Neck side stretch

Neck · Seated · about 50 seconds · Updated 23 October 2026

The neck side stretch tilts one ear toward its shoulder while the other hand holds the seat edge, keeping that shoulder down. It stretches the side of the neck and the top of the shoulder, where many people who work at a desk feel tension. Hold each side for about 20 seconds, without pulling.

The Moveful figure doing the neck side stretch — The neck side stretch as the Moveful figure demonstrates it. The pink glow shows the area it works.

How to do the neck side stretch

Hold the seat edge with one hand to anchor that shoulder.
Slowly tilt the other ear toward its shoulder.
Hold, return slowly, switch sides.

What it works

Side of the neck
Top of the shoulder

How long and how often

In a movement break it's a 20-second hold on each side, about 50 seconds in total, and it can come up in the “Neck & shoulders” and “Discreet” classes. It's meant to be repeated through the day in short breaks rather than done once; doing it regularly matters more than the exact timing.

Tips

Shoulder down, ear over
No pulling
Stop if it tingles

Who should skip it

Neck instability, recent whiplash, or dizziness when moving your neck

Move gently, in a comfortable range. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or dizziness.

Try it with the guided 3D figure →