4/28/2020 Jawline Exercises: 5 Moves for Definition

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5 Exercises for a Defined and Muscular

Jawline
Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, MS, RD, LD, CDE on August 16, 2016 — Written by
Rena Goldman

How they help Neck curlup Collar bone backup Tongue twister
Vowel sounds Chinup Other things you can do Takeaway

Overview
The first thing people notice about you is your face, so it’s not surprising
that as a society we’re preoccupied with wanting to look our best.

Research actually shows that attractiveness is very important to humans.

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re often judging people based on
their looks.

This might have something to do with evolution. Certain facial traits that
look particularly masculine or feminine might be how our ancestors were
able to tell if a mate was healthy and fertile.

Studies have shown that women tend to prefer men who have a strong,
muscular jawline. Just think about Superman and the leading male actors
— from Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill — who have played the comic
book hero.

As men and women age, the shape of their face goes through changes.
Your jawline may become less defined if there is extra fat in the neck and
jaw area, or if the muscles have begun to shrink.

While you can’t totally fight aging or genetics, there are some things you
can to do to improve the look of your jawline. Exercising the jaw muscles
helps build them up and give your jaw a more defined look.

To find exercises that work, we consulted two experts. Dr. Scott Michael
Schreiber is a chiropractic physician who is double board-certified in
rehabilitation and clinical nutrition. Cristina Osorio is a TruFusion yoga
instructor.
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How the exercises help your jawline
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According to Dr. Schreiber, the front neck muscles are often
underdeveloped, inhibited, and almost never exercised in a gym or Next

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4/28/2020 Jawline Exercises: 5 Moves for Definition

therapy setting. “They can be a major cause of a droopy neck and a

hidden cause of neck pain,” he says.

The muscles he’s talking about attach from the sternum and collar bone
(clavicle) to various parts of the jawbone (mandible). Exercises 1 and 2 are
from Dr. Schreiber, and 3 to 5 are from Cristina Osorio.

Dr. Schreiber says that with the proper form, “These exercises should not
only sharpen the jawline, but also prevent neck pain, headaches, and jaw
pain.” He warns that if you feel pain, you should stop right away. This
likely means you’re not using correct form and could hurt yourself.

1. Neck curlup

Think of this as an abdominal curl for your neck. It’s done lying on your
back with the tongue pressed on the roof of the mouth. This activates the
front neck muscles.

1. Bring your chin to your chest and then lift your head off of the
ground about 2 inches. Don’t lift your stomach and don’t poke your
chin out.
2. Start by doing 3 sets for 10 repetitions and gradually build up to
more.

3. Take your time because these muscles are often underdeveloped

and can cause neck strain if you try too much too fast.
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2. Collar bone backup
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This can be done seated, standing, or lying down on your back.
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4/28/2020 Jawline Exercises: 5 Moves for Definition

1. Keeping your head level with the floor, bring your head back several
inches to feel muscles on either side of your throat contract and
relax.

2. Start with 3 sets of 10 repetitions at first, and then progress to

holding the position for more than 30 seconds.

3. Make sure that your ears stay over your shoulders and your head
stays level.

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3. Tongue twister
This exercise will target the muscles underneath the chin.

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4/28/2020 Jawline Exercises: 5 Moves for Definition

1. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth directly behind your
teeth.
2. Press your tongue to completely close the roof of your mouth and
add tension.
3. Begin humming and making a vibrating sound. This will activate the
muscles.
4. Complete 3 sets of 15.

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4. Vowel sounds
These movements target the muscles around the mouth and on the sides
of the lips.

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1. Open your mouth wide then say “O,” followed by “E.” Light exercise routine

2. Be sure to exaggerate these sounds and movements and not show

Another routine (not listed)
or touch your teeth.

3. Perform 3 sets of 15. I don't want help starting a routine

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5. Chinup Next

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4/28/2020 Jawline Exercises: 5 Moves for Definition

This exercise helps lift the face and chin muscles.

1. With your mouth closed, push your lower jaw out and lift your lower
lip.
2. You should feel a stretch build just under the chin and in the jawline.

3. Hold the position for 10–15 seconds, then relax.

4. Perform 3 sets of 15.
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Other things you can do

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise goes a long
way toward keeping you looking younger. If you feel that extra weight
gain is contributing to the change in shape around your jawline, making
lifestyle changes can help.

Takeaway Which routine would you like our help

starting?
While facial exercises can be very helpful in maintaining the neck and
facial muscles and keeping the jawline sharper, they aren’t a fix-all.
Mindfulness routine

In order to look and feel healthy, you’ll also need to practice goodBetter
eating
posture routine

habits and exercise regularly.

Light exercise routine

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I don't want help starting a routine

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