“Exercising your face muscles is no different than exercising any other muscle on your body,” James said. “It’s tearing down the muscle so it can rebuild stronger. I would caution people not to do these every day. Three times a week is good.”
Here James shares five of his favorite face lift exercises you can add to your routine today.
- Smile for the thumbs
- Place index fingers on the temples.
- Push the index fingers down and back.
- Smile to create resistance.
- Hold for 30 seconds and release.
- Repeat one more time.
2) Index fingers
(Do not do this exercise if you have contact lenses in or have recently had retina surgery.)
- Close your eyes.
- Very gently place your index fingers over your eyelids.
- Attempt to push the eyelids open, then close, open, then close, applying just enough pressure to keep the eyes closed.
- Hold for 30 seconds and release.
- Repeat one more time.
3) Kiss the hand
- Pucker your lips.
- Kiss the back of your hand as hard as you can.
- Push your hand against your lips to create resistance.
- Hold for 30 seconds and release.
- Repeat one more time.
4) Windshield wipers
- Create a “V” with your fingers.
- Place the fingers under your top lip.
- While pulling your lip back and push out with your fingers tips while moving back and forth.
- Continue with this motion for 30 seconds.
- Repeat one more time.
5) Back and neck exercises
- Create an isometric contraction by pushing your hands forward while simultaneously pushing your head back.
- Hold for 10 seconds, then release.
- Repeat one more time.
- Repeat this exercise by placing your hands on the front of your head and creating an isometric contraction, as well as both sides of your head. For each position, hold for 10 seconds and repeat once.
You can attend James’ Natural Face Lift Class Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 11:10 – 11:40 a.m. at the Parkview Health & Fitness Center, 3000 E. State St. The class is free for members of the Parkview Seniors Club or $2 for drop ins. For more, call (260) 373-7223.
