Head & Neck Exercises

Sometimes, the tendency in exercising is to focus on strengthening your lower body, like the core and thighs. The strength of your top is equally important, however, to a solid foundation, so it's a good idea to also include head and neck exercises in your routine. Tight neck muscles create tension and can cause the shoulders to overcompensate for any side-to-side movement. Many yoga-based exercises can stretch your neck muscles and relieve stress.

Easy Side Stretches

In yoga, Easy Pose is a comfortable seated cross-legged posture that forms the base of many more advanced moves. Sit down on your yoga mat. Cross your shins and let your knees fall out to the sides. If your knees are much higher than your hips, prop up on a folded blanket. With elevated hips, strain is removed from your lower back. Extend your arms out on the sides of your torso so that they form an upside down "V." Center your head and drop your right ear to your right shoulder. Breathe for five breaths. Draw your head back to center and repeat on the left side. This variation stretches the neck.

Beginner Headstand

Standing on your head calms the mind and nourishes the pineal and pituitary glands, according to "Yoga Journal." The beginner Headstand Pose variation still gives the body the same benefits without coming into the full extension of the posture. Kneel on all fours. Align your knees right over your hips and palms in line with your shoulders. Drop the crown of your in-between your arms. Interlace the fingers behind your back and adjust as you begin to support the body on the crown of your head, knees and tops of your feet. Stay for 10 breaths and release. This exercise strengthens your neck and massages the crown of your head.

Lion's Roar

According to "Yoga for Women," the Lioness Pose firms your neck muscles and loosens your throat. While in Easy Pose, relax your face. On your exhale, release the tongue from your mouth and extend it towards your chin. Open your eyes wide and mimic a lion's roar, making the sound "ha." Move between a relaxed face on the inhale and a lion's roar on the exhale five times.