Health

Staying Fit at any Age

By Vicky Waite Facial exercises have been around since the 14th Century. We have 57 muscles in the face and these muscles begin to sag with time, just as the rest of our bodies do. So, it makes sense to exercise your face, just as you exercise your body, to keep it firm. Facial exercises will lift, tone, tighten and strengthen your entire face. And let’s not forget about your neck . After all, a turkey neck isn’t very appealing. Exercising the face and neck can fill in the hollows of the cheeks, tighten up sagging jowls, flatten the areas under the eyes and keep both the chin and neck from sagging. As we become older, we all begin to loose muscle mass, a process that is called sarcopenia, which we can reverse, just like we can do with the body, by exercising our faces. People with paralysis, TMJ, or Bells Palsy conditions have improved dramatically by doing facial exercises. These muscles in the face are small and responsive; therefore, results can be seen quickly. Doing facial exercises increases blood circulation to the skin, which makes complexion peachy pink and glowing, giving you a nice even skin tone. So, yes you can toss out that make-up bag. You use your hands, which doesn’t cost you anything. By working out the facial muscles underneath the skin, you tone and tighten up the underlying structure of your face. As we age, muscles flatten and elongate with lack of use (the old saying…if you don’t use it…you lose it). And with the pull of gravity, inevitably comes sagging skin. As time passes, the bone, muscle and fat under the facial skin and elsewhere on the body diminishes, and at the same time the skin loses it’s elasticity. We are all aware that the environment, stress and sunbathing cause wrinkles but are not as aware that habitual facial movements such as squinting and frowning can create lines in your skin. But you can reverse the weakness in your eye muscles and strengthen them. Some people improve their eyesight too. I threw away my glasses and contact lens after needing them for most of my life. Just think, you won’t have to worry about forgetting those glasses when trying to read a restaurant menu. For my first column, I am recommending Carolyn’s Facial Fitness. Not only is her program better than most out there, but, Carolyn herself guides you through the process and is quick to respond and answer your questions. Her program is great for males and females. Visit Carolyn’s Facial Fitness at www.carolynsfacialfitness.com. Remember, as with any exercise program, always consult with your physician before you begin.