Ellim Logo
Ellim
Download on the App Store

Side Push Neck Stretch

Gently stretch your neck and target the levator scapulae with the Side Push Neck Stretch.

Beginner
Isolation
Static
30s per set15s rest
Neck
Body weight

Variations of Side Push Neck Stretch

Side Neck Stretch exercise targeting Neck and Sternocleidomastoid
Isolation

Side Neck Stretch

Relieve tension and improve flexibility in your neck with the gentle Side Neck Stretch. Target your sternocleidomastoid muscles effectively.

Beginner
NeckSternocleidomastoidBody weight
Seated Neck Stretch exercise targeting Neck and Splenius
Isolation

Seated Neck Stretch

Gently stretch your neck muscles to relieve tension and improve flexibility with this seated neck stretch.

Beginner
NeckSpleniusBody weight
Neck Side Stretch exercise targeting Neck and Levator Scapulae
Isolation

Neck Side Stretch

Gently stretch your neck's side muscles to relieve tension and improve flexibility.

Beginner
NeckLevator ScapulaeBody weight
Neck Circle Stretch exercise targeting Neck and Levator Scapulae
Isolation

Neck Circle Stretch

Gently improve neck flexibility and relieve tension with the Neck Circle Stretch. Slowly roll your head in a full, controlled circular motion to target

Beginner
NeckLevator ScapulaeBody weight

Description

A gentle stretch for the neck that involves pushing the head to one side with the help of a hand.

Save Side Push Neck Stretch to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to Do Side Push Neck Stretch

  1. 1
    Setup

    Sit or stand tall with a neutral spine, keeping your shoulders relaxed and down away from your ears.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Place your left hand on the right side of your head, just above your ear, with your fingers pointing towards the top of your head.

  3. 3

    Gently and slowly pull your head towards your left shoulder, feeling a stretch along the right side of your neck and into your upper back.

  4. 4

    Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply and consciously relaxing into the stretch without forcing it.

  5. 5

    Slowly release your head back to the starting position and repeat the entire sequence on the opposite side, placing your right hand on the left side of your head.

Tips

  • Keep your non-stretching shoulder relaxed and actively press it down slightly to enhance the stretch on the levator scapulae muscle.
  • For a deeper stretch, you can slightly rotate your head to look down towards your armpit on the side you are stretching before gently pulling.
  • Breathe deeply throughout the stretch; exhale as you deepen the stretch to help your muscles relax and increase flexibility.
  • Only stretch to the point of a mild to moderate pull, never to pain, as overstretching can cause injury.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Shrugging the shoulder of the side being stretched reduces the effectiveness; instead, actively depress the shoulder to enhance the stretch on the levator scapulae.
  • ×Pulling your head too aggressively can cause strain; instead, apply gentle, consistent pressure to feel a mild stretch, never pain.
  • ×Holding your breath during the stretch can increase tension, so focus on slow, deep breaths to promote relaxation and deeper muscle lengthening.

In the Ellim app, Side Push Neck Stretch unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

  • Log sets, reps, and weight

    Track every set as you train

  • See your strength curve

    Performance graphs across all sessions

  • Add to a routine

    Save into a custom workout in one tap

  • Rest timer with Live Activity

    Dynamic Island countdown between sets

  • HealthKit sync

    Workouts flow to Apple Health

  • 3,500+ exercise library

    Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train side push neck stretch?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Side Push Neck Stretch work?
Side Push Neck Stretch primarily targets Levator Scapulae.
Is Side Push Neck Stretch good for beginners?
Side Push Neck Stretch is rated beginner. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Side Push Neck Stretch?
You need Body weight to perform Side Push Neck Stretch. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Side Push Neck Stretch?
Keep your non-stretching shoulder relaxed and actively press it down slightly to enhance the stretch on the levator scapulae muscle. For a deeper stretch, you can slightly rotate your head to look down towards your armpit on the side you are stretching before gently pulling. Breathe deeply throughout the stretch; exhale as you deepen the stretch to help your muscles relax and increase flexibility. Only stretch to the point of a mild to moderate pull, never to pain, as overstretching can cause injury.
What are common mistakes when doing Side Push Neck Stretch?
Shrugging the shoulder of the side being stretched reduces the effectiveness; instead, actively depress the shoulder to enhance the stretch on the levator scapulae. Pulling your head too aggressively can cause strain; instead, apply gentle, consistent pressure to feel a mild stretch, never pain. Holding your breath during the stretch can increase tension, so focus on slow, deep breaths to promote relaxation and deeper muscle lengthening.

Related Exercises

Neck Extensor And Rotational Stretch exercise targeting Neck
Isolation

Neck Extensor And Rotational Stretch

Gently stretch your neck extensors and rotators to relieve tension, improve flexibility, and enhance range of motion. Perform slowly for optimal results.

Beginner
NeckBody weight
Weighted Lying Side Lifting Head with head harness exercise targeting Neck and Sternocleidomastoid
Isolation

Weighted Lying Side Lifting Head with head harness

Strengthen your sternocleidomastoid with the Weighted Lying Side Head Lift. Using a head harness, lift your head laterally to build neck strength and

Intermediate
NeckSternocleidomastoidWeighted
Weighted Lying Neck Extension exercise targeting Neck and Splenius
Isolation

Weighted Lying Neck Extension

Strengthen your neck extensors with the Weighted Lying Neck Extension. Safely build a stronger, more resilient neck and improve posture.

Intermediate
NeckSpleniusWeighted
Weighted Lying Neck Flexion exercise targeting Neck and Sternocleidomastoid
Isolation

Weighted Lying Neck Flexion

Strengthen your sternocleidomastoid with weighted lying neck flexion. This isolation exercise builds neck stability and muscle endurance, crucial for

Intermediate
NeckSternocleidomastoidWeighted
Old School Reverse Extensions exercise targeting Latissimus Dorsi and Triceps Brachii
Compound

Old School Reverse Extensions

Strengthen your lats and triceps with Old School Reverse Extensions. Lie prone on a bench, holding a barbell, and extend it behind you.

Intermediate
Latissimus DorsiTriceps BrachiiBarbell
Barbell Behind The Back Shrug exercise targeting Back and Trapezius Upper Fibers
Isolation

Barbell Behind The Back Shrug

Enhance your upper trapezius development with the Barbell Behind The Back Shrug. This unique shrugging variation targets the upper traps, promoting

Intermediate
BackTrapezius Upper FibersBarbell

Track every rep of Side Push Neck Stretch.

Watch your weight climb session by session. See your strength curve. Add it to a routine you'll actually run.

Get Ellim — Free

Ready to train?

Side Push Neck Stretch

Get Ellim — Free