Exercise technique

weighted seated neck extension (with head harness)

Sit on a bench wearing a head harness attached to a weight plate. With your torso braced and chin tucked, extend your neck to raise the weight, then lower back under control.

How do you perform this exercise?

  1. Sit near the edge of a bench with feet flat and torso slightly leaned forward; rest forearms on thighs to brace.
  2. Secure the head harness so it sits snug and level; attach a small weight plate to the front ring.
  3. Start with your chin gently tucked and neck flexed so the plate hangs vertically below your head.
  4. Keeping your torso still, extend your neck by lifting your head until it aligns with your torso—avoid hyperextension.
  5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower your head slowly to the starting position through a comfortable, pain‑free range.
  6. Breathe out as you extend and in as you lower; move steadily without jerking and stop if you feel neck pain.

Which other muscles are involved?

Traps, Splenius capitis, Splenius cervicis, Semispinalis capitis.

How do you log your sets?

How do you track progressive overload?

Source: ExerciseDB catalogue and demonstration. Related movements are options to compare, not equivalent loads or a prescribed progression.

Alternatives to explore

STARK is a strength training tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. Log sets, repetitions and weights, then follow your progress. Core features are free. Explore STARK’s features