Is your neck above average?
Have you ever caught yourself wondering whether your neck is longer or thicker than most? You’re not alone! Many people ponder about their neck size, yet it remains one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to physical fitness and aesthetics. For most, the neck’s role in daily life might seem minor, but it plays a pivotal part in supporting the head, protecting the spinal cord, and even contributing to physical appearance.
In this post we detail what is the average neck size and why it matters for your physique.
Why Neck Size Matters
Your neck size influences how you look and feel, but beyond aesthetics, it can also reflect health indicators. For bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, neck size is often ignored. While countless hours are spent perfecting the chest, arms, or legs, the neck rarely gets the attention it deserves. Yet, it’s integral for balance, posture, and overall strength.
Athletes in combat sports like boxing and mixed martial arts understand the importance of neck training. A strong neck helps absorb impact, reducing the chances of concussions and traumatic injuries. Fighters with thicker necks tend to take hits more effectively, lowering their risk of serious damage during competition.
Average Neck Size: What It Reveals About You
Neck size can indicate more than just your physical fitness—it can also highlight your body composition and even signal potential health concerns. Individuals with thicker necks are often perceived as strong and dominant, while those with smaller necks might be associated with fragility.
Your neck circumference is closely related to factors like body weight, body mass index (BMI), and fat distribution. Knowing your neck size not only helps you find the right fit for clothing like collared shirts but also gives insight into your health and fitness.
The Average Neck Size for Males and Females
The average neck size for men is approximately 15.2 inches (38.7 cm), while for women, it is around 13.1 inches (33.3 cm). This measurement tends to increase with higher BMI scores and can be influenced by several factors, including body fat and muscle mass.
Here’s a breakdown of the average neck size for males and females based on BMI:
Males
| BMI | Neck Size |
| 20 | 14.1 in (35.7 cm) |
| 22.5 | 14.6 in (37.2 cm) |
| 25 | 15.2 in (38.7 cm) |
| 27.5 | 15.7 in (40 cm) |
| 30 | 16.2 in (41.2 cm) |
| 35 | 17 in (43.2 cm) |
| 40 | 17.8 in (45.3 cm) |
Females
| BMI | Neck Size |
| 20 | 12.3 in (31.2 cm) |
| 22.5 | 12.7 in (32.2 cm) |
| 25 | 13.1 in (33.3 cm) |
| 27.5 | 13.5 in (34.2 cm) |
| 30 | 13.8 in (35.1 cm) |
| 35 | 14.4 in (36.7 cm) |
| 40 | 15 in (38.2 cm) |
While these averages can give you a general sense of where you fall, remember that other factors such as genetics, height, weight, and physical activity level play significant roles.
How to Measure Your Neck Size Correctly
Accurately measuring your neck is simple but important. All you need is a flexible measuring tape:
- Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed.
- Place the tape around the base of your neck, just above the collarbone.
- Ensure the tape is snug but not tight enough to compress the skin.
- The tape should be parallel to the ground for the most accurate reading.
- Repeat the process two to three times to confirm the measurement.
If you don’t have a measuring tape handy, you can use a piece of string, wrap it around your neck, and then measure the length of the string with a ruler.
Health Implications of Neck Size
While neck size might seem like just another body measurement, studies suggest it can be an indicator of metabolic health. Research shows that a larger neck size is often linked with obesity and related health issues. A study from 2016 indicated that neck circumference could serve as a reliable marker for metabolic risks like prediabetes, particularly when more complex assessments are not readily available.
In men, a neck circumference greater than 16 inches may indicate an increased risk of heart disease. The presence of excess fat around the neck, particularly in the form of plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, can contribute to cardiovascular problems. On the other hand, individuals who have larger necks due to developed muscles, such as bodybuilders, may not experience the same risks.
Factors That Affect Neck Size
- Gender: Men generally have larger necks than women due to natural differences in muscle and fat distribution.
- Age: As we age, the neck muscles can atrophy, and loose skin may give the appearance of a larger neck.
- Weight and BMI: As body weight increases, neck size often grows proportionally.
- Body Fat and Muscle Mass: People with higher fat content tend to have thicker necks, while those with more muscle mass may have larger necks due to developed muscles.
- Lifestyle and Posture: Poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the neck muscles, while regular exercise helps in maintaining a thicker, stronger neck.
- Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders can affect neck size due to fluctuations in hormone levels.
Ideal Neck Size and Bodybuilding
In bodybuilding, achieving an ideal physique is about proportion, and the neck is no exception. The “Grecian Ideal” concept, popularized by early bodybuilding pioneers like Eugen Sandow, offers a guideline for the ideal muscle proportions. According to this ideal, your neck circumference should match your biceps and calves for a well-balanced appearance.
Wrap Up
Neck size is more than just a physical measurement; it’s an important indicator of overall health, fitness, and aesthetics. While many people neglect training their neck, athletes and those involved in combat sports understand the importance of maintaining a strong, well-developed neck. Whether you’re interested in physical aesthetics, or simply curious about your neck size in relation to health risks, knowing this measurement is valuable.
Factors like gender, weight, muscle mass, and posture all affect neck size, but it’s important to remember that neck circumference can also indicate metabolic and cardiovascular risks. Keeping an eye on your neck size and ensuring it’s proportionate to the rest of your body can help you maintain a balanced and healthy physique.
If you want to improve your neck size for aesthetics or strength, incorporate neck exercises into your fitness routine and track progress over time. Your neck deserves just as much attention as the rest of your body, both for performance and health.
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