As a rule, exercise enthusiasts will focus on known problem areas such as the midsection without giving much thought as to how to achieve a beautiful neck line. The goal of exercises for the neck is to gently strengthen and stretch neck muscles to tone and firm without strain. As with any exercise, make sure the muscles of your neck, upper back and shoulders are adequately warmed up before performing any exercises to beautify your neck.
Tai Chi
The tai chi moves "Grasp Bird's Tail" and "Step Back to Repulse Monkey" both give the front of your neck a good stretch in a slow and gentle way. These poses allow you to lean back and gently lift the chin to stretch your neck while taking in a deep cleansing breath. According to the Stanford Health Promotion Resource Center, the fluid pace of tai chi simultaneously relaxes and strengthens your neck muscles. Tai chi offers a method to both ease tension and to create a beautiful graceful neck.
Yoga
In yoga, Matsyasana or Fish pose is an effective neck stretch. This pose will open up the muscles at the front of the neck while simultaneously strengthening those at the back. Fish pose also stimulates all of the neck muscles and promotes better posture, according to Yoga Journal. Seek clearance from your physician if you have high or low blood pressure, if you suffer from migraines or if you have experienced any serious neck or upper back injury before your perform Fish pose.
Pilates
The Mermaid pose from the Pilates exercise tradition offers a sublime stretch for the sides of the neck. Pilates also tends to have a lengthening effect on the muscles of the neck, improves posture, and also tones the oblique muscles at the sides of the waist, according to Pilates instructor Jillian Hessel. Check with your doctor or health care practitioner before you perform any Pilates stretches.
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