ex_VK5DLT

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Neck · Body Weight

Easy Pose Neck Stretch

beginneryogaMale & female model

Easy Pose Neck Stretch is a beginner compound yoga exercise that works the levator scapulae (neck), with the upper back assisting. It needs no equipment beyond your own body weight. A typical prescription is 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds, and it burns about 3.7 calories per minute.

Target: Levator Scapulae
Body part: Neck
Equipment: Body Weight
Category: Yoga
Mechanic: Compound
Force: Static
Sets × reps: 2-3 × 30-60 sec hold
Calories / min: ≈ 3.7 kcal

Primary muscles

Neck · Sternocleidomastoid, Scalenes

Secondary muscles

Upper Back · Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae

How to do Easy Pose Neck Stretch

Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart, your shoulders relaxed, and your arms resting by your sides.
Raise one arm over your head and place your hand gently above the opposite ear
Slowly draw your head toward the raised-arm side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder while keeping your opposite shoulder lowered and your torso upright.
Hold the stretch, then release your head gradually and lower your arm before repeating on the opposite side.

Form tips

Draw your head gently toward your shoulder instead of pulling forcefully.
Keep your spine tall and avoid rounding your upper back.
Stop if you feel pinching, dizziness, or discomfort in your neck.
Inhale before tilting your head and exhale as you relax into the stretch.

More levator scapulae exercises

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Backward Forward Turn to Side Neck Stretch

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Half Neck Rolls

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Lying Neck Curls

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Lying Neck Extension

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5 Sec Fist Against Chin

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Easy Pose Neck Stretch FAQ

What muscles does Easy Pose Neck Stretch work?

Easy Pose Neck Stretch mainly works the levator scapulae in the neck (Sternocleidomastoid and Scalenes). The upper back work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Easy Pose Neck Stretch?

None. Easy Pose Neck Stretch is a body weight exercise, so you can do it at home or anywhere with enough space.

How many sets and reps of Easy Pose Neck Stretch should I do?

Start with 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Easy Pose Neck Stretch good for beginners?

Yes. Easy Pose Neck Stretch is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the levator scapulae.

How many calories does Easy Pose Neck Stretch burn?

About 3.7 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 3. Ten minutes of work is roughly 37 calories; heavier people burn more.

For developers

Use Easy Pose Neck Stretch in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

Get a free API key Read the docs

# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_VK5DLT" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_VK5DLT",
  "name": "Easy Pose Neck Stretch",
  "model": "male",
  "counterpartId": "ex_3VKI6C",
  "target": "Levator Scapulae",
  "equipment": "Body Weight",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_VK5DLT/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_VK5DLT/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}