Age, gravity, genetics and weight gain can all play a part in producing a double chin. Also known as a spare chin, second chin, chin chin or wattle, a double chin is a sagging deposit of fat located under the chin. In lieu of cosmetic surgery, the quickest way to lose a flabby, flaccid chin is to lose weight and gain strength in your neck muscles by performing targeted exercises.
The Scoop
The scoop exercise---also called the shovel---targets the platysma, a muscle group located at your throat, neck and upper chest. The scoop helps to reduce excess fat stored in that area, creating a toned and taut chin line. You can perform the scoop at work, watching television, at your computer or during a commute.
Open your mouth as wide as you possibly can. Pull your lower lip up and over your bottom row of teeth, and then open and shut your mouth 20 to 30 times.
Chin Push-Up
Television fitness guru Jack LaLanne recommends strengthening the deep muscles of your throat and upper chest to create a sculpted facial profile. To perform a chin push-up, position your chin in the palm of your hand, curling your fingers over your bottom lip. Using your hand as a light resistance, open and shut your jaw 20 to 30 times. After just one set of the chin push-up exercise, you should begin to feel your throat muscles tense and tighten.
Head Roll
The head roll not only helps trim the platysma muscle, but it also improves posture and prevents wrinkles, according to Annelise Hagen, New York City-based yoga instructor and author of "The Yoga Face." Hagen notes, "The tension this exercise releases will illuminate your face by lifting pinched or glum expressions, and it will tone the neck, throat and chin." Hagan also claims that after loosening up this area, your posture improves and your facial profile becomes slimmer and more sculpted.
While standing, slowly roll your head in a circular motion. Start by tilting your head back, eyes looking up at the ceiling. Then proceed to roll to the right, down, left and rear again.
Chin Twist
Improving your posture, keeping your head in an upright position and chewing sugarless gum all help prevent a double chin, according to the website Double Chin Exercises. By working the platysma muscle, the chin twist exercise can also help tone and slim down your second chin.
Stand and tilt your head back, keeping your mouth firmly closed. Tighten the muscles in your throat and neck, and lift your head to an erect position. Now tilt your head back again. Rotate your head to the right six times and then to the left six times. Perform six repetitions.
References
- "The 15 Minute a Day Natural Face Lift"; M.J. Saffon; 1981
- "The Yoga Face"; Annelise Hagan; 2007
- Double Chin Exercises: Double Chin Exercises
- Break: Double Chin Exercise
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