Truly, a man's love works miracles. Thus, Reinhold Benz, a renowned plastic surgeon, gifted his beloved with something special – beauty. The doctor's girlfriend was a ballerina, and thanks to constant exercise, her body at 43 was perfect, unlike her face. Benz noticed this peculiarity.
He drew the right conclusion: if exercise can keep our bodies in great shape, the same principle applies to our faces. Thus, a new trend in fitness was born: face building, or facial gymnastics.
Unlike cosmetic procedures, facial fitness addresses the causes of age-related changes, not their consequences. Let me explain: muscles are a kind of framework for our face. A framework that, over time, obeying the law of gravity, slowly but surely loses its shape, tending downward. The result: wrinkles and a sagging face. Fortunately, muscles can regain their former shape through exercise, which is what face shaping helps achieve.
So, the benefits of gymnastics are undeniable.
You won't have to waste time and money visiting expensive salons, which is nice in itself.
No assembly line, just a personalized approach. Who better than you to know the smallest details of your face?
With your efforts, the first visible results will appear on your face within two weeks, maybe even sooner. Moreover, to achieve positive results, all you need is a good mood and a desire to be beautiful.
How does facial exercise work? What results can be achieved with these simple exercises?
First, it eliminates excess muscle tension. Nasolabial folds, for example, can appear even in our 20s as a result of improper teeth occlusion and jaw tension.
Secondly, gymnastics tones the muscles, thereby correcting the facial contours. Specifically, it returns the cheeks to their natural shape, lifts the corners of the lips, eliminating a disdainful expression, eliminates a double chin, etc.
Thirdly, it shapes. With exercises, you can make an elongated face more rounded, and give a wide face a refined appearance.
Basic schools
Despite the young age of face building, there are many variations. Some are similar in some ways, while others are fundamentally different, yet the goal is always the same: to make us irresistible. I'll only name the most well-known and distinct techniques.
American Carol Maggio and her “Aerobics for Skin and Facial Muscles.” This is perhaps the most well-known program among beginners. Her exercises are strength-based and quite effective. In her exercises, the author utilizes facial expressions, which are unusual for muscles, and the accompanying mind-muscle connection (you need to mentally imagine the muscle working). Carol herself promises visible results in as little as 10 days.
The benefits of these exercises include building and toning muscles. For example, with gymnastics, you can pump up your cheeks or, conversely, accentuate your cheekbones.
Comments: The book's translation is incorrect, making it difficult to master the exercises. I wouldn't recommend this technique for beginners, as improper execution can create new wrinkles on the face. There are adapted exercises based on the Maggio technique available online. Experienced face-building gurus recommend that Maggio is more suitable for people with obvious facial contour deformities. Therefore, the technique is not recommended for women under 30-35.
Second on the list, but not least, is Benita Cantieni's “Faceforming.” This gentle yet effective technique focuses on correct posture, head alignment, and activating the ear muscles (as they are most responsible for a natural facelift). In Faceforming, muscle tissue is “awakened” by finger pulsations. Pulsation is a gentle, directional touch (usually upward). This technique prevents creases and dents from forming on the face, making faceforming safe.
The benefits of the classes: a very intelligent approach. A harmonious combination of yoga, acupressure, and meditation—all of this produces amazing results. Furthermore, it's virtually impossible to overshape your face with facelifts, unlike Maggio's gymnastics.
Comments: Classic Cantieni faceforming is difficult to understand and not everyone will appreciate it. Therefore, I recommend practicing a more simplified, but no less effective, method called New Faceforming, where the author has taken into account the feedback of her readers, making the program easier to understand and more time-efficient.
Santa Maria Runge – “Selflifting.” These exercises are very well thought out, taking safety into account. Before working the target muscle, Runge suggests mastering preparatory exercises to isolate the muscle and capture that sensation. An undeniable bonus of this practice is the immediate results. A properly performed exercise will literally have a positive impact on your face. The complex is very powerful, so Runge recommends performing it only as soon as a problem arises, meaning the exercises are intended to be performed as a first aid measure.
The effect of the exercises is immediate, but short-lived if done once.
Comment: The best part about this complex is the ability to immediately enjoy the results of your short work. However, one or two sessions aren't enough to consolidate the results.
General rules for all techniques
Work in front of a mirror. This is necessary to ensure you're performing the exercises correctly, which is especially important for beginners.
The face and body should be relaxed. Only certain muscle groups are worked in isolation.
Clenched teeth create unnecessary tension. Therefore, lips are together, but teeth are unclenched.
Work 5 days, rest 2. This way, you'll get more benefit than working out 7 days straight. Your muscles need rest.
Focus on results. Start your workouts in a positive mood. Visualize the results of your efforts as if you've already achieved them. Work your muscles not only physically but also in your imagination.
To maintain the results achieved, you need to do the exercises regularly. As soon as you stop working on your face, your muscles will return to their previous state. This is not surprising, as the muscles of the rest of the body behave similarly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find exercises? You can use online libraries, or even better, search for information on specialized forums and websites. The advantage of these is that, in addition to descriptions of techniques, you can also get expert advice and, if desired, the services of a personal facial exercise trainer.
At what age should you start exercising? If there are no obvious facial problems, then no earlier than 25, or even 30. Women under 30 should avoid strength training, otherwise they risk becoming addicted to gymnastics.
Safety precautions. Work only in front of a mirror, especially at first. When performing the exercise, be careful not to create folds on your face. This can lead to further wrinkles. Read the exercise descriptions carefully, as any mistakes will be reflected on your face. Don't overdo it. It's better to do less. Give your muscles a rest. Remember: 5 days work, 2 days rest.
Results. Much depends on age, skin, and muscle condition. Initial results may appear after just a few sessions. Significant changes will be noticeable within 1-2 months.
So, it's all in your hands! May the compliments come your way. Go ahead and be beautiful!