Broccoli Monster Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Hey, guys. This is my first post in this section. I wouldn't say I'm all that interested in being a "bodybuilder" per se, but I am interested in getting a physique that is stronger and healthier-looking. One of the things I want to work on though is my scrawny neck. It really stands out when I'm wearing t-shirts. Having practically no traps is probably not helping the situation. I know I can do shoulder-shrugs to help build this area, but I'm not familiar with any other exercises that build your neck. Can anyone help me get rid of my pencil-neck? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Compassion Posted February 24, 2013 Share Posted February 24, 2013 Are you referring to your actual neck, like the area that connects your head to your body? Or are you referring to your traps? If the latter, shrugs are the best. You can spice it up to get a good burn. I always end my shoulder workout with a triset for my traps. Barbell shrugs in front of my body, barbell shrugs behind my body, dumbell shrugs to the side. I feel like I have put on some decent size to my traps in the past few months, and owe it to this triset. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broccoli Monster Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 Yeah, I'm referring to my entire neck as a whole. I know my traps need development but it seems like my neck is disproportionately thin. I assume that it will take care of itself if I pursue fitness long enough, but perhaps there's something I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stcalico Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 Along with shrugs you can try upright dumb bell rows. Careful on the weight with that exercise tho as it can cause shoulder impingement. I like doing a heavy deadlift best... if you lift heavy and stretch out properly at the top of the lift, your upper traps will be sore the next day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JubNZ Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 BM looks like we may have similar body make up overall haha. I have this problem too, will look to incorporate shrugs a couple times a week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganEssentials Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 As one who has a long, uneven neck (due to some unidentified nerve/tendon damage encountered years ago), I've found that the following are by far the most beneficial to helping neck thickness and reducing how noticeable a smaller neck can be - 1. Shrugs2. Deadlifts3. Direct neck work, either via headstrap w/ added weight, or, weight placed on my head while lying down used as resistance I haven't done much of #3 in some time, just the other two, and it's keeping things in ideal balance. With me, it's the long uneven neck plus wide, low-set traps that make it tough, but as long as you lift heavy and often enough and do what's noted above, in due time, things will get better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kon Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 could try doing some neck-bridging routines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenie Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Yes, i am agree with "Kon" You have to start some neck-bridging routines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeganEssentials Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 All depends on whether or not you have any neck issues with neck bridging, though - with my nerve damage and being around 230 lbs., neck bridges put me at risk of injury, so some of us just can't do them safely and get anything from them. Even if you have a thicker neck, the other factor to consider is that if you have little upper back mass and minimal trapezius development, it only shows off your other flaws so it's ideal to round out everything when possible! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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