Muscle Exercises to Strengthen Facial Muscles

Muscle Exercises to Strengthen Facial Muscles
Photo Credit Darrin Klimek/Photodisc/Getty Images

Facial muscle exercises have become a popular anti-aging fad, according to Time Magazine. Further, the publication notes that supporters of facial muscle exercise say that facial muscles need exercise to stay toned and strong just like your other muscles. If you plan to join a facial yoga class or you just want to try exercises at home, there are a few facial moves to try to ward off wrinkles and aging.

The Lion

The lion is designed to stretch facial muscles and release facial tension according to the Daily Mail. Yoga instructor Leta Koontz says the lion is excellent for circulation and releasing tension in the jaw which can lead to wrinkles. The exercise is performed by breathing in through your nose, then flexing your facial muscles and making a fist. Then, breathe out through your mouth, stick your tongue out, while rolling your eyes and opening your hands.

Brow Smoother

The brow smoother exercise is designed to get rid of brow lines and help eliminate wrinkles from the eyebrow area. Yoga instructor Leta Koontz calls the brow smoother natural Botox. Begin by sitting on the floor and placing your index fingers on the outside edge of your eyebrows, one on each brow. Then, softly pull your eyebrows away from each other and close your eyes at the same time.

Baby Bird

According to the Daily Mail, the baby bird exercise is designed to firm the jaw, neck and shoulder muscles. Start by tilting your head back like you are looking at the ceiling, then take a deep swallow and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Then, keeping your head back, tilt your head to one side, swallow and press your tongue. Repeat that to both sides, and the Daily Mail says you should repeat at least four times for each side.

Face Lift

The face lift exercise, also called the puppet face, is designed lift lines that can occur between your nose and lip according to the Daily Mail. Start by smiling and then place your hands on your cheekbones and lift up, pressing lightly for resistance. The Daily Mail recommends holding the pose for 20 to 30 seconds.

Satchmo

The satchmo is a popular move that most facial exercise programs employ. The Daily Mail says that the exercise is designed to keep your cheeks firm. Inhale deeply and then hold it in making a puffy face with puffy cheeks. Transfer the air from side to side in your mouth to push on the cheeks. Repeat until you are out of breath and need to release, and the Daily Mail recommends performing the move three times.

References

Article reviewed by Lynda Moultry Belcher Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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