The face, chin and neck are prone to wrinkles and sagging--unfortunate effects of the aging process. By doing exercises in these areas, you can build up the tiny muscles under the skin. Building the muscles will tighten your skin and keep you healthy-looking. The majority of these exercises require no added weight.
Air Push
The air push works your cheek muscles with a little help from your breath. Sit or stand in a comfortable position with your gaze looking forward. Keeping your lips closed, forcefully push air under your bottom lip. After holding for five to ten seconds, move the air under your upper lip and repeat. Continue to move the air to your left cheek, right cheek and entire mouth the same way for six to eight repetitions.
Kiss and Smile
The kiss-and-smile exercise works your cheeks and lips. Sit in a comfortable position with your gaze fixed forward. In a controlled fashion, slowly make the biggest smile you can, and then push your lips forward as far as possible, as if you were trying to kiss someone. Continue to alternate back and forth, holding each position for a full second. Aim for 10 to 12 repetitions.
Push Down
Push-downs work your facial muscles with the added resistance of your fingers. Sit or stand, and while looking straight ahead, place your fingers right under your cheekbones on both sides of your face. In a controlled motion, push straight down on your cheeks as you simultaneously try to make a big smile. Feel the muscles contracting in your face. Continue for 10 to 12 repetitions, holding each push-down for a full second.
Jaw Jut
Jaw jutting works the neck muscles and area right under your chin. You can do it from a seated or standing position. Steadily tip your head back so your gaze is fixed on the ceiling. After opening your mouth slightly, jut your lower jaw straight up in the air as high as possible. Feel the neck muscle as it contracts. Continue for 10 to 12 repetitions.
Chin Slap
The chin slap is often done to prevent a double chin. While sitting or standing in a comfortable position, use the back of one hand to repetitively slap the area right underneath your chin. Continue in a steady fashion for 30 to 60 seconds.
Hand Pressure Exercise
The hand-pressure exercise works your neck and chin area. Sit with your gaze fixed forward and your palm touching your forehead. In a steady motion, press your forehead into your palm forcefully and hold for five to ten seconds. Next, place your hand on the right side of your head and repeat the pressure. Continue with your hand on the back of your head and the left side of your head. After you have gone all the way around, repeat six to eight times.
Lying Neck Flexion and Extension
Flexion and extension exercises work your neck muscles with the aid of a weight plate and towel. Lie face-up on a weight bench with your head hanging over the edge. Gently place the towel on your forehead, the weight plate on the towel and hold it in place with your hands as you lower your head down as far as possible. In a steady motion, raise your head up as far as possible, trying to tuck your chin into your chest. Repeat 10 to 12 times for neck flexion. To do neck extension, repeat the same exercise from a face-down position on the bench and with the weight plate held on the back of your head.
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