Time after time I see it in the gym or a club where people are doing neck crunches rather than working their core. You know who you are- keeping your head very still with your chin raised and your arms locked behind your head with very strict form.
The problem is by maintaining this invisible apple or orange between your chin and chest may be putting your cervical spine into a more vulnerable position if you have a tendency to carry your head too far forward when you are standing. For example have a friend look at you from the side while standing relaxed and arms by your side with your feet shoulder width apart. Have them note where your ear lines up with your shoulder. Can they draw a straight line down the middle of your shoulder? Or is it too far forward and your chin is sticking forward or to one side more than the other?
All these positions point to an anterior head position meaning you are putting too much pressure on your spine in the neck region in your relax posture position. Image how much stress in place on your neck when you place your hands behind your head now? See how this can bring this misalignment even further forward? All this leads to sore neck muscles and less tension on your abs where it belongs.
Key points to preventing neck strains while working your abs.
Relax!!!!
Let your head find the natural position by resting in your hands.
Stop pulling up on the back of your head when you are crunching!
Breathe!!!! Holding your breath will cause more tension in your neck and upper body.
These are just a few points, next time we'll cover movements and the secret of not straining and getting that flat abs you always wanted!
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