Double chin is the accumulation of fat or excess skin under the chin, which extends down the neck, just below the jaw and chin. Its origin may be congenital or it may be due to hormonal changes and overweight and obesity.
(Read also: Facial Yoga: Steps to perform this practice and improve the skin).
Although these factors increase the probability and severity of double chin, one of the main causes is aging, according to the specialized website Medical News Today.
There are specific exercises that allow you to burn, little by little, the excess subcutaneous fat that hangs in that area of the neck, and give the face a more youthful appearance. Working the muscles in your neck and face could help get rid of a double chin. These are some:
1. Around the world (warm-up)
As with any exercise routine, it’s important to warm up your muscles to prevent injury. To warm up your neck, gently roll your head forward and down and then back and up in a clockwise circular motion. After a few rotations, reverse the direction.
The same circular motion is used to stretch the jaw. Gently extend your jaw to the left, then forward, then right, then back, holding each position for a second or two. Now the muscles are warm and ready for exercise.
2. Whistle on the roof
Sit with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. From this position, close your lips in the position used while whistling. The lips should be relaxed but tight enough to feel a contraction on both sides of the neck.
(Also: When does flirting or complimenting become sexual harassment?).
Hold this position for 10 to 20 seconds depending on the person’s comfort level. Ten repetitions of this exercise are usually enough for one session.
3. Kiss the sky
This exercise is similar to the previous one, with some differences.
Stand up straight and tall with your arms and shoulders loose and relaxed. Tilt your head back to look at the ceiling. Purse your lips and try to kiss the sky, moving them as far away from the face as possible.
When done correctly, your neck and chin muscles should feel flexed but comfortable. Hold this position for 5 to 20 seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 to 15 times per set.
4. The ball squeeze
For neck exercises, it can be helpful to have a ball somewhere near the desk, bed, or in a place where the person will be doing the exercises. The size should fit personal comfort and should be easy to squeeze between your chin and upper chest.
The ball squeeze is best done from a seated position with a straight back and relaxed shoulders.
Place the ball under your chin and push down against the ball in a steady, steady motion. This can be repeated 10 to 30 times during each session.
(Continue reading: Imperfect I’m better / On your side with Álex).
5. Pout
Another effective way to work your chin and neck muscles is to do a pout stretch.
Standing or sitting, stick out your lower lip as far as it will go to form a pouty face. Hold the position for 3 seconds. With your lip still in a full pout, use your neck muscles to tilt your chin toward your chest without moving your upper back.
Hold this position for 3 seconds. Relax your muscles and start over. Repeat 10 to 20 times or until your neck feels the exercise.
6. Chicle putty
Chewing gum may not sound like much, but it can be helpful for people looking to get rid of a double chin in a variety of ways.
A Trusted Source study published in the journal Appetite found that people who chew gum after a meal may feel more satisfied with what they have eaten. This makes them less likely to reach for extra snacks. Chewing gum can help people who are losing weight reduce the number of calories in their diet.
(We recommend: How to identify “toxic people” and prevent them from destroying our lives).
This is a minor exercise for the muscles of the face, especially the jaw. Chewing gum regularly can contribute to an overall loss of chin fat, though it probably won’t do much on its own.
7. The lion yawn
The goal of this exercise is to open your mouth wide while sticking your tongue out as far as possible, like a yawning lion. It can be a great exercise to strengthen many muscles in your chin, neck, and face.
Sit or stand with a relaxed posture. Open your mouth as wide as you can while extending your tongue as far as possible.
When done correctly, the muscles in your neck, chin, and jaw should be tensed.
Stick your tongue out for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat this process 10 times and move on to another exercise.
Reinforce with other care
To reinforce the exercises, do not forget to always include the neck in your daily beauty routines.
Also, keep in mind that excess salt (sodium) and saturated fats contribute to weight gain and fluid retention that can increase the size of a double chin. So eat healthier.
Drink a minimum of one and a half liters of water or other liquids a day and consume fruits, vegetables, fibers, fish, dairy products, low-fat milk and reduce the intake of breads and pastry products. Also control the amount of salt and refined sugar in your meals.
* With information from the health news portal Medical News Today
In other news:
Nasa: 35 Colombian girls will fulfill their dream of going to the Space Center
Relationships: Hugging your partner reduces infidelity