The muscles of the neck and jowl area can be firmed and toned just like any other muscle in the body. Many neck and face firming exercises are comprised of yoga and isometric exercises. Practicing these facial exercises in the morning and evenings will get the most benefits from the movements. An added perk is the healthy glow the extra circulation of blood from exercising gives the skin.
Shrugs
Shoulder shrugs are a great stress reliever as well as firming the large trapezius muscle of the neck. This is one of the big neck muscles that holds the head upright. According to the National Institutes of Health, shoulder shrugs have the highest level of muscle activation. Shrugs firm and tone the neck by working the trapezius muscle.
Shrugs can be done with or without weights. Stand feet shoulder width apart with the arms at the sides (with or without dumbbells); raise the shoulders to the ears tightening the neck muscles, hold and release. This is a great exercise to do while sitting at a desk, also. Make sure to keep the spine erect when doing shrugs.
Tongue Extension
This yoga exercise firms the skin directly under the chin. Stick out the tongue as far as possible and say, "Ahhhhhh." While holding the tongue extended, keep the rest of the face relaxed and hold for 60 seconds. The eyes may start to water, but do not worry this is normal.
Kiss the Ceiling
This yoga exercise works the jaw, neck and helps plump the lips. This exercise can be done standing or sitting, but standing is preferable and works the stabilizer muscles while performing the exercise. Standing with the arms at the sides, tilt the head back slightly (the head should not be parallel with the ceiling), pucker the lips and stretch trying to kiss the ceiling. The muscles in the jaw and neck should feel a tightening and stretching effect. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat this exercise five times. Annelise Hagen, author of "The Yoga Face," teaches this exercise in her facial yoga classes in New York City.
Lower Face Lift
This exercise targets the jaw area sometimes referred to as the jowls. While sitting, keep the spine erect and the abdominal muscles tight. Open the mouth wide and roll the lips over the teeth pulling the corners of the mouth toward the back teeth. Look upward and smile. Place the index fingers at the tops of the ears and, while using light pressure, push the face forward and the shoulders back. Hold for 30 seconds. Press the lips together and blow. Carole Maggio, the author of "Facercise," teaches this exercise in her face lifting classes.
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