Jack Lalanne, fitness legend and inventor of the leg extension and pulley machines using cables, credits his youthful appearance -- considering he is over 90 years old -- with daily facial exercises. These exercises work the facial muscles and may combat sagging by firming the muscles of the face and neck, says Jack Lalanne in his exercise videos. Most people do not think to work muscles other than the major muscle groups of the arms, shoulders, chest, back, core and legs, but exercising the face wouldn't hurt either.
Ahh Exercise
Do the "Ahh" exercise to tighten up the muscles around your mouth. To perform this exercise, open and close your mouth as widely as you can. Imagine you are opening up for the doctor to look down your throat, except without the audible "Ahh" and the dreaded tongue depressor. Purse your lips you are making a kissy face when you close your mouth. Do this several times.
Jaw Shifting
The jaw shifting exercise tightens the muscles around your jaw and cheeks. To perform this exercise, press your lips gently together. Shift your jaw from left to right without opening your mouth. Think of swishing mouth wash side to side in your mouth. Do this several times quickly and then slowly move your jaw to the left and hold it there for a second. Slowly move it to the right and hold it there for a second. Repeat a few times.
Double Chin Exercise
Firm up your neck with the double chin exercise. To do this exercise, first tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. Then, tighten the muscles on the front of your neck and around the mouth. You can place your hand gently on your throat near the larynx for feedback on if the muscles are working. After tightening your neck muscles a few times, hold them tense and turn your head slowly side to side while still looking upwards.
Eye Exercise
Prevent muscle sagging around your eyes with the Lalanne eye exercise. Place your index fingers gently on the corners of your eyes with your elbows bent to your sides and your palms facing away from you to perform this exercise. Open and close your eyes against mild resistance from your fingers. Do not pull on this delicate skin. Your fingers will move slightly inwards as you close your eyes.
Eyebrows Exercise
Work the muscles of your forehead with the eyebrows exercise. To begin, place your index fingers on your eyebrows right above the inside corners of your eyes with your elbows bent. Turn your palms to face you. Raise and lower your eyebrows, offering mild resistance with your fingers.
Patting the Face
Get the blood flowing to your face by patting your cheeks gently with your palms. Do not slap your face. Bend forward and the waist and round your back slightly to bring more blood to your head as you pat. This exercise is a good way to end a workout.
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