Keep the face motionless to prevent lines, pat lightly around the eyes to avoid damage.  Oh please, If such out-dated thinking was true, I'd be carrying my face around in a bag! The photo to the left shows 10 years of Facialbuilding. So, where's the damage?

Science has never disputed facial muscles' ability to build. The face has the same muscle fiber and  connective tissue as the rest of the body. So, what's the problem? Resistance training for the body has been well established for years, but for some reason we just can't get past the neck.  Is the public still holding out for that miracle in a jar?  You know .... like thigh cream.

Deb at age 47

I began teaching  facial fitness in the late 1970's.   At that time, facial isometrics was the only known form of facial training with much of the public considering it risky at best. By 1978,  I became interested in weightlifting. Not long after entering the gym, I decided to step into competitive bodybuilding. This move called for a marked reduction in body fat that consequently had an aging effect on my face. This was not an acceptable trade-off. However, if I were to continue training to compete, increasing my weight would not be an option.  

Considering the fact resistance training allows the body a lower percentage of fat without looking too thin, I wondered what effect, if any, resistance training would have on my face. I must admit, I was a little nervous at the thought of trying resistance training on my face but I certainly wasn't happy with the way my face was beginning to  look. With no plans to give up the sport  I decided it was worth a shot.  So, I converted each facial isometric exercise over to resistance… BINGO!   I found the facial muscles' to be every bit as responsive to resistance training as any other body part. The result of this training was even better than I had hoped. The increase in muscle size created an even greater lift. My face was still thin, but with the extra firmness, I no longer looked gaunt.  

It became quite obvious to me that *isometrics (toning exercises) only scratched the surface. We just weren't taking it far enough. Most people will find after a certain age that tone is not enough, especially when  making up for the loss of fat in the subcutaneous layer.  For this reason alone you need an increase in muscle size. 

Today, many studies are documenting the effect of resistance training on the face. A study conducted by Eureka Physical Therapy in Eureka, CA and myself, resulted in an average of 35% increase in facial muscle strength over a two week period. At the Skin Study Center in Broomall, PA a similar study (Facial Flex) showed a 250% increase in strength over an eight week period with a 32% increase in skin elasticity. 

Some might ask, what does facial muscle strength have to do with lifting and firming the face? Ask yourself this; when you increase the strength of your biceps, what other changes take place? Remember, resistance training demands a muscle's full potential, an increase in size. Facial muscles' are no exception. To think otherwise is just plain lazy thinking.   Facialbuilding, bodybuilding, the result is exactly the same.  

Bodybuilding by itself does not always guarantee a great looking body. Weightlifting alone builds muscle, (firming the body) and is without doubt a tremendous benefit to the skin. However,  depending on the individual, sometimes healthy radiant skin may call for additional measures such as aerobics, diet, supplements, and maybe even a few changes in life style.  

The same principle applies to Facialbuilding. I'm sorry to say, many facial fitness instructors would lead you to believe otherwise. When you hear the words "You too, in just six weeks..." Don't you believe it!  Nothing in the realm of fitness is capable of this overnight nonsense. Those of you who are willing to give Facialbuilding a try, approach it as you would any other form of  fitness keeping time and effort in mind, you will find resistance training to be every bit as beneficial for the face as it is for the rest of the body, no more, no less.

*The word Isometrics is commonly used to describe the majority of today's facial exercise programs, even though very little if any isometrics are actually taking place.

                                                     "A Firm Youthful Face Right At Your Fingertips"™