Why Is Neck Strengthening Essential For Athletes?

Out of all the parts of the body, the neck is one of the most neglected groups of muscle in the body, and not many people are aware of the reason why trainers insist on building a stronger and more fuller neck. Since the head mounts on the neck and it forms a link between the head and rest of the body, it becomes extremely essential to building it stronger. A week neck can invite a lot of possible injuries including concussion and cervical spine trauma. Athletes injure themselves time and again and hence it is necessary to train the neck so it can withstand the velocity of the impacts. In sports such as wrestling, boxing, rugby, and football where the neck is more susceptible to damage, neck training is a must for survival.

If you ask how worse a concussion could get? Honestly, traumatic brain injuries and concussion have forced many athletes to walk away from the game which has profoundly affected their team’s chances of winning or losing due to their absence. They had to wave goodbye to their sports careers or retire way too early due to their complicated injuries. Tom Ellis- an expert physiotherapist displays his observations in high school soccer and basketball athletes, stating that the girth and overall neck strength can anticipate a concussion.

He further observed that athletes with concussion had a weaker and smaller neck as compared to those who weren’t injured. Also, every one pound increase in the size of the neck nearly reduces five percent chances of sustaining a severe concussion. An injury that impacts the head is a brain and a musculoskeletal responsibility, and hence injured athletes find it extremely difficult to do even the smallest resistance. The risk of injury hikes up post-concussion; not just because the brain is traumatized, but because the nervous system and the supportive structures are impaired.

Neck-strengthening exercises and using proper neck workout machines can make a difference in the incidence and severity of concussions.

Benefits Of Building A Strong Neck

1) Enhanced Athletic Performance

A stronger neck has a significant impact on the quality of breathing and overall functioning of the respiratory system, when an individual performs high-intensity workouts or plays a sport, he or she is most likely to gasp for air repeatedly, and hence if the neck is stronger, it would help the individual breathe better and improve the athletic performance.

2) Safeguarding Against Injuries

Using neck workout harness such as the ones you’ll find at Iron Neck guarantees overall neck protection against injuries like whiplash. These workout gears offer a full range of concentric and isometric neck training along with adjustable rotational resistance. A built-in braking system and adjustment dial allow the user to change the level of concentric training as per their desired setting, and this feature enables multiple users who can quickly customize it between their workout sessions.​​

3) Improved Posture And Overall Functioning

It is important to maintain a good posture at all times, especially while sitting at a desk for long hours, training and building a robust neck will help prevent chronic pain and injuries that can occur as a result of poor posture. Additionally, it would train your body to adopt and maintain a proper stance. A reliable and athletic neck contributes to the entire functional strength. Plus, toned neck muscles help enhance your overall physique, ideal for those low cut necklines.

How To Use Iron Neck’s Neck Workout Gears?

Neck workout machines are made keeping in mind the utmost comfort for the user without putting a strain on the neck and shoulder muscles. Iron Neck’s neck workout harness attaches itself to any weight-loaded cable pulley system, resistance band or pneumatic resistance machine. Their resistance band makes it super easy to use Iron neck almost anywhere. The cinch anchor securely loops around any stable vertical pole or rack, for instance - a squat rack, or a basketball hoop. Attach one end of the resistance band into the cinch anchor and the other into the Iron Neck.

The neck isn’t fragile, but it’s not capable of withstanding extreme impacts and landings either. Thus, training neck muscles is an investment every athlete should make for a long term and better performance.