ex_JMYQDX

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Neck · Body Weight

Lying Neck Curls

beginnerstrengthMale & female model

Lying Neck Curls is a beginner isolation strength exercise that works the levator scapulae (neck). It needs no equipment beyond your own body weight. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 10-15 reps, and it burns about 4.3 calories per minute.

Target
Levator Scapulae
Body part
Neck
Equipment
Body Weight
Category
Strength
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Sets × reps
3 × 10-15
Calories / min
≈ 4.3 kcal

Primary muscles

  • Neck

How to do Lying Neck Curls

  1. Lie on your back on a bench with your head and neck past the end.
  2. Let your head lower gently back until it is in line with the bench.
  3. Tuck your chin and slowly curl your head up toward your chest.
  4. Lower it back with control and repeat.

Form tips

  • Move slowly with no jerking.
  • Start with bodyweight only; add a towel-wrapped plate only when this is easy.

More levator scapulae exercises

Lying Neck Curls FAQ

What muscles does Lying Neck Curls work?

Lying Neck Curls mainly works the levator scapulae in the neck.

What equipment do you need for Lying Neck Curls?

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

How many sets and reps of Lying Neck Curls should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Lying Neck Curls good for beginners?

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

How many calories does Lying Neck Curls burn?

About 4.3 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 3.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 43 calories; heavier people burn more.

For developers

Use Lying Neck Curls 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.

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

{
  "id": "ex_JMYQDX",
  "name": "Lying Neck Curls",
  "model": "male",
  "counterpartId": "ex_6HF4PM",
  "target": "Levator Scapulae",
  "equipment": "Body Weight",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_JMYQDX/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_JMYQDX/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}