Face and neck muscles need to be exercised just like all the other muscles in the body. Athletes usually display a healthy, toned look even in their faces. Muscles of the face and neck are often overlooked in a total body workout. With two 15-minute workouts, one in the morning and one in the evening, you can firm and tone all the muscles in the face and neck.
Temple Dancer Eyes
The eyes are the first area to show signs of fatigue and aging. Constant eyestrain and rubbing contribute to the "tired eye" look. The oribicularis oculi, the muscles around the eyes, are firmed and toned with this exercise. Sit with the spine erect, looking at a point on the horizon. Look to the right, then center, then to the left and finally back to center. Now, reverse the direction and look left, center, right and center. Keep the face relaxed and the head centered during the exercise. Repeat five times.
Satchmo
This yoga exercise works the cheeks. It is named for Louis B. Armstrong, the famous trumpet player. Trumpet players usually have firm cheeks because they use these muscles to play the trumpet. Puff out the cheeks with air and transfer this air from cheek to cheek. Keep moving the air back and forth for as long as you can. This firms the cheeks and keeps them strong. This exercise can be done anywhere for quick workout, even in the car while driving; it's yoga exercise developed by Annelise Hagen, author of "The Yoga Face."
Smiling
It takes more muscles to smile than frown. Smiling is an exercise that is recommended by the Hawaii Family Dental Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Every time you smile, you are strengthening facial muscles.
Neck
Here is one from Jack LaLanne's face workout series. Stand or sit with the back straight. Lean the head back and look at the ceiling. Open and close the mouth as though you are chewing on something. Continue this for 15 seconds. Next, put the chin on the chest. Keeping the chin close to the body, move the head to the right, then center, then left and back to center. Repeat this for 15 seconds.
Jaw Firming
Open the mouth slightly, roll the lower lip over the teeth, and press the upper lip against the teeth. Pull the corners of the lips up in a smile and place the index finger on the chin for resistance. Open and close the jaw in a scooping motion using the corners of the mouth, not the jaw hinges. Continue till you feel a slight warming sensation in the muscle. This exercise was developed by Carole Maggio, a licensed esthetician and author of "Facercise."
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