The workout that nips neck pain in the bud
If you spend much time hunched over a computer, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced pain in the trapezius—the muscle that extends from the back of your head, across your shoulders, and down your back. Research offers a simple, effective remedy: five exercises that cut pain by more than 50 percent among women with tight neck and shoulder muscles. These are sneaky reasons your neck suddenly hurts. The workout: For each move, perform three sets of 12 repetitions, gradually increasing the weight as you get stronger.
One-arm row
With right knee on bench, lean on right hand. Slowly raise left elbow to bring a 12- to 20-pound weight to chest level; lower slowly. Switch sides; repeat.