Chicken Neck Exercises

As we age, all of our bodies undergo changes, some obviously less desirable than others. One of the most dramatic changes can happen to the face we see in the mirror every morning. As the skin gradually becomes less elastic and gravity takes its toll, many individuals develop what's known as a "chicken neck." This merely means loose skin under the chin, but it nonetheless exacts a hefty psychological toll. If you want to reduce the unsightliness of your chicken neck, hope is not lost.

Fixing a chicken neck

Altering the appearance of a chicken neck is as simple as restoring functionality and increasing muscle tone. So you can often eliminate or substantially correct the problem by using targeting exercises designed to activate the neck musculature.

If you're beginning a regime of neck exercises, start slow and gradually increase intensity and duration. Two or three sessions weekly are sufficient to start. Improving your chicken neck will take both time and energy. There's no sense in burning out too early on a strenuous regime that you're unprepared to keep up for the long haul.

Chicken Neck Exercises

Here's the simplest exercise you can perform to help your chicken neck. While turning your head to the right, use the muscles of your neck to draw your lower lip over your upper. Hold for a few seconds, then repeat on the left. Next, repeat the exercise on the right and left while turning the head to look upwards. You should feel the skin on your neck increase in tautness. Repeat this for three complete cycles at first, increasing in duration as the muscles increase in strength.

For the second exercise, look forward with your head level. Use two fingers from each hand to stretch the skin of your neck downwards. Maintaining the hold on your neck, tilt your head upwards until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat this five to ten times.

Begin the third exercise by pushing your lower lip as far forward as possible. Then place your fingers on your lower neck and slowly tilt the head upwards. Hold in the stretched position for 20 to 30 seconds. This will stretch out of the skin of the neck and restore blood flow to the area.

Finally, with your jaw closed and your teeth touching, forcibly press your tongue into your lower palate. Hold for 10 seconds. Using light pressure with your fingertips on the bottom of your jaw to increase resistance, repeat again for a count of 6 seconds. Repeat a total of two or three cycles.

While these exercises certainly won't work magic, diligent practice can help firm up that chicken neck. It also alleviates stress and helps you to feel better about aging.