The Neck Bridge, Further Observations

Though I have heard the neck bridge described as the king of exercises, such hyperbole seemed unwarranted.  Surely a simple pose which supports only a small percentage of one's bodyweight cannot result in great muscle growth.  Yet consistent practice of this pose has garnered fairly shocking results.

*Firstly, I gained 20 pounds while maintaining some abdominal definition over 6 months.

*I practice this hold for a cumulative total of 3 minutes per week in 2 sets, once per week, paired only with 25 repetitions of divebomber pushup.  This is meant to supplement my practice of dips, leg raises, squats, pullups, pad work, and kettlebell snatches, none of which have ever resulted in outstanding muscularity.

*My neck no longer fits my dress shirts and finding a suitable sized shirt is difficult.  My neck is nearly thicker than my head.  I have difficulty taking off t-shirts due to their small size around my expanding shoulders and torso (this cannot be due to inflexibility, as I perform full range dips and divebombers).  I have stretched and torn 3 pairs of jeans in 3 months, as my legs and hips have grown rapidly as well as my entire back.  I now wear a size up.  Indeed, my wife has commented that I will shortly run out of places for new muscle to go.

*The muscular benefits of bridging appear to be hormonal, as I find that nearly any movement performed after back bridging results in targeted muscle gain.  How else does a mere 25 divebomber pushups per week result in more comprehensive upper body development than my former practice of handstand pushups and one armed pushups?

*My physical profile has changed.  I walk 'heavier' than before and my midsection is bulky, like a powerlifter belly.

*My spine, from lower back to neck, is flexible and entirely pain free.  When I turn my head as far as it will turn, my neck feels like it is embedded in tough tissue which provides strong resistance against hyperextension.  I believe that this feeling indicates greater durability of the neck against unexpected impacts.

*Psychologically, I am more aggressive and quick to anger after bridging, which supports the theory of a strong androgenic effect.

*It must be reiterated that 3 minutes of back bridging once per week has been the only significant change to an existing fitness regimen.