Release tensions through strength training
The neck muscles are constantly stressed in everyday life: At work, during leisure activities, but also during any head movement. Therefore, the neck muscles are particularly susceptible to tension due to incorrect posture or overstraining of various kinds. With the help of strength training, it is possible to train the neck and shoulder muscles so well that they are sufficiently durable and resilient.
Well trained neck and shoulder muscles ensure a better and more stable posture, especially in the neck area. As a result, those affected are less likely to adopt a poor posture, which would lead to secondary tension. For strength training of the neck muscles, there are various machines and equipment for device-free training in almost every fitness studio.
However, the neck musculature must be trained to a certain extent. Too intensive strength training with too short breaks can lead to sore muscles or tension in the neck. You can find exercises for the neck here: Neck muscle training
Release tensions through sport
Neck tensions can be relieved very well through physical activity. There are sports that are more or less suitable for this purpose or that have different approaches to treating neck tension. Strength sports are considered to be more of a preventive measure, since well-trained neck muscles are less susceptible and more resilient, making the occurrence of neck pain less likely.
In contrast to pure weight training, sports such as swimming and Nordic Walking aim to achieve dynamic loading and improved mobility of the neck – but also shoulder muscles.Nordic Walking, for example, involves the dynamic swinging of the arms, which requires the cooperation of both neck and shoulder muscles. This light strain stretches and loosens the muscles in moderation, so that tensions occur less frequently. The same principle applies to the “Crosstrainer” fitness machine, as here too the arms are moved along with it.
Ultimately, the aim of sport is to integrate more movement into everyday life in order to offer the body a balance to constant stress and possible incorrect posture. As already explained, exercise to the right extent and with the right type of sport can be helpful to relieve neck tension, but also to reduce the risk of tension developing in the first place. The crosstrainer as a well-known fitness device is particularly suitable for this purpose.
The reason for this is that the crosstrainer not only requires leg work but also actively involves the arms. The arms are swung synchronously to the running movement without being heavily loaded. The neck and shoulders are stretched instead. The pendulum movement of the arms can therefore cause a relaxation of the shoulder and neck muscles due to the moderate activity.
