Over time, exercises to strengthen the muscles that hold up the skin under the chin can help people avoid a surgical neck lift to rid themselves of an unsightly neck waddle. Doctors at CosmeticSurg.com report that people who have lost a lot of weight or older patients who have developed the sagging skin can greatly improve their appearance by tightening up the neck without changing any other facial features. Large flaps of skin usually must be removed surgically, while small waddles can be relieved with exercises.
Isometrics
Isometric exercises require you to contract a muscle group and hold the contraction for certain amount of time. Isometrics can help to tighten and strengthen neck muscles so that they can support the fat and skin under the chin and tighten a small waddle. An easy isometric exercise to tighten the neck requires you to place your hands lightly on your forehead and gently press down without moving your head. The contractions needed to hold your head still as you press provide the toning benefits. Strengthening the sides of the neck also will improve the tightness of the muscles and help to shrink a waddle. To strengthen side neck muscles, place your hands behind your head and push back with your head and you hold it still with your hands. Hold each isometric exercise for a count of 10 and repeat five to 10 times per day.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are versatile pieces of fitness equipment that can be used for a multitude of strengthening routines. To use resistance bands to strengthen the neck muscles that will draw the neck skin tighter, place one end of a band around the back of your head and the other end through a stable surface, such as a pole or doorknob. Keeping your back and core straight. Move your head towards and away from the other end of the band slowly 10 times. Shift your head slightly to move the band to the side of the head and perform 10 pulls on each side.
Face Down Plate Workout
There are a number of ways you can modify the equipment commonly found in a gym or fitness center to incorporate neck-strengthening exercises. One neck exercise requires the use of a bench. Begin the exercise by lying face down on the bench with your head and shoulders hanging over one end. To get the most of the workout, you can use a weighted plate. Start out with a light weight, about one pound or so and build up the weight as you become stronger. Hold the plate behind your neck with the tips of your fingers from both hands. Then raise your head slowly and lower it as if you were shaking your head "yes." Beginners may want to start this exercise with no weights and practice raising and lowering their heads before adding intensity to the movements.
Member Comments