head back until you are looking up at the ceiling. If you feel any stress or pressure on your neck release forward slightly. Hold this position and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth while gently clenching your back teeth. Bring your chin down toward your chest, holding the tongue press and teeth clench. Repeat this move five to eight times.