Exercises to Tighten Your Body After Weight Loss

Sometimes when you lose weight you also gain loose skin. This problem most often develops in your face, neck, under arms, abdomen and thighs. Some exercises can help to tighten these areas. Each exercise is designed to not only tighten the skin but also to tone and firm your muscles, which also reduces the appearance of sagging loose skin.

Neck and Chin

Loose skin on your neck gives the appearance of a double chin. Doing exercises that focus on this area of the body tones and tightens the muscles, which eliminates the appearance of sagging skin. To begin one easy exercise, stand with your arms at your side. Tilt your head back until you are looking directly at the ceiling. Do not strain your neck. Open your mouth and close it, slowly touching your teeth together. You can feel a slight pull on the muscles of your chin. Repeat this exercise five to 10 times per day for optimum results.

Arms

As you lose weight, the skin under your arms becomes loose and sags. Overhead stretches help to tone this troublesome area. Simply sit comfortably with your back straight. Hold one dumbbell in each hand, resting them down at your sides. Raise your arms straight out in front of you with your palms facing inward. Slowly lift the dumbbells straight up so they are above your head. Bend your elbows; your hands should be behind your ears. Hold for five to 10 seconds and lower your arms. Do 10 to 12 reps every other day.

Abs

Exercises such as crunches tighten and tone the muscles in your abdomen to help trim unwanted skin. Perform a basic crunch by lying on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Interlock your fingers and place them behind your head. Without bending your neck, slowly raise your head and upper back off the floor. Hold for five seconds and return to your starting position. Repeat 10 to 20 times.

Legs

Excess skin may accumulate on your inner thighs. To address the saggy appearance, lay on your left side with your left leg straight and your right leg bent at a 90-degree angle and in front of your left leg. Prop yourself up on your elbow. Keeping your left leg straight, slowly raise it until you feel a slight pull in your inner thigh. Hold for five seconds and return to your starting position. Repeat 10 times and move to your left leg.

Additional Information and Warnings

Before you begin any new exercise routine, consult a medical professional. While these exercises may be helpful in toning and tightening your muscles and help to diminish the appearance of loose skin, a healthy eating plan in conjunction with daily physical activity increases your chances of maintaining your muscle mass and current weight.