Can you tell me some facial exercises?
Consultant Physiotherapist,
Apollo clinic,
Vadodara.
Q: I recently went on a weight gain programme to increase my weight and muscle mass. I gained around 9kgs in 3-4 months and went from 63kgs to 72kgs. Even when I was thin I used to have chubby cheeks but now after the program my face has gained a lot of fat, thus giving me a bloated look. How can I reduce this fat; can facial exercises help and will weight loss be beneficial?
A:Any weight gain or weight loss affects the facial muscles too. Reducing only the facial muscles, is a little tricky. A little weight loss will give you the desired results because the facial muscles are very thin and show the effects very fast. You can try the following exercises to keep your facial muscles firm:1. Horizontal Forehead Lines: Place the side of the forefingers gently but firmly against the forehead just above the eyebrows, allowing the thumb to rest lightly on cheeks. Raise the eyebrows against the resistance of the fingers.2. Vertical Forehead Lines: Place the underside of the forefingers flat against the forehead just above the eyebrows. Pull gently towards the temples.3. Mouth Wrinkles: Place the hands flat on the cheeks with the fingertips touching the cheekbones and the wrists meeting. Gently pull towards the ears. Holding the position say, you.4. Droopy chin: Hold your head straight, chin level. Place your forefinger horizontally between your teeth. Push your tongue against the root of your mouth while keeping your teeth touching your finger.5. Place one hand flat on your forehead and the other on your chin. Move your head forward against the resistance of your hands, keeping your shoulders straight and relaxed.Do each action for 6 seconds and repeat 10 times.