Yesterday as I stood at the mirror applying makeup I found myself wishing I knew of a way to workout my face. Sounds odd, I know.
This double chin and chubby cheeks have GOT to go! I thought.
I don't know about you but I hold a lot of weight in my face. Part of it is water retention due to the steroid prednisone that I'm on. "Moon face" is the term doctors use. Add to that the fact that I naturally have chubby cheeks anyway and the fact that I genetically have a very round Asian face and you are looking at a VERY big moon.
The picture to the left is from about three years ago when my face was at its "roundest." I've lowered my steroid dose a lot since then and the puffiness has gone down somewhat. Not enough, though.So when a friend of mine posted instructions on how to work out your face, I was ecstatic (thanks Amanda!). And I figured I'd pass these tips on to you...
"Many individuals exercise every day but forget one important body area -- the face and neck. Exercising your chin tones the muscles of your lower face, your jawline and your neck for a more youthful appearance. Exercise the muscles of your lower face and chin on a daily basis and you may benefit from the natural facelift results that you could begin to see in a matter of weeks.
Chin Lifts
The chin lift exercises multiple small muscles that make up the lower portion of the face, including the hyoglossus, the mylohyoid and the platysma, the large muscle flap that extends from your chin down along the front of your throat. Toning these muscles purportedly slims the front part of the neck and chin where they join. Start with your head and neck in a relaxed position. Tilt your head backward until the chin points upward to the ceiling. Push your chin forward. You'll feel a strong pull all along the jawline and front of the neck. Hold the position for 10 seconds. Lower your chin and repeat the exercise sequence 20 times.
Double Chin
Get rid of your double chin by performing focused exercises in the front of the neck area. One example of an effective exercise is to do what is called kissing the ceiling. Tilt your head back and purse your lips in an exaggerated kissing position. Extend the lips toward the ceiling and hold a second, then release. Continue repeating the kissing motion 10 to 20 times. You can do this exercise several times a day.
Yoga Lion Pose
The lion pose helps tone and exercise all the muscles of the face, but also targets the lower jaw, chin and neckline. Kneel on the floor, hands on your thighs. Open your eyes and mouth as wide as you can and stick your tongue out, trying to touch your tongue to your chin. Hold this position while saying "ah" for five to 10 seconds to start. Release the pose. Relax a moment and then repeat. You can do this exercise as often as you wish through the day.
Hanging Head Lift
Lie on a sofa or bed with your head hanging over the edge. Lift your chin toward your chest. Place a hand behind your head to help if needed until your neck and jaw muscles grow stronger. Hold the contraction for a few seconds and then slowly lower your head back to its starting position. Repeat five more times and then relax.
Get rid of your double chin by performing focused exercises in the front of the neck area. One example of an effective exercise is to do what is called kissing the ceiling. Tilt your head back and purse your lips in an exaggerated kissing position. Extend the lips toward the ceiling and hold a second, then release. Continue repeating the kissing motion 10 to 20 times. You can do this exercise several times a day.
Yoga Lion Pose
The lion pose helps tone and exercise all the muscles of the face, but also targets the lower jaw, chin and neckline. Kneel on the floor, hands on your thighs. Open your eyes and mouth as wide as you can and stick your tongue out, trying to touch your tongue to your chin. Hold this position while saying "ah" for five to 10 seconds to start. Release the pose. Relax a moment and then repeat. You can do this exercise as often as you wish through the day.
Hanging Head Lift
Lie on a sofa or bed with your head hanging over the edge. Lift your chin toward your chest. Place a hand behind your head to help if needed until your neck and jaw muscles grow stronger. Hold the contraction for a few seconds and then slowly lower your head back to its starting position. Repeat five more times and then relax.
I don't know about you buy I'm going to add these to my daily workout routine. Can't wait to start saying good-bye to my Moon face!
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