Neck muscles are an important muscle group when it comes to strength training. However, they are often overlooked in workout routines. The correct way to strengthen your neck muscles requires focused exercise, just like any other training regime.
For the purpose of training these muscles, it is important to use the right equipment. The best gear, in this case, is a neck or head harness with a weighed plate. Given that the neck can be a sensitive and vital location, it is necessary to take the right precautions. To avoid pain and injuries, you should only use verified harnesses for approved exercises.
The Best Neck Harness – Our Top Picks
In this review, we will guide you through the best neck harnesses on the market and their recommended use.
5 Best Neck Harnesses Reviewed
EDITORS CHOICE – Iron Neck
EDITORS CHOICE - Iron Neck
Pros
Ensures safety
Effective for rehab purposes
Great for neck pain and injuries
Easy set-up and usage
Adjustable fitting
Comfortable construction
Cons
Expensive
The inflatable section might cause discomfort.
![Best Neck Harness [year]](https://www.attacktheback.com/wp-content/plugins/content-egg/res/img/blank.gif "Best Neck Harness [year]"){kind=small}
Amazon.com
This neck harness by Iron Neck is the perfect choice for younger athletes as well as seasoned contact sports players. It is also suitable for home fitness enthusiasts and fit for rehab purposes.
Not only does this work as a piece of neck strengthening equipment, but it also ensures safety. It is a concussion prevention device and comes with isometric and eccentric training. Additionally, this neck harness allows for 360 degrees movement for the greatest flexibility you might require.
Apart from your regular workout regimes, you can use this premium neck harness for maximizing your fitness. It is built for effective core training by letting you incorporate neck exercises into your routine. Over time, you are sure to gain greater toning and power in your neck muscles. Not to mention, sports players can exercise their necks at multiple angles and planes to gain the most stability.
For rehabilitation requirements, this neck harness is useful in cases of injury and pain. Iron Neck neck harness will help you regain mobility and increase your rotation with spinal realignment techniques. Furthermore, this product is suitable for those with posture issues and those suffering from general neck pain.
The set-up and operations are easy, even for beginners. You can make use of resistance bands that come with the harness or use weighted cables for exercises. The adjustable and padded construction is built for all sizes and every individual’s comfort.
Harbinger Neck Harness
Harbinger Leather Head Harness
Pros
Adjustable fit
Comfortable build
High-quality leather construction
Effective for balanced workouts
Cons
Chain length is unadjustable.
Amazon.com
If you are looking for a cost-effective way to train your neck, this is the right choice. You can expect a better workout regime with the help of this gear and rely on it for results.
Harbinger’s neck harness is completely constructed out of leather and designed to support your neck and shoulders. The quality of the 2.5 mm leather is top-notch, and the durability is assured. The material is a good choice for enhanced strength that protects your neck at all times.
This neck harness is built for comfort, irrespective of which exercises you want to try out. It is padded with width polyester shearing for improved softness and reduced chaffing. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about sizing since it is fully adjustable.
The complete package comes with a 30-inch steel chain and speed clip to get you started with training. This means that you won’t need to spend money on anything else but weights. Harbinger is known for its innovative gear, and you can count on this neck harness to deliver on its promise.
RIMSport
RIMSports Neck Harness
Pros
Unique Triple Strap Design
Adjustable fitting
Thoughtfully constructed product for complex exercises
Comfortable padding
Decent fastening system
Lifetime warranty
Cons
May be uncomfortable around the ears
Not compatible with all weights
Amazon.com
This neck and head harness is a unique product with a stellar build. It has a Triple Strap Design that enhances your entire workout. The product is built with adjustable straps for not only your head but also your forehead and chin. The fitting can be altered by changing adjustments on any of the straps, setting it apart from other harnesses.
RIMSports head harness also allows users to do complex exercises thanks to the advanced construction. The D-rings are placed at the side of the head, as well as below the chin. This makes it effective for diverse workout regimes.
Additionally, the comfort of this product is ensured, given its premium cotton padding. The metal rings are prevented from causing chaffing due to the side piping on the harness. You can count on the stability and sturdiness of this head harness, given its secure fitting. It is built with neoprene and cotton blend to support your head, neck, and chin as you exercise. Heavyweights can be attached without any issues with the help of its safe and effective fastening system.
This product comes with a lifetime guarantee and warranty to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
Viking Strength
Vikingstrength Neck Harness
Pros
Durable and long-lasting
Comfortably built
Ideal for improving your physique
Lifetime warranty
Cons
The chain is incompatible with smaller weights.
Amazon.com
Viking Strength neck trainer is a great piece of gear for neck strengthening. It assures users of better neck muscle strength to prevent accidental injuries and up their workout game. It is the ideal choice for those looking to improve their physique and build a thicker neck.
What makes this neck harness a good investment is its high-quality and long-lasting material. Faulty designs can get in the way of your workouts and distract from your main goal. As a result, Viking Strength neck trainer is designed with adjustable fitting and padded for comfort. Thus, it eliminates any irritation to give you a smoother training experience.
Not only does the material prevent irritation, but the double stitch design is durable as well. You can attach more weights to the harness to better train your neck without worrying about damage to the equipment. The convenient V rings on the harness enable smooth operations for attaching cables and weights.
The durability and longevity of this product are guaranteed by the company. This neck harness is covered by a lifetime warranty to make sure customers are always satisfied. Not to mention, the Viking Strength neck trainer is highly affordable and provides value for money.
Hawk Sports
Hawk Sports Neck harness
Pros
Enhances neck strength effectively
Multi-purpose gear for recovery and training
Built for comfort
Adjustable fit
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Chinstrap might cause discomfort.
Amazon.com
Hawk Sports’ neck harness is a great choice for improving your stability and strength by training your neck. It is designed to be best suited for MMA trainees, combat sports players, boxers, and other intense athletic fields.
It comes with a comfortable build thanks to its adjustability. Not only is it durable, but it also has neoprene padded straps to support your neck and head. The hook-and-loop fasteners are efficiently manufactured to give you an accurate fit.
Additionally, this neck harness is versatile in nature and ideal for recovery purposes. In case of injury, you can use Hawk Sports’ neck trainer to aid with progressive muscle build-up. The balancing mechanism on this harness is thoughtfully constructed to ensure that the weight remains centered. This gives you more effective workouts and increases safety.
Lastly, the product comes with a lifetime guarantee to ensure your satisfaction. Thus, you can be assured of its longevity and have it replaced at any time if there is any shortcoming. Since it can support impressive amounts of weight, you won’t need to worry about its functionality either.
Neck Harness Buying Guide
If you do not purchase the right neck harness for your requirements, it could result in muscle damage. That is why the following factors are important to consider when buying your gear.
Durability
Neck harnesses require a weight to be attached that you will lift to strengthen your neck. As a result, the neck harness should be sturdy enough to remain intact. The materials should be durable to last for longer periods. This will also help save money by acting as a one-time investment.
Adjustable Sizing
The right fit is required for any athletic gear to work effectively. That is why your neck harness should come with adjustable sizing. Additionally, the straps and clasps should be easy to adjust and not take too much time to put on.
Comfort
Not only is your safety and health important, but so is your basic comfort as you work out. An uncomfortable neck harness is possibly not the right fit or has a faulty design. The perfect neck harness will give you smoother training sessions and won’t cause any hassles.
How To Use A Neck Harness
A neck harness is easy to use. The main purpose is to exercise your neck, for which you should follow these steps:
Securely fasten the neck harness onto your head. Ensure that it is not too loose or too tight.
Once you are comfortable, get into the recommended position for whichever exercise you want to do.
Firmly attach weights to your neck harness. Start with smaller weights and slowly increase the amount.
Create a neck workout routine that you regularly follow to see substantial gains.
Neck Harness Exercises
There are multiple exercises you can do with a neck harness, depending on which areas you want to strengthen.
To strengthen the back of your neck, follow the steps of this exercise:
Lie down flat on your stomach on any lifted surface or bench.
With the harness on, lift your neck in an upwards motion. Once you are looking upwards, gradually move your head downwards again.
Repeat this exercise for a few reps.
To strengthen the front of your neck, follow this same exercise but lay down on your back this time.
For seated neck exercises, follow the steps of this exercise:
- Sit at the edge of a platform or bench with your feet firmly on the floor.
- With the neck harness on, attach the required weights carefully and keep your hands on your knees.
- Then, slowly lower your neck till your chin is placed against your chest.
- Return to the starting position by raising your neck again.
- Repeat this exercise for the desired number of reps.
Why Use A Neck Harness?
Using a neck harness can have many advantages for those who are training for combat sports. Athletes interested in mixed martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and so on can enhance their abilities with the right neck workout. Moreover, contact sports like rugby and football require stronger neck muscles for adequate performance.
Here are a few of the numerous reasons why stronger neck muscles are beneficial:
- Decreases the chances of neck injury
- Increases reflexes during fights
- Allows for quicker head movements
- Allows for better balance
- Ensures greater protection for the jaw
FAQs
How much weight should I add to my neck harness?
For beginners, it is recommended to start with 2.5 lbs weight plates. You should do 1 set of 25 reps with these weights. This can be build up to 4 sets of 25 and then four sets of 50 to 100 reps. After this, it is time to add more weight to your neck harness.
Is it normal to feel pain while strength training my neck?
Some strain is normal as you work out a new part of your body. However, the pain of an injury is different. It is best to stop if you feel an abrupt or sharp pain in your neck.
You should take some precautionary measures by using smaller weights and gradually adding more. Always maintain a balanced posture to prevent damage while lifting.
Moreover, you should check to see that you are doing the exercises correctly. Avoid jerking your neck or trying to rapidly do workouts that require a steady rhythm.
Conclusion
As an athlete, you are probably always on the lookout for ways to grow and build yourself. A functional and efficient neck harness is the right place to start. You can add to your core strength with the help of this equipment. Moreover, it will increase your agility in contact and combat sports.
With these pointers and reviews, you can get started on your journey towards greater fitness.