2023 Live Q&A 4: Should you be doing direct neck strengthening exercises?

2023 Live Q&A 4: Should you be doing direct neck strengthening exercises?

Author: Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC April 26, 2023 Duration: 9:47

Should you do neck strengthening exercises? Barbell strength trainees often wonder if they should be incorporating more than just barbell training into their programs. Usually these questions boil down to whether or not small isolation exercises have any added benefit or not.

 

PRS Podcast Listener Question:

The basic squat, bench press, overhead press, and deadlift are the core exercises for the barbell trainee and powerlifter.  How well do they add strength to the muscles that support the neck and head?  What are the best accessory exercises for adding strength to the neck?  How important is it to have strong muscles supporting the head?

 

In this episode of the PRS Podcast, Drs Rori Alter, PT and Alyssa Haveson, PT discuss how the neck musculature functions in everyday activities and how they are strengthened through the main barbell lifts.

 

They further discuss direct situations where people tend to add in accessory exercises for their necks and situations in where the neck experiences high velocity forces.

 

However, in most cases, the answer they recommend is that no additional neck accessory exercises are needed. 

 

 

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Get in touch with the show!

Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com

Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com

Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs

Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs


Hosted by Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson, Progressive Rehab & Strength is a conversation for those who take lifting seriously, whether for sport or for life. Both hosts are practicing physical therapists and certified strength coaches with deep roots in powerlifting, giving them a unique, dual-perspective on the body under load. This podcast digs into the nuanced intersection of rehabilitation and performance, moving beyond generic advice. You’ll hear practical discussions on programming for longevity, managing training around injuries, and navigating the technical demands of the barbell lifts. The aim is to strip away confusion and provide actionable insights that help athletes and coaches build resilient, sustainable careers-both in the gym and in their professional practices. It’s a resource for critical thinkers who want their approach to strength to be informed by both clinical expertise and hard-earned experience on the platform. Tune in for a blend of science, real-world application, and straight talk from two professionals who live in this space every day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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