Tighten a Turkey Neck With Facial Yoga

When you think of exercise you probably don't include your neck and your face on list of "target areas." However, learning to tighten a turkey neck with facial yoga and performing these exercises daily can help your neck look and feel toned, leading to a younger-looking you. Many facial yoga exercises can be adapted to your needs, and you can do them easily in almost any setting.

Steps

Practicing Exercises

  1. Do the pouting stretch. Stick out your lower lip to the point where you are making a pout. Hold that pose for a few seconds. Next, lower your jaw while keeping your lower lip stuck out in the pout and your face still. Repeat this exercise about 10 times.[1]
    • This move focuses on building strength in the chin and upper neck area, which is prone to developing a "waddle."
    • You can do this exercise several times a day, anywhere and everywhere.
  2. Try "kissing the sky". Sit in a chair with your back straight. Slowly lean your head back until you are looking up at the ceiling. Your lips should be closed but loose. Purse your lips like you are kissing the ceiling. Hold the exaggerated kiss pose for a couple seconds. Repeat about 10 times.
    • Repeat this exercise several times a day. You should feel this exercise as a stretch through the neck and underside of your jaw.
  3. Do the owl stretch. Stand up straight with your arms loose at your sides and shoulders down. Bring your lips into a pout and hold the position. Take a deep breath through your nose. Slowly turn your head, looking over your left shoulder. Hold for several seconds. When you are finished, repeat by looking over your right shoulder.
    • When doing this exercise properly, you should feel a stretch underneath your chin and along both sides of your neck.
    • Repeat on each side 10 to 15 times up to twice a day.
  4. Try "chewing gum". Turn your head to the right as far as you can comfortably. Simulate a chewing gum motion with your mouth about 20 times. Repeat on the other side.
    • When performing this exercise properly, you should feel a stretch in your jaw muscles, the sides and front of the neck, and your chin.
    • In a variation of this exercise, make the chewing motion with your mouth while you tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling.
  5. Do the upward facing dog. Lie on the floor with and lift yourself up on your forearms, with your elbows positioned under your shoulders. Push up so that your body is in a reverse C position and tilt your chin out. Hold for several seconds and then repeat.[2]
  6. Try the swallowing stretch. Look at the ceiling and tilt your head backward. Stick your tongue to the roof of your mouth and swallow. Bend your head to the right and swallow then bend your head to the left and swallow. Repeat 4 times in each direction.[3]
    • In order for this exercise to strengthen your turkey neck, your tongue must be planted on the roof of your mouth throughout the entire exercise.
    • This exercise may be difficult to perform, so remember to relax and just keep trying if you don't get it right the first time.

Trying Other Natural Methods

  1. Sleep with your neck straight. This is a simple trick that can help keep your neck wrinkles from becoming more pronounced. When you sleep with your neck contorted to one side or the other, your skin is more likely to stretch and become loose. Try to sleep on your back with your neck straight instead.[4]
  2. Try skin-firming cream. The skin on your neck is thinner than in other areas of the body, and it tends to dry out and wrinkle more quickly. Use a moisturizing lotion every day to keep it firm and elastic. If you want to give it an additional boost, try a skin-firming cream that contains retinol or an anti-wrinkle formula.[4] This will help repair the skin and keep it looking young.
    • Apply cream using a gentle circular motion, working from the bottom of the neck toward the chin. Avoid pulling at your skin and dragging it down, since stretching it every which way could make matters worse.
    • In addition to cream, you should also wear sunscreen on your neck. Sun damage can lead to wrinkles and skin damage.
  3. Cover up with makeup. This is a quick, nonsurgical option that will reduce the appearance of turkey neck. Just choose a foundation that matches your skin tone, mix it with a little moisturizing cream, and apply it to your neck. Evening out the skin will reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark shadows that make loose skin look more pronounced. You could also cover up with a turtleneck, a high-collared sweater, or a scarf.

Related Articles

  • Do the Upward Facing Dog Pose

Sources and Citations