Presenting to you a selection of exercises from the program of American yoga instructor Annelise Hagen. This is the so-called “yoga for the face” – a set of exercises aimed at reducing facial and age wrinkles, strengthening muscles, and lifting the contours of the face.
Exercise "Liberate the Tongue"
This exercise is designed to improve blood circulation in the facial area, promoting skin rejuvenation and health. To perform this exercise, open your mouth wide and extend your tongue downward as much as possible, reaching towards the chin. This process stimulates blood vessels, helping to reduce swelling and strengthening facial tissues. It is recommended to perform the exercise for 1 minute for maximum effectiveness.
Exercise "Surprise Me"
This exercise is designed to smooth out wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows, focusing on the upper part of the face. To perform the exercise, widen your eyes, trying not to furrow your brow. This helps strengthen the muscles in the forehead and prevent the formation of expression wrinkles. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 4 times for 5-10 seconds each for optimal results.
Exercise "Chicken Claws"
This exercise targets the muscles around the eyes and smoothens wrinkles. Place your index and middle fingers on the outer corners of the eyes, smile, and gently pull the skin towards the ears while closing your eyes. This process strengthens the muscles and contributes to smoothing wrinkles around the eyes. It is recommended to repeat 15-20 times for optimal results.
Exercise "Smiling Fish"
This exercise aims to strengthen the cheek and lip muscles while maintaining elasticity in this area. To perform it, fold the lips into a bow and smile in this position. It is recommended to perform the exercise 5 times for 10 seconds each to activate facial muscles and contribute to their strengthening.
Exercise "Trumpeter"
This exercise focuses on strengthening the cheek muscles. Inhale air into your mouth, fill both cheeks with air, then roll the air around in your mouth in different directions. This process improves muscle tone and maintains facial contours. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 3 times in each direction to fully engage the relevant muscle groups.
Exercise "Monkey"
This exercise targets the muscles of the neck and lips. Tilt your head slightly upwards, fold your lips into a tube, and stretch your lips upwards for 15 seconds. This process not only strengthens the muscles but also helps improve the oval shape of the face. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 4 times for optimal results.
Exercise "Sphinx Smile"
This exercise is designed to combat expression wrinkles around the mouth. Smiling with one lip activates specific muscles, the tension of which helps strengthen and smooth the skin. While performing the exercise, careful attention is given to controlling the other facial muscles to avoid their involvement in the movement. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 3-4 times for the best results, maintaining smooth and controlled movements.
Exercise "Marionette Face"
This exercise focuses on smoothing nasolabial folds often associated with the aging process. To perform the exercise, press the pads of your fingers against the nasolabial folds, then smile widely while simultaneously applying pressure to the cheeks with your fingers. This process stimulates blood circulation, strengthens the cheek muscles, and contributes to wrinkle smoothing. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 20-30 times for optimal results.
Exercise "Chick"
This exercise is specifically aimed at lifting the oval shape of the face, enhancing its contours. Tilt your head back and perform swallowing movements, pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. This process activates the muscles of the neck and the lower part of the face, contributing to improved muscle tone and facial oval. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 3 times in different directions (forward, right, and left) for comprehensive muscle strengthening and maintaining the oval shape of the face.
