We already dissected the Mike Tyson bodyweight workout and this time we have another bodyweight exercise that was preferred by him and other top-tier boxers such as Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk. Doing this exercise won't get you big arms or a broad back. No, the wrestler neck bridge makes your neck strong, which is admittedly a good thing when you are boxing but could come in handy in other situations too. Sure, it's not the most efficient way to get ripped, according to science, but it will give you a big, muscular neck. And who doesn't want that?
If you want some more, excessively hardcore training tips, why not try to get MMA fit with Michael 'Venom' Page – MVP knows a thing or two about fitness.
Iron Mike used to do wrestler neck bridges as part of his neck strengthening training. It makes sense for him trying to strengthen his neck this way. Boxers will get punched in the face quite a lot and should they have a strong neck, it might help reduce whiplash and keep them off the floor for longer.
That said, the wrestler neck bridge is a tough and dangerous bodyweight exercise, even for pro boxers. Tyson didn’t ‘just’ do the neck roll to get a strong neck but had a neck muscle training regimen in place too. Without other strengthening exercises, you can literally break your neck at home trying to replicate this exercise. To reiterate, don’t try this at home.
Other pro boxers such as Anthony Joshua did the infamous wrestler neck bridge exercise after it was performed by Tyson in the 90s, as seen in the video above, but even his attempt is no match to the intensity of the original move. All those shrugs and other types of neck and back strengthening exercises paid off for Mike but he was basically exercising all day long for years.
- 15 minute dumbbell full body workout
- The kettlebell get up is a one-move full body workout
If you want to have a strong neck, we recommend doing something a little less intense. Kettlebell/dumbbell shrugs are a great way to increase the build traps, the muscles around the neck. The farmer’s carry exercise works equally well. Overhead presses not only help strengthen the neck but will help big delts (shoulders) and triceps too. Barbell bent over rows can also strengthen the upper back/neck. Upright rows also train both your shoulders and traps.
Interested in boxing workouts? Try this intense 12-minute boxing full body workout or the best boxing workout for weight loss, if you are planning on losing some belly fat. The best bodyweight home workout for beginners can build the foundations for performing more demanding workouts later, such as the hardest calisthenics workout or the Navy SEALs workout.
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