Do you have neck pain from stress or muscle tension? Neck muscle tension from work and daily stresses can put a strain on the neck. Tired neck and shoulder muscles will put a strain on the neck that will increase poor posture. Most of us have poor posture at some point in time whether throughout the day or only when really tired, this will put a strain on our neck muscles. The easiest way to correct the head and neck posture is to do neck exercises. The most basic neck exercise is called a chin tuck.

Chin tucks are for everyone who has pain, poor posture, muscle tension or stress. Chin tucks will help align your neck in a better position and reduce neck muscle tension. These types of neck exercises will strengthen the neck muscles in the front and relax the muscles in the back of the neck. Chin tucks are the basic and foundation of improving overall posture. 

There are many positions and variations to learn how to do a chin tuck. Chin tucks can also be done with and without any resistance. This neck exercise can be done anywhere and anytime. Eventually, chin tucks should be done with other neck and posture exercises. When chin tucks are incorporated in the daily routine, posture will improve dramatically.

The first chin tuck position to try will be while lying down. Roll a small towel to place behind your neck. Lie down on a flat surface while facing up. The towel should be comfortable and supporting your neck. Have your arms by your side, your back should be touching the flat surface; your knees should be bent with your feet placed on the flat surface. This is your starting position. Keep your eyes looking forward while bringing your chin towards the flat surface and into the towel. Hold this position for a count of five. Release and repeat up to 10 times.

When you are bringing your chin back, you should feel a slight stretch in the back of the neck. There should be no pain when doing these neck exercises. This chin tuck neck exercise should be small, smooth and slow movements. Make sure your chin does not tilt towards your chest. Doing these neck exercises first while lying down eliminates any chance of poor posture or bad neck exercise technique. This chin tuck exercise can be done at least twice a day; before you get up in the morning and before you go to bed. The next level of the chin tuck exercise will be discussed at a later time.