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Head Tilt being performed with proper form
Head Tilt demonstration video — proper form for the full movement.

How to do a Head Tilt

Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology

About this exercise

Sets Logged
349,885
Popularity Rank
323rd
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment Required
Bodyweight-only

Workouts with Head Tilt

    Target muscles worked

    Primary Muscles
    Neck
    Secondary Muscles
    None

    Instructions for Proper Form

    Head Tilt is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the muscles in the neck. By tilting your head side to side, you can help to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles, improving flexibility and reducing tension. This exercise is especially useful for those looking to improve neck mobility or relieve neck stiffness.

    1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart and place your hands behind your back.
    2. Slowly drop your right ear to right shoulder until you feel a comfortable stretch on the left side of your neck.
    3. Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds before repeating to the opposite side.

    Alternatives & Variations to Head Tilt

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    1. 1. Seated Neck Release Stretch

      Photo of Seated Neck Release Stretch being performed
      6.2 mSCORESWAPPED 190 TIMES

      Seated Neck Release Stretch is a simple and effective stretch that targets the muscles in the neck. By performing this stretch from a seated position, you add stability, allowing you to focus on relaxing and elongating the neck muscles. This stretch is great for improving flexibility and relieving tension in the neck, especially for individuals who spend a lot of time sitting or working at a computer.

    2. 2. Chin Drop

      Photo of Chin Drop being performed
      8.7 mSCORESWAPPED 115 TIMES

      Chin Drop is a bodyweight, isolation exercise that primarily targets the neck muscles. This exercise involves slowly lowering your chin toward your chest while maintaining tension in your neck. It's effective for strengthening the neck muscles and can be a useful addition for those looking to improve neck stability and muscle tone.

    3. 3. Tricep Stretch

      Photo of Tricep Stretch being performed
      8 mSCORESWAPPED 46 TIMES

      Tricep Stretch is a simple and effective stretch that primarily targets the triceps. By extending one arm overhead and using the opposite hand to pull the elbow behind the head, you can get a deep stretch in the tricep. This is a great addition to any workout routine to help improve flexibility and prevent injury.

    4. 4. Face Down Plate Neck Resistance

      Photo of Face Down Plate Neck Resistance being performed
      81.1 mSCORESWAPPED 34 TIMES

      Face Down Plate Neck Resistance is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the neck muscles, notably the posterior cervical muscles. While lying face down on a bench, you place a weight plate on the back of your head. This exercise helps to strengthen and stabilize the neck, which can be crucial for improving posture and preventing injuries, especially for athletes involved in contact sports.

    5. 5. Child's Pose

      Photo of Child's Pose being performed
      3.7 mSCORESWAPPED 33 TIMES

      Child's Pose is a yoga-based stretching exercise that primarily targets the lower back, hips, and thighs. This exercise helps improve flexibility and relaxes the muscles in the back and hips. It's a great way to cool down after a workout, release tension, and improve overall flexibility. This pose can be easily adapted to accommodate different levels of flexibility and comfort.

    6. 6. Up Dog

      Photo of Up Dog being performed
      3.1 mSCORESWAPPED 22 TIMES

      Up Dog is a yoga-inspired, bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the muscles in your core and lower back. By extending your arms and pressing your hips towards the ground, you get a good stretch along your spine and abdominal muscles. This exercise is beneficial for improving flexibility and posture, and can serve as a great mid-workout stretch.

    7. 7. Standing Hip Circle

      Photo of Standing Hip Circle being performed
      2.4 mSCORESWAPPED 19 TIMES

      Standing Hip Circle is an isolation exercise that targets the hip flexors and abductors. By standing and moving your leg in a circular motion, you engage multiple muscles around the hip joint, improving mobility and strength. This exercise is particularly beneficial for warming up the hips before more intense lower body workouts or activities that require hip flexibility.

    8. 8. Lateral Isometric Neck

      Photo of Lateral Isometric Neck being performed
      55.7 mSCORESWAPPED 17 TIMES

      Lateral Isometric Neck is an isolation exercise that targets the muscles on the side of the neck, particularly the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. By holding a challenging position without movement, you can improve neck stability and strength. This can be a great addition to workouts to help enhance neck endurance and reduce the risk of injury, particularly in activities with high neck strain, like contact sports.

    9. 9. Head Tilt

      Photo of Head Tilt being performed
      7.9 mSCORESWAPPED 17 TIMES

      Head Tilt is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the muscles in the neck. By tilting your head side to side, you can help to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles, improving flexibility and reducing tension. This exercise is especially useful for those looking to improve neck mobility or relieve neck stiffness.

    10. 10. Shoulder Squeeze

      Photo of Shoulder Squeeze being performed
      13.8 mSCORESWAPPED 15 TIMES

      Shoulder Squeeze is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the back, specifically the muscles between the shoulder blades (rhomboids and middle trapezius). This exercise can help improve posture and shoulder stability. The movement involves squeezing the shoulder blades together, which can be easily done with or without equipment, making it a versatile addition to any workout routine.