Exercising your jaw muscles will strengthen and tone the muscles to create a smoother, tighter appearance in your jawline, according to "Carole Maggio: Face Exercises." To effectively engage the muscles around the jawline, you need to work the facial and neck muscles daily. Use caution when working the neck and jaw muscles, exercises that cause pain, stress or strain, in the back, shoulders or neck, should be avoided.
Prone Chin Lift
The prone chin lift is an advanced version of the standing chin lift. Begin this exercise lying prone on a mat or soft floor. Place your arms to your side palms up, relax your legs in a neutral position, making sure there is no stress on your lower-back. Inhale and lift your head off the floor, as you lift extend the chin forward. Hold this position for three to five seconds, exhale and release back to the floor. If you feel stress on your neck during this exercise, stop immediately. If you need to modify it, try lying on a bed with your head hanging slightly off the side.
Cow Chew
The cow chew is a facial yoga exercise that engages the muscles of the jaw and face. Begin this exercise standing or sitting with your shoulders up over your hips, in proper neutral alignment. Inhale and relax the face, exhale and relax the shoulders down away from the ears, releasing all tension in the shoulders, neck and head. Keeping your face in a neutral position, open your mouth slightly and make large chewing circles to the left. The chewing circles should mimic the movement of how a cow chews. Do the chewing movement to the left 20 to 25 times, relax and bring your mouth back to a neutral position, then repeat the chewing movement to the right 20 to 25 times.
Dancers Neck Isolations
Neck isolations are a standard in a dance warm-up. These neck isolations engage the shoulders, neck, jaw and facial muscles. Begin standing tall with your shoulders over your hips, and your feet shoulder-width apart. Pull your posture up as tall as you can by imagining an invisible string pulling you up to the ceiling from the center of your head. Hold this position and drop your right ear to your right shoulder without raising your shoulder. Pull your head back to center and drop your left ear to your left shoulder. Repeat this movement right, center and left, center for five full sets. Lift your head tall and turn and look to your left, bring your head back to center, then turn and look right. Repeat this five to eight times.
References
- “Carole Maggio Facercise: The Dynamic Muscle-Toning Program for Renewed Vitality and a More Youthful Appearance”: Carole Maggio; Perigee Trade; 2002
- Shape Your Face: Front of Neck
- Mayoclinic.com: Video: Neck Stretches for the Office
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