Exercise guide
Seated Neck Flexion To Extension On Chair
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Timed hold
- Neck
- Shoulders
This isolation exercise improves cervical mobility and strengthens the upper trapezius and neck musculature, helping to alleviate tension and improve postural alignment.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit upright on a chair or flat bench with your feet planted firmly on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Maintain a tall, neutral spine with your shoulders pulled back and down, away from your ears.
- Rest your hands comfortably on your thighs or grip the sides of the seat for added stability.
How to do it
- Exhale and slowly tuck your chin toward your chest, moving only your neck until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of the neck and upper traps.
- Inhale as you slowly return your head to the neutral starting position.
- Exhale and gently tilt your head backward, looking toward the ceiling to extend the neck, ensuring the movement is controlled.
- Inhale and return to the neutral starting position to complete one repetition; maintain a 2-1-2 tempo (2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up).
Form checklist
- Keep your shoulders stationary; do not let them shrug or round forward during the movement.
- Move through a pain-free range of motion; never force the neck into extreme positions.
- Ensure the movement is strictly at the cervical spine, keeping the rest of your torso still.
- Keep your jaw relaxed and avoid clenching your teeth.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'lengthening' the spine as you move, imagining a string pulling the crown of your head upward even during flexion.
- Pause for a full second at the bottom of the flexion to maximize the stretch on the upper trapezius fibers.
Make it harder
- Apply very light manual resistance by placing your palm against your forehead during flexion and the back of your head during extension.
- Perform the movement with a 5-second eccentric (lowering) phase to increase time under tension for the stabilizing muscles.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the seated neck flexion to extension on chair work?
- The seated neck flexion to extension on chair primarily targets the trapezius, and also works the abs and erector spinae as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the seated neck flexion to extension on chair?
- The seated neck flexion to extension on chair requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the seated neck flexion to extension on chair good for beginners?
- Yes. The seated neck flexion to extension on chair is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.