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Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend

IntermediateStrengthTier T2
Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend

Use a band for gentle resistance during neck side bending. Strengthens lateral neck muscles.

Targets: Neck (Cervical Spine)
Muscles: Scalenes, Sternocleidomastoid

Stop if

Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.

This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.

  • Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
  • Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.

Equipment needed

  • Works at home
  • Works at the gym

resistance_bands

Home Options

  • resistance band

No equipment? Try: Head harness with weight

Dosage

2

Sets

10

Reps / Time

45 sec

Rest

2 tilt / 2 return

Tempo

Step-by-Step Guide

Set up

  • Anchor band to your right at head height
  • Loop band around right side of your head
  • Stand or sit tall
  1. Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend - Step 1 of 5: Slowly tilt head to the left against band resistance

    Step 1 of 5

    Slowly tilt head to the left against band resistance

  2. Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend - Step 2 of 5: Keep movement small and controlled

    Step 2 of 5

    Keep movement small and controlled

  3. Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend - Step 3 of 5: Return slowly to starting position

    Step 3 of 5

    Return slowly to starting position

  4. Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend - Step 4 of 5: Complete reps then switch sides

    Step 4 of 5

    Complete reps then switch sides

  5. Band-Resisted Neck Side Bend - Step 5 of 5: Match effort on both sides

    Step 5 of 5

    Match effort on both sides

Breathing

  • Exhale as you tilt
  • Inhale as you return

Form Cues

  • Small range
  • Face forward
  • No rotation
  • Equal both sides

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too much range
  • Rotating while tilting
  • Unequal effort sides
  • Band too tight

Safety Information

Stop if arm symptoms occur. Keep range small.

Progressions

Regressions

Return to isometrics. Lighter band.

Neck Isometric Rotation (Hand on Temple)Beginner