Skip to content

38 – Neck mobilization (Kubi undō)

Name

Kubi undō (首運動)
Neck mobilization


Romaji instruction

Hai, shisei tadashite.
Correct your posture.

Obi no yoko motte.
Hold the belt at the sides.

Zengo.
Forward and backward.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.

Sayū.
Right and left.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.

Hineri.
Rotation.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.

Mawashite.
Circle.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.

Hantai.
Opposite direction.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.


Counting

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū
(Repeated for each part)


Description

The starting position is shizen tai or hachiji dachi.

The hands are held at obi no yoko to stabilize the body.

The exercise is performed in four steps:

  1. zengo (forward–backward)
    the head is moved forward and backward in a controlled manner

  2. sayū (side bending)
    the head is bent to the right and left

  3. hineri (rotation)
    the head is turned to the right and left

  4. mawashi (circling)
    the head is rotated in a circle, then in the opposite direction

All movements are performed slowly and in a controlled manner.


Purpose

  • increase mobility in the joints of the neck
  • activate the stabilizing muscles
  • reduce tension
  • improve posture
  • prepare the body for movement

Technical key points

  • small and controlled movements
  • relaxed neck
  • neutral posture
  • even rhythm
  • avoid large or fast movements
  • stop if pain or dizziness occurs

Comment

This exercise concludes the mobilization of the spine by including the cervical spine.