In the world of boxing, Mike Tyson is considered a legend and known for his powerful punches in the boxing ring. While many young athletes take inspiration from Tyson’s intense workout, his neck workout is also the talk of the town as it raises concern in the wrestling community. While neck exercise helps strengthen our neck, we may also have to pay a hidden cost for it.

As the debate revolves around Tyson’s infamous workout routine, some are confident that neck exercise saves them in the toughest bouts. However, others are paying a high price in the form of spinal damage and chronic pain. Can these neck exercises destroy your neck?

Iron Mike’s legendary neck workout for 20-inch neck

Mike Tyson was known as a ‘Man-Child,’ as he used to fight with heavy-weight boxers, and to conquer that, Tyson built a thick and strong neck. However, genes play a vital role in body strength, but Tyson went for intense workouts to grow his neck. Cus D’Amato, Tyson’s coach, started his neck training with brutal exercises; “Neck Bridges” was one of them.

The neck bridge exercise involves lying on the back and using the neck muscles to lift the head and upper body to rock back and forth. This exercise sounds very dangerous and can harm the neck and spine. This exercise helps to make one’s neck stronger. Tyson used to do the neck bridge exercise for at least 30 minutes in his hour-long routine. Though fitness professionals have banned this exercise, considering the injury it can cause. ‘Iron Mike’ perfected himself in neck bridges, and it helped him endure the tough punches.

‘Kid Dynamite’ had a great boxing career from 1985 to 2005, and even post his retirement, the boxing world is using his techniques to build endurance. In 2012, Tyson had to undergo surgery and inserted titanium pins to support his neck to overcome the old spinal injury. Apart from neck bridges, Tyson used to do calisthenics, which induce squats, extensions, triceps, pushups, shrugs with 30 kg, and a few sets of neck crunches. He used an intense workout routine to have a pitbull neck.

In the past, Tyson said, “You remember when I used to do those moves on my head? The bridges. They destroyed me, yeah. I would do them for three minutes, stop a minute, do it for three minutes. Then I’d do it for five, six, or eight rounds.” It shows that Tyson understood that these neck exercises to build a 20-inch thick neck were causing damage to his body. While it gave him a career boost, it also gave him injury unbearable pain, and whatnot. One should know the pros and cons of a neck bridge before practicing – at least, the fans think as such!

How is the internet reacting to Mike Tyson’s Neck Bridge?

After knowing about the 30-minute neck workout session, concern is being raised among the fans about the harm it can cause. Tyson used to perform around 200-500 neck bridges to strengthen his neck. Someone commented, “Don’t destroy your neck with neck bridges. It’s unnecessary. My team did a ton and my neck got absurdly thick (good genetics). Then I got a scan of my spine after college, and the doctor was amazed a 23-year-old could have so much damage. There are other ways to strengthen your neck that are better and safer.”

The statement reflects a common worry about overexerting this sensitive area, where strengthening efforts can result in long-term damage. Despite achieving a robust physique, the fan’s experience serves as a reminder that certain exercises might do more harm than good, especially if performed improperly or in excess.

Another who practices the neck bridges shares the experience. “Spine injuries and sleep apnea are things to think about. I can do static neck bridges shorter than dynamic neck bridges. Only one direction at a time. Up and down for 30 sec, or only bridging on the neck for 30 sec. Then the sides and front. Doing those full circles, and twisting the spine and neck is risky. We don’t know how long it takes for the spine to take damage.”

This cautious approach emphasizes the importance of form and moderation in these exercises, warning that reckless or dynamic movements may accelerate injury risks without the athlete even realizing it.

Similarly, another fan pointed out the long-term efforts Mike Tyson have been putting, and commented, “I had an 18.5″ neck coming out of HS as a 5’10” 171lber. 20+ years later, I currently have C-Spine problems. I’m not convinced they aren’t related.” Years of improper neck exercises can lead to irreversible damage, especially to the cervical spine (C-Spine), with lasting effects that are felt well beyond an athlete’s prime.

Focusing on the importance of proper form and technique, one critic harshly pointed out the bad technique, saying, “He is the prime example of doing neck bridges wrongly. Watch the first video that comes up on YouTube and see his atrocious form.” Wrong execution of neck bridges can turn a great workout into a disaster and can lead to chronic injury.

Fortunately, alternatives to neck bridges are available, and many athletes have shifted to safer options for strength training. As one comment suggested, “Doing consistent neck curls and extensions with reasonable weight will get your neck growing and keep it a lot safer. No need for endless bridging if you’re wrestling enough.” This shows a more controlled and safe approach to building neck strength without any risk.

While some shared their injury stories due to neck bridge exercises, others suggested alternatives to these risky exercises. Someone also said that doing the neck exercise in the wrong way can lead to serious injury to the spine and compressed discs. The question here is: Is building a thick neck worth the risk?