Due to age and gravity, maintaining a lean, defined chin line is not an easy task. Short of expensive cosmetic surgery, the quickest way to achieve a slim, taut neck is to lose weight and perform targeted facial exercises. With time and persistence, you can tone neck muscles located just beneath the skin's surface, giving your throat and neck a slimmer, shapelier and more youthful appearance.
Baby Bird
Annelise Hagen, a New York City-based yoga instructor and author of "The Yoga Face," recommends the baby bird facial exercise to firm loose chin and neck skin. Stand, tilt back your head and look up at the ceiling. While swallowing, press the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Keep your eyes on the ceiling, swallow and tilt your head slightly to the right, Repeat on your left side, completing three to four repetitions in each direction.
The Scoop
Nothing makes your neck appear fatter than a double chin. The scoop exercise, also called the shovel, works the platysma muscle group located under your jaw, neck and throat. The scoop aids in sculpting your facial profile and creates the appearance of a lean, taut chin line. You can perform the scoop while reading, watching TV or working at your computer. Open your eyes, mouth and jaw as wide as possible. Pull your lower lip up, over and behind your bottom row of teeth. Shut and open your mouth repeatedly 25 times.
Chewing Gum
Although chewing and eating fatty foods commonly contributes to excess neck and chin fat, chewing sugarless gum can actually assist in tightening and toning loose neck muscles and skin. Chew your gum by opening and shutting your jaw in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds. Stop chewing for 15 seconds, then resume. For gradual results, perform your chewing routine at least three to four times per week.
Chin Pushup
To keep your neck taut and toned over a lifetime, the late TV fitness instructor Jack LaLanne recommended the chin pushup. The exercise helps strengthen the deep muscles of your neck and upper chest to create a lean, well-defined facial profile. Place your chin in the palm of your hand, then curl your fingers over your bottom lip. Use your hand as a light resistance as you open and shut your jaw. After 20 to 30 repetitions, your throat muscles should begin to feel tense and tight.
Kiss the Ceiling
While puckering up with your partner sounds more fun, kissing the ceiling helps exercise your jaw, neck and throat, creating the appearance of a longer, leaner neck. Simply tilt back your head, pucker your lips and attempt to kiss the ceiling.
References
- "The Yoga Face"; Annelise Hagen; 2007
- Double Chin Exercises: Double Chin Exercises
- "15-Minute-a-Day Natural Face Lift"; M.J. Saffon; 1981
- Break: Double Chin Exercises
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