Facial Cheek Exercises

Over the course of time, the skin of the cheeks tends to lose its elasticity which is part of the aging process. This can cause skin to sag and wrinkles can also develop. There are various ways to treat this problem such as face lifts and laser surgery, but they can be expensive and also come with some risks. An easier and less expensive option would be facial exercises.

Function

Facial cheek exercises are usually done isometrically. When doing regular exercises, such as biceps curls for example, there is a lifting and lowering of weight through a full range of motion. When this takes place, the muscles are shortening and lengthening. But with isometrics, there is no lengthening or shortening of a muscle. In other words, a contraction is held for a given amount of time.

Features

Unlike other exercises, you do not need any fancy equipment or a membership to a gym to do facial cheek exercises. This makes it convenient to do them from the comfort of your reclining chair, bed or car seat. You can also do them while you are walking. In this case, you will be toning your legs, burning some extra calories and working your cheeks all at the same time.

Types

Here are few examples of facial cheek exercises that can be performed.

With your mouth closed and lips together, extend your lips straight out in front of you as hard and far as possible. Hold this contraction for about 10 seconds and release.

Open your mouth and jaws as wide as you can and hold for 10 seconds. To make it easy to remember, just make the motion like you are yawning very deeply.

Close your lips and open your jaws. Suck your cheeks in over your teeth as hard as you can and hold for 10 seconds. When you do this, do not put too much pressure on your teeth to avoid cutting or scraping the insides of your cheeks.

Time Frame

When you first start doing facial cheek exercises, they can be done every day. After about four weeks, you can reduce it to three times a week on alternating days. The exercises are generally performed five to 10 times each, with a few breaths between each one to relax.

Benefits

Following a program of facial cheek exercises can help strengthen the skin of your cheeks, leading to better tone, less wrinkles and more smoothness. In the event you have some fat under your cheeks, the exercises can help reduce it. The muscles in your cheeks also get strengthened, which can keep your skin from sagging.