The Neck And Jaw Toning And Firming Exercises

Besides the firming and toning benefits from neck and jaw exercises, there is the added plus of relaxation from the release of stress in the muscles. The neck and jaw muscles are subject to tension, especially for computer users and photographers who carry heavy loads around the neck. Using a series of isometric, resistance and yoga exercises will firm, tone and release tension in the neck and jaw area.

Shrugs

The trapezius is the big neck muscle that holds the head upright. Shoulder shrugs work this muscle. Shoulder shrugs have the highest level of muscle activation, according to the National Institutes of Health. Shrugs firm and tone the neck as well as reduce stress. Shrugs can be done with dumbbells, barbells or without weight. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms at the sides, holding dumbbells and raising the shoulders toward the ears. Tighten, hold, release, and return to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions each. Shrugs can be done while sitting at a desk, without using weights. Always keep your back straight when doing shrugs.

Bumblebees

Bumblebees work the jaw muscles along with the cheeks and lips. Inhale through the nose, and make chewing motions while vibrating the sound "mmmm" through the nose as you chew. Any sound can be used, or even gibberish. The chewing motion has circulatory benefits, according to the National Institutes of Health. Chewing gum can be used instead of doing bumblebees when you are in public places.

Tongue Reach

This is a yoga exercise for the neck. It firms and tones the skin directly under the chin. Stick out your tongue, and say "Ahhhhh." Hold your tongue out while keeping the rest of your face relaxed, and hold for 60 seconds. Do not worry if your eyes start to water--this is normal.

Lower Face Lift

This exercise targets the lower jaw. The muscles under the chin are connected to the jaw muscles, and they work together. Tightening the lower jaw will tone and firm skin under the chin. While sitting, keep your spine erect and your abdominal muscles tight. Open your mouth wide, and roll your 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 your ears, and, while using light pressure, push your face forward and your shoulders back. Hold for 30 seconds. Carole Maggio, author of "Facercise," teaches this exercise in her face-lifting classes.

Kiss the Ceiling

This exercise works the jaw and neck. It can be done standing or sitting, but standing is preferable and works stabilizer muscles. Hold your arms at your sides, tilt your head back slightly (your head should not be parallel with the ceiling), pucker your lips, and try to "kiss" the ceiling. The muscles in the jaw and neck will get a tightening and stretching effect. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Do this exercise 5 times. Annelise Hagen, author of "The Yoga Face," teaches this exercise in her facial-yoga classes in New York City.