Facial Exercise:Trainers report their progress

I've been doing the program for several months and have seen a very big difference in facial sagging (lost 50 pounds and didn't start face exercising until 11/2002 at 48).

My question is: Is there a specific exercise to help plump out the furrow that runs from the tear duct down across to the right or left side of the cheek. This is different than just the orbital furrow that often sinks in - is a part of it - although some younger people at 30-35 can begin to have this small indentation/furrow that runs from the corner of the tear duct down and across the cheek diagonally about 1+" below the outer edge of the eye orbit. Any feedback would be appreciated!

My experience after 1 yr of Flexing Aug 13, 2001

Hi Deb or Jason,

First of all, I would appreciate my gratefulness and thanks to you for the wonderful Flexeffect programme and the discussion board which is ever so helpful. I have been doing most of the exercises on the video daily for over a year now and the results greatly surpass my expectations.
At the age of 41, I have now got rid of all facial sag and my skin has greatly approved, although, unfortunately, I am a heavy smoker. People are very surprised when they find out about my age.

I now have 2 questions:

Can I maximise the effects by doing half of the exercises on one day, doubling the amount of sets; and doing the other half on the next day, again doubling the amount of sets. I am asking this because a 48-hour break is recommended for intensive bodybuilding exercises. Does the same principle apply to facial muscles?

I am planning to get a deep peeling (not the "blue peeling") in a beauty parlor in order to get rid of some age spots. I was told that after one day, my skin would peel off and that the "new skin" would appear after two or three days. For how long should I interrupt the Flexeffect programme, given the
sensitivity of the "new" skin?Thank you very much in advance for your help,Best regards,

Petra
IP: 212.35.100.9

Hi Petra

You can work your routines in any number of combinations that you like, especially once you've achieved your goal. I regularly do mine three to four times a week.

To be sure when you can resume the exercises, ask your PS or dermatologist when you can have a full facial. It's at this point that you can begin flexing again. Usually will be about three months depending upon the depth of the peel.

Jason

Hi Jason,

Thanks for your reply. I phoned the beauty parlor today and they confirmed that a full facial should not be made before 3 months. I therefore cancelled the appointment for a peeling. I cannot imagine not doing the exercises for 3 months! The results are too good, both in terms of muscle strength and complexion. Also, I find doing the exercises very relaxing.

All the best,
Petra

2 month up-date Aug 8, 2001

Hi, just wanted to share the changes I'm experiencing after 2 months of flexing. I'm 37 and have some facial sag and wrinkles setting in. I am doing most of the 40 exercises in the book, every day. I do 3 sets each for 30 counts.

Although the verticle lines between my brows and nasolabial folds are not showing any improvement at this point, the annoying crease above my upper lip has! It is definately diminishing.

By far the most surprising thing to me is the overall thickening happening to my skin EVERYWHERE. It feels like there is a thin, rubber mat underneath. I don't know how else to describe it. My eyelids feel like pads instead of thin pieces of skin. My eyeliner is going on much smoother beacause the skin close to the lash line is smoother now. I love it!

I want to thank all of you who write in with their progress. It has really helped me tremendously in staying motivated. I did experience some "awkward" times and just kept working through them because of all the encouragemnet I found here.

Also wanted to mention that Kevin's tip on opening your mouth when doing the lower lid lift really helps. I found early on that I got more resistance doing the exercise this way.

Lucinda
IP: 151.169.112.49

Lower Face Sag Jul 13, 2001

Hi Everyone,

I'm in need of some more encouragement. My upper cheeks--well, one in particular--are starting to build, but it is not affecting the lower area at all. And the problem is that I really don't know how much more I want to build my upper cheeks--particularly on the one side that is more robust right now. To achieve the look that I'm really going for along my jawline and the lower front part of my face, I need to pull some of the skin back up. So, my question is: Will the lower part actually be
pulled up by building the upper part?? I haven't seen any evidence of this yet. Someone please tell me that it worked for you! I'm not giving up, of course, but I'm feeling quite discouraged about this. I'm constantly moving the skin up where I want it and waiting and waiting for the day when it will
actually BE there! I pray I'm not waiting in vain.

PS> Still working on those sassa-frassin folds too! I think I see minute improvement at the top of one fold.

I do not want to discourage you and don't be discouraged, but for me, this took almost a year of flexing to see marked improvement in lower face sag...but IT IS EVIDENT and continuing to improve. (I will never have the firmness I had at 30..or even 40...but the improvement is extremely noticeable from what it was one year ago). I hope that gives you incentive to really go after that area. I held off building upper cheeks here and there along my travels...than continued back...then held off again and so on....you can tell when you are at the build you desire. Just hold off them for awhile, or do less counts...or every 3rd night or something...you will hit a 'balance' that is workable for you.The things I notice most now are the absence of the little pockets sides of mouth....and a more 'defined' jaw line..lessening of jowls and just firmer, better tone and appearance in lower face area. BUT I STILL HAVE SOME SAG....which I did not expect to eliminate without surgery totally. I don't plan to HAVE any surgery...so I will keep on flexin'! but bottem line, yes! it is very much improved! when you build up your neck muscles (and I say when here, not if..as you can) it will define your 'look' moreso even --making the overall appearance that much more satisfactory to you. I am not saying you cannot eliminate sag altogether because since I am not altogether finished...and never will be...I don't know that yet. Just keep at it..

The things I notice most now are the absence of the littlepockets sides of mouth....and a more 'defined' jaw line..lessening of jowls and just firmer, better tone and appearance in lower face area

...Hi, Jean, I don't know if this is exactly related to Lynne's original post, but Jason said a few days ago that the neck exercises seem to pull everything together, and I've noticed that, too. For some reason, spending a little extra effort on the neck exercises seems to make all the others work better for me. So even if I break up my regimen into two or even three sessions in a day, I've started doing the neck exercises at every session. Since I'm still new at this, I may decide to back off of them
after a while, but right now they seem to be a sort of jump-start for all the other movements.

People our age... Jul 11, 2001

Hi, everyone, I just had a great comment yesterday from someone who doesn't know me. A guy in his early 30s said something to me about "people our age." I'm 47 next month, and I don't think he
really believes that I'm 32, but it is clear he thought I'm younger than I am. I've said this here before, but I believe I looked a little younger than my age until about 40 or 41, and then I started aging fast. I did some facial isometrics that helped a little, but I wasn't very disciplined with them, and they didn't begin to do what FlexEffect is doing. Some days I look in the mirror and just can't believe how my face, my skin and my whole look is improving. I've only been doing it about 2 months, and I have a long way to go, but it's encouraging to see improvement that is apparent to others as well as to me. Also something that really helps my FlexEffect is to sleep on my back. I don't like to do it, and often I don't do it, but when I do, I wake up with the effects of the exercises much more apparent than when I wake up with pillow marks and puffy face from sleeping on my side or stomach.

me too...this is a little crazy, but I had such a time adjusting to sleeping on my back that every pm before I went to sleep I would tell myself: I love sleepin on my back,,I enjoy sleeping on my back...I am more rested sleeping on my back etc etc etc...whatever.....actually, this seemed to work after awhile! lol. Now I sleep on my back!..at least I guess I do; I wake up there...and no more pillow puss, or puffy stuff! It is beneficial to sleep on ones back.

Old habits die hard & its great to hear you were able to break it with some "self-talk". Was wondering if you use a pillow? Some say you shouldn't use one, others say its ok but it should
be quite flat, and others say to use a neck roll. My main problem with laying on my back is the pull I feel in the back of my knees. Do you experience this? Using a pillow under the knees is suppose to help, but sometime during the nite the pillow ends up on the floor and Im on my side again!

To help with the morning puffy eyes I use a flat pillow tucked between the mattress and box springs to elevate my head a bit.

You can do ANYTHING if the incentive is strong enough. lol.....no, I don't think I could sleep without a pillow...but I do use a satin one..in case I lapse and turn on the side of my face! no pillow creases ever with satin or silk pillow. I sleep with 2 pillows...I don't think you are 'supposed' to do this, but I have done it since grade school! yes, I often slap a pillow under knees..and like you, by morning it has traveled to some other location. I suppose we could tie it on, but probably cut off our circulation or something. You can just do so much you know. lol. Just repetitiously really attempt to sleep on your back and convince yourself is a good thing (it is)...and eventually your brain will get the message.

Jean

Still Improving! Aug 2,2001

Hi,

I continue to be amazed at the effectivness of Flexeffect. I don't know why but I didn't expect to see much more improvement after I got to the one year mark. It has now been 15 mths and like Sadie I am also seeing dramatic changes. Its like after all these months things are really coming together and I'm really seeing the payoffs now of sticking with this program. It's so exciting to me. Especially when I have never stuck with anything I start before. I love to start a new project but
rarely see it through. Usually just get bored and quit! Well I definitely will stay with this program for life. It works! Even my bad trouble areas are coming around. I especially see a big improvement in my under eye hollows. I had pretty much figured I had taken it as far as it was going to go but I was wrong! They have filled out so much compared to when I first began. And those folds from nose to mouth! I can't believe the improvement I am seeing! They were really bad,runs in the family. So much better now! Just wanted to share my excitement with you all. Oh and one more thing. I have been trying the samples of the trireduction cremes from Skin Bio. I've been using the exfoliater and the trireduction basic on a scar I've had on my cheek. I've had this scar for years and in just three short weeks of using this stuff my scar is now a quarter of the size it was and has flattened out. This really amazed me! This is truly another product that lives up to its claims.

Bonnie
IP: 63.252.148.145

It's just plain bodybuilding... NO DIFFERENCE... you step into a gym, begin lifting weights, start increasing muscle size... little by little you'll began to see changes taking place. Within a year or so, your whole body has taken on a new look (not just bigger biceps etc.) what I call a seasoned look (one who looks like they train... healthy, firm, fit). Whatever made anyone think our faces would be any different???

It only gets better girl. Thanks for the report.

Hi Bonnie.

I'm just curious as to how many days a week you do the exercises and do you do all of them? At first I thought we were supposed to do them everyday but now it sounds like we should only do them 5 times a week.

Jo Anne

Hi Jo Anne,

I do all the exercises on the video plus every exercise that has been posted on this board from the book. I don't as yet have the book but plan to get it when my finances improve. When I first began I tried to do the exercises everyday. Now I do them five days a week.

Bonnie

No longer discouraged Jul 6, 2001

Was really discouraged not seeing the results I hoped for after 2 l/2 mo of flexing, but I had the most encouraging 4th of July.

I dreaded showing my face in broad sunny daylight because that lower furrow looked worse than ever to me and the tiny starburst wrinkles on the upper mouth cast a dark shadow like a mustache.
Oh well, I went to the picnic anyway.

A gal, 20 yrs. my jr., came over to apologize. She asked me to forgive her if I happened to notice that she's been staring at me lately (I see her once a wk.) She said "You are so beautiful, I just cant help it". Me! I was shocked, especially because she's a Mary K rep who deals with lots of truly "beautiful people" and she is so young herself. Its got to be because of flexing, I thought.

Then I saw my sister-in-law who hasn't seen me since I started flexing. She told me I looked good and that something was definitely different about me. As we talked she kept studying me, and after about 2 hrs she figured it out. Where are your nose-to-mouth lines, they're gone--is it the exercises you told me about? (I do still have a faint line, but hardly noticable). I showed her how to do the exercise for it, and suggested she check out Flexeffect on line for herself.

That evening, no longer discouraged, I remebered it was the anniversary of my first date with my husband 31 years ago!

Terri
IP: 130.101.2.179

Wow, Terri.

That's great!!!   I, too, didn't see any difference. I've been flexing since February.   I was taking pictures once a month (actually 2 pics) but then ran out of poloroid film. I recently had my picture taken for my ID at work and I look like a different person!!   This is so great. I'm still waiting for my
first, in person compliment though. I'll report when it happens. Well, I did get a compliment back a couple of months ago but they didn't notice I looked any different so I don't know if that counts. I might have just had a good day!!! :)

Rita

Hi Terri,

It feels good, doesn't it. Especially knowing that all that hard work is beginning to pay off!! I went to buy some alcohol yesterday for the camping trip this weekend. (Yes, I know it's bad for your face, body, hair, life, etc......but on rare occasions ya hafta live, ya know). The girl at the counter was
only 26 years old. She asked to see my ID. When she saw my birthdate on my license, she was totally amazed. She said she thought I was a lot younger than she was and then asked me if I
get carded a lot. I said that it had become a fairly frequent occurrence on the rare occasions that I go out. Nice feeling, yeah? And it helps to keep ya motivated. So you go, girl! :-)

Jason

Very pleased with results Jun 29,2001

I've been flexing since the beginning of May (2001) and am very pleased and amazed by the quick results, especially my neck area. I can see also that my jowls have greatly improved and my entire
jawline has become much more defined. My neck was rather baggy and saggy, but not any more! I'm a believer (like the song says)! This is far better than surgery because it's natural. I try to do
the exercises every day, although I don't do all 40, and have been adding reps to the exercises for those particular areas I want to see the most results in. Is this okay to do, especially the head lift, which I really feel? Also, how does one learn to teach these exercises? I'd love to show people at my local gym. Thanks!

Tess
IP: 167.10.240.18

Hi Tess,

May I be the first to formally congratulate you! I started about 6 weeks ago now and am still waiting for some results. (I haven't given up!) I'm happy for you! Keep on keepin' on. As for the gym question, I had the same thought. Once I get results, I think that I'd love to share the ideas with others. I was thinking about some of the women at my local gym. I'm sure we'd have to ask Debbie's permission and of course, to connect the people with the program so that they'd buy the product. Debbie might have some sort of quiz or something that she'd have you take so that she could be sure you're teaching the exercises properly. We wouldn't want to show people the wrong thing!

1 1/2 yr of flexing and no results Jun 26, 2001

Hi everyone,

I would like ALL flexors not to be shy and respond to this message. I've been flexing for 1 1/2 years with almost no detectable improvement. One good thing, I haven't gotten new wrinkles (thank God!). In other words, I haven't gotten worse or better. However, my neck is still a little loose - never tightened even though it wasn't so bad that it needed surgery. The bottom line is that non of my problems were at a point I need plastic surgery. They were at a point where flexing should have
helped.

Flexing is a time consuming procedure. For me to continue, I need to hear from not only the advocates but the unsure flexors as well.

Thanks for your feedback,
Jamie
IP: 165.121.117.101

I am just curious if you took pictures...before flexing and after. Although I would think after 1 1/2 yrs you would notice some kind of improvement even so. If you don't mind my asking what is your age? Did you have any sag at the start? I am 47 and have been doing the exercises for 14 mths. I do notice improvements but still hope to see more. So I will continue. Actually I'm happy with what I have achieved so far. But there are still areas that need work. I do think pictures really help us to see what progress we've made. I did not take pictures but a friend took some of me and my kids over the holidays and gave them to me. That's when I could really see the improvements. They weren't so noticeable to me in the mirror but quite apparent in the pictures. Also the way I look at it this exercise program is preventative as well as rehabilitative. So I figure I've held off another years
worth of muscle atrophy. Its what keeps me going along with the improvements.

Bonnie

Hi Jamie

I, too, am curious if you took pics? or have any pics taken before you began flexing? Also, curious if you did the 'test' in Deb's book...re: how much loose skin you can pinch or whatever.prior to flexing...then into flexing, etc. I have been flexing almost one yr., am 58...and though all is not 'perfection;'it never was to start with! Improvement however is noticeable and ongoing. Did you do all the ex? daily?..increase count? double up? do variations therein? Did you do all of the neck ex that are mentioned in workshop and elsewhere? I am curious also.....keep us posted.

Jean

Hi Jamie

How often do you flex? Its hard to believe that you would diligently persist with the exercises for l l/2 years without any results! That's dedication. What results were you expecting to be accomplished?

I was just thinking today that I need some encouragement to keep up the flexing after only 2 mo. My bottom furrow line has become longer & a new line has branched off of it. Im hoping one of two
things is happening. l. They say that sometimes an area seems worse for a time before you see improvement or 2. Im not performing the exercise correctly. I hope the set-back is just temporary. I too could use a "keep at it girl"!!! Long time flexers have you experienced a similar situation with a problem area?

Hi Jamie,

Sorry to hear that Jamie. Is this your first time on the board in 1 1/2 years? Sincerely, I'm not trying to be rude at all, but if you were having such trouble obtaining results, I just wonder why I have never heard from you before. Were you consistent in your training schedule? What exercises were you doing? Some or all?

While I am a certified trainer, I receive NO compensation for my time on the board, so if it didn't work for me I would have NO reason to be supportive. I love FlexEffect and will continue to
perform the exercises for the rest of my life. The only thing I can say is that it works for me.

Jason

Hi Jamie

I started flexing a little over a year ago. I was 38+. I too was at a point where I certainly didn't need plastic surgery, but I was beginning to see the first signs of aging: my lips were thinning slightly, my eyelids were the tiniest bit droopy, my cheeks were more hollow, and my neck was starting to sag. In the year that I've been doing flexeffect, I have most definitely noticed a turn-around everywhere except my neck. All the sagging I noticed in my face has reversed (though my cheeks are not quite as full as they were in my twenties). The only real problem remaining is my neck. I must say that I have worked VERY hard during the last year. Not just in terms of frequency (6-7 days/wk) but in terms of the effort I've put into each session(concentration, long counts, etc.) Yes, it is definitely
time-consuming, but now it has become part of my day,like any exercise routine. I should also point out that my skin was always in good condition, from diligent sun-avoidance over the years--so maybe that played a role. It is only my neck that continues to frustrate me...and I don't know what's up with that...

Hi Ann,

Like you, my neck area appears worse than any other area. I do every neck exercise I can think of including some I've invented for my work outs at the gym. I sure wish I could hear about some
innovative approaches for the neck. What about Dermal Tone and there is also a neck exerciser (forgot the name) that you place under neck and squeeze against it.

Good luck! I'm continuing to exercise even though I don't see results - just in case I'd look worse if I stopped - who knows. And I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and responses. But, gosh, I sure wish I could tighten my neck!! It bothers me more than any area on my face.

Take care,
Jamie

Hi Jamie:

I'm 47. I've been flexing for nearly 17 months and there's no way I'll quit. No, I don't look 25, but realistically I think I look better than what I did 17 months ago and hate to think how I would look today had I not discovered flexeffect. Older, I'm sure. I, too have had a problem with my neck and exercise has helped that area, however, in my situation this is genetic and I find that if I cut back on fat intake, the sag nearly disappears,however, diet alone doesn't work for me WITHOUT exercise. Of all the improvements I've made, the improvement I'm pleased with the most is the jowl area and how defined it looks. My stubborn areas are the top furrow and the line between the eyebrows. These areas look better but have not totally gone away, but I'm not worried about it because it looks
better than it did. I feel lucky to know these exercises because I feel I'm in on a secret that the majority of women don't even know about that works.

One thing you might want to try is to stop flexing for a month or two and see how you look. Hopefully you'll appreciate how you looked while you flexed.

Becky

To Sadie Re: improvement Jun 24, 2001

Hi Sadie,

I recall from an earlier post that you began to see a significant improvement at about 18 months of flexing. I was wondering if you started to do anything different like doubling up or increasing repetitions. I am at 14 months now and am hoping to still see some improvement. Did you have alot of loose skin to begin with or was your face fairly toned? I had a lot of loose skin from weight loss and much of it has tightened, but have a ways to go. Thanks.

Hi Ellen,

There were improvements all along, say from month 2 or 3, but I did notice the most dramatic improvements after the one year mark. I hadn't lost any weight so I didn't have loose skin. What
I noticed about my face for several years before I began flexing was that it appeared to be "sliding down"--I don't think "sagging" is the right word because it didn't appear to be loose, just that everything on my face was getting a pronounced downward slant.

As far as more repetitions, etc., I do two sets of each exercise on particular trouble spots. Do you use anything topically (Retin A, copper peptide, emu oil, vitamins, etc?)on your face? Do you
exercise and eat a good diet including supplements? Drink lots of water? I would imagine all these would help with your skin. What improvements have you seen thus far on your face?

Sadie

Hi Sadie,

Thanks for your response. I started using Skin Biology products (CP serum, Emu oil, glycolic cream) since February. I have seen some improvement and will continue to use. I think my biggest
problem was that I lost weight too quickly, resulting in alot of loose skin and muscle atrophy from being on bed rest during pregnancy. Up till this time, I have looked about 10 years younger than my age (I am now 42). My skin has actually gotten worse since I started Flexeffect in April of last year.
My face looks more lifted however, so I will continue. I don't attribute my skin condition to flexing because I feel that something else was taking place in my body during the time that it was getting bad. Free radical damage I think. I was eating poorly and having perimenapausal symptoms like waking up dehydrated and having cold sweats at night. I have improved my diet and started lite exercise. Perhaps in my case I have more to reverse than the average person my age. Thanks for sharing your experience. It's been helpful.

Optimum Effects Jun 18, 2001

Hi,

Just wondering, if the exercises are performed daily how long should it take to reach the best results a person should expect? I have been doing all forty exercises daily for the last four-five months and am very pleased with the results I have obtained so far, my face is very firm and have achieved noticeable muscle growth in the cheek and eye areas. Should I expect to see continued improvement or is it usual to reach a plateau where results are just maintained? Any experiences from long term Flexers would be great!

Hi! It is my personal experience that the longer time frame you do the exercises in, the more the benefits. I am (almost) to the one year mark and results are far more dramatic than at, say, 3 mos....5 mos, etc etc. In my case, I believe optimal response is not realized fully until well into the one yr mark and beyond...depending on condition you began with! A lot has to do with extent of sun damage, atrophy, age, etc. when you start...determines somewhat how long ongoing results will be forthcoming....stay with it; you will be pleased. In order to see results, you have to faithfully participate in the outcome! Just be persistent is best approach. lol. you WILL be glad you
remained persistent. Flexing isn't anywhere near an 'instant fix', you will see results almost right away; however, while some problem areas are going to take you longer..just like in any exercise regimen. Nothing happens overnight. (wish it did!) You will be so pleased that you will be encouraged to stay with it!

My progress so far Jun 9, 2001

Hi. This is so exciting for me. I've always had dark circles under my eyes and tried every concealer out there to cover them, and I had a lot of puffiness. I tried cucumbers which I've heard work, but made everything worse. Then 3 months ago, I started doing Lower Lid Lift twice a day and tonight I went to buy a concealer and the girl told me that I don't need a heavy one because they're only for people with dark circles. To me that was the best complement I've had in a long time. I've been
doing the other exercises too and I've seen some nice results but I doubled up on the Lower Lid Lift. I just wanted to share that because I've seen so many people concerned with under the eye. The exercises really do work and the area under my eye is so smooth looking now.

Jo Anne
IP: 152.163.206.182

I had same problem; took me longer than 3 mos., so you are really doing great with it. The diff here is really nice. I rarely even have to use concealer any longer..just now and again I use very lightly (Laura Mercier) as I find it 'slips' well and seems very light. I used to buy concealer like other people buy loaves of bread..I had an entire arsenal of under eye concealers of which none of them actually worked longer than l0 minutes, tops! lol. Congrats! I nearly jumped out of my skin
when this area began to 'show' real progress!

Neck Exercise Jun 5, 2001

Just want to share my neck. lol. The area I thought initially was a total wash-out and no amount of anything would improve it. Deb's exercises have! Plus the skin on my neck is looking better and better, but the build up under chin area is the most impressive to me. Took long time and I still want to build further.....but I got one of those super short haircuts with wispys in front of ears and close to my head in back with little wisps at hairline. I could have never carried off a haircut like this a year ago. My hairstylist said: quote: You have such a pretty neck and such tiny ears, why don't we try...... so there you have it! thanks to flexing!! {NO ONE has ever told me I have a 'pretty neck'). I could have never worn a short, short haircut previously. I know neck is hard area for most of us
older flexers....even though I have read it is 'easiest place to build'....was not easy for me! So, if you are having difficulties with neck area or discouraged, take heart!!!

I am not sure which worked the best above others. I do them all..anywhere I can...anytime...any neck ex I can find or hear about, plus the ones Olympia advised (in Workshop pages now I
think)....yes...I do enzyme peels on neck, use Cetaphyl on neck, use products from Hope Aesthetics on neck, and CP's have greatly helped the 'discoloration' from sun-damage. I have what appears to be almost like a rope burn on left side of neck, way back....been there for yrs. Redness and blotchiness on neck and chest in general has faded considerably...but what I am most pleased with is the build front of neck, where I was beginning to develop 'turkey neck'. I could get a bunch of this between thumb and finger in my pre-flex 'pinch test'....now this area is FIRM and sides of my neck look as if I work out..very firm and strong looking. I LIKE this more than I can tell you!! This area was such a maddening problem for me..and gets better monthly. These ex help the jowls as well! A big bunch.

Hi Jean

Your note about the improvements to your neck area was very inspiring. I am also struggling with this area. (the beginnings of turkey-neck!) I was wondering if you do any weight-bearing exercises. For example, the head lift, with a weight held against your forehead? If so, do you do these weight-bearing exercises daily--or every other day? I've been doing head-lift with a weight, but alternating days because I'm assuming the neck muscles are more like "body" muscles than "facial"
muscles, and (like body muscles) need rest periods in order to grow. What's been your experience?

Thanks!
Ann

Hi Ann

I do all of the exercises in the video and book for the neck area..and the one Jason posted some time back where you stand, doing ex similar to chest pull, stick your chin out and do an exaggerated chewing motion. Also head lift. One I particularly love is place your right hand against the right side of your head, press slightly to offer resistance, then, keeping your eyes looking straight ahead, try to turn your head to the right and look over your right shoulder. Your hand should prevent you head
from turning. then, as though you have lost the battle, allow your right hand to push your head to the left as far as you can. repeat this w/left hand on left side of your head. do both sides ten x. (From The Take Charge Beauty Book, Aubrey Organics)..also doing head roll.....all the chin and jawline ones assist as well...To firm up chin and neck area...Make an open-mouthed (turned down) grimace, pulling this muscle tightly so that you feel the muscles in the neck also pulling and tightening. Hold this expression a few seconds, then relax your mouth into a normal position. repeat l0 x. The one I do Olympia posted: Stand in a relaxed, erect position, holding dumbbells at your side with a neutral grip. Your shoulders should be rounded forward but sloping downward at the beginning of the movement. Raise your shoulders as high as possible, then back as far as possible. lower the wt and repeat the movement. this is excellent! hope is a help.

Hi Jean

One ex. I like for the neck & jowls is on Facial Magic video I have. Maybe Deb has it in her book, but I haven't ordered mine yet. Have you tried this? Looking straight in front of you tip your head back to make the neck area feel taut (like looking up at the ceiling); turn your head to one side (keeping the neck taut), look over your shoulder and push out your lower jaw. You can really feel the pull in your jaw and neck. :)

1 month Flexing and reaping rewards Jun 5, 2001

Just wanted to let everyone know that I had an unexpected compliment and I know its due to the flexing. A man in the store asked me if I knew how much I looked like Jacquline Bissett in her younger days. I thanked him and told him no one has said that to me since I was in my 20's! Made my day. P.S. I don't think I look like her, but I had her shape at one time before the sags and now its returning thanks to the program!

Terri
IP: 130.101.2.15

Time with FlexEffect May 29, 2001

I have been doing Deb's exercises for a grand total of 9 months (with one month off).

I am just now noticing an overall firmness to my face. I have been probably one of the most skeptical of all, but now know that there truly is something to this. It really does work. I have crepiness right outside the corners of my mouth and even though not gone, it is looking smoother! I'm finally a believer! It does take time and diligence but it feels so good that I don't mind!!!!!

I don't know about reducing wrinkles on the chin, but I know the program works. I've been doing some isometric face exercises (not very diligently) since February, and I began Deb's program very diligently about three weeks ago, and my face is making dramatic changes. I'm 46, and my chin is already more defined than it has ever been -- AND I'm suddenly getting a Kirk-Douglas-style cleft in it, and I don't know where that's coming from. I started by just doing most of the exercises in the Deb's book, and now I'm up to all 40 of them. I usually do most of them the recommended 10 times to a count of six. If you're at all interested in improving or even just maintaining your looks, Deb's exercises are great. As a newbie, I can tell major changes already (my top furrow was horrible, and it's already lessening noticeably; and the high cheekbones I had when I was young are showing up again) but I've read enough on this board to tell that people who have been doing them longer have experienced dramatic changes far beyond what I have. If you try these exercises, I don't think you'll be sorry.

Hi Cheryl

Facial exercises can help to reduce lines and wrinkles by increasing the muscle size and filling in the area. It may also help due to the increased circulation. For deep lines and wrinkles you may not be able to do a great deal for them through exercises and may need to look at skin care options in
conjunction with facial exercises. Look at Tori's before and after pictures to get a good idea of what you can do. Her lines have been greatly reduced after one year but they have not been eliminated. Yet still, the difference is phenomenal. You just have to get in there and see what you can do with the exercises. Results will vary person to person largely depending upon consistency and dedication to making it work, just like with any exercise program. Also, the earlier you start, the better. Don't
wait until major sag has set in....makes it that much harder.

Jason

Yes! don't wait until major sag has set in. I wish I had known about flex effect 10 yrs ago; or better even, 20 yrs ago..but I didn't. (probably would not have had the staying power then at that time anyway; thinking sag could never happen to me!) I have had great effects from this program....and I know with the effects I have been able to realize at approaching 59, if I had started earlier, I would not be working so hard at it NOW...point being, if I can realize marked visible effects at my point in
time, imagine what you can accomplish beginning at an early age. Though very pleased with what I have achieved, I will never know what I may have achieved had I the knowledge of this earlier on.
so go for it!

Still with it May 24, 2001

Hi Deb, I'm the Fireman from NYC. We spoke over the phone about two years ago. Well, I'm still with it. Thanks for this great program. I just wanted to say to anyone that may be getting a little discouraged, to hang in there. If you want to see fast results (more is better). I do a count of 30, 5 X on the areas that I feel need it most. You really work the muscle and see the pump. I also end Deb's workout with this little device called Facial Flex. It's different, in that your mouth is moving, like
weight lifting. Thanks again Deb,

If this can help someone, I'd be happy to tell my story. Being middle aged and recently divorced I found myself up during the night and a perfect target for all the info commercials. In the dating scene again I let my vanity get the best of me. So there I was buying and trying everything on the market. I started a program simular to Deb's but not as aggressive. At best I was getting a rested look. Now, finding that I got some results I looked further and found Deb's progam. Wow, big difference. With being more aggressive and not worrying about stretching the skin, I saw dramatic results. At the time,(about two years ago)I called Deb with some questions and to my amazement she got back to me. That alone says a lot. I found that "more is better" when it comes to facial exercise. If someone really wants to see dramatic results, they can. You just have to beef up the intencity. I do 26 of Deb's exercises. I hold with resistance for a fast count of 30, and I repeat this 5 times. When I'm finished with each muscle group there is a very noticable build and filling in that area. Where as with just a quick count of 6 or so I wasn't getting it. That's probably good for beginners. When I'm finished with the routine I end with a little device called Facial Flex. That seems to put the finishing
touch on the entire mouth area. Just one more thing. I had to stop Flex Effect for a few months but when I started back I gained what was lost within a week. You can always start right back up again. I hope this was helpful to someone. Hang in there!

Great Results May 22, 2001

Hi,
Just wanted to say how fabulous the FlexEffect programme is. I've been doing all forty exercises daily now for the past eight weeks and I'm so impressed with the results so far, they really do work! I've had so many comments from people on how well I'm looking that I think I'll be hooked for life!! The best thing is no longer having to worry about ageing, I really do believe that with FlexEffect Deb has found the secret to keeping (and even improving!) your looks. Thanks so much, from one very happy customer.

The main reason I started the FlexEffect programme was to try and give my face a fuller look. I naturally have a thin face but over the last couple of years it had become more gaunt looking and was frequently getting comments about how tired I was looking. Since starting the exercises my face has definately filled out especially around the cheek area, I now have lovely round 'apple' cheeks when I smile. My eye area has also seen great results, before they were very hollow but after doubling up on the eye exercises from about the third week, the hollows have filled out nicely and my eyes appear larger - much like they were when I was younger. My skin is also looking heathier, probably a combination of the facial massage which I do every other day and also using P and R cream from Skinbiology. I still have a way to go to achieve the results I'm looking for, but I have no doubt that I will achieve them going on the benefits I've already gained. I know some people reading this may think I'm exagerating the differences these exercises have made to me already, I wouldn't
have believed it myself two months ago!! But I do think that dedication and perseverence are the keys to making these exercises work for you.

Best Wishes, Rah.

Hi Rah,

That sounds great...and I'm using the same products as you are too. (I've already noticed a much nicer skin tone with the CP products.) About the under-eye hollows, which exercises did you
use to get your hollows filled out?? I'm working on that as well. I'd be ecstatic if I could fill mine in...

Lynne

For under eye hollows, I've been doing the Lower Lid Lift morning and evening for ten repitions but holding the muscles until they start to ache. I've really had to work hard at this one because initially I found it difficult to locate the muscles as they had very little strength and found I was ending up literally just screwing my face up in an attempt to get the muscles to move!! It does take time to get the hang of this exercise and immediately after exercising I do find the under eye area looks a little more lined but this is only temporary and usually corrects itself after a few minutes.Hope this helps.....Rah.

Hi Rah.

I feel stupid asking this but are under eye hollows very dark circles? I have circles really bad and I've tried every product out there trying to cover them. I've been doing lower lid lifts every day for the past few weeks and I know that's not long enough but I was hoping for a little improvement there. Did you have circles and are they gone now?

Jo Anne

Hi Jo Anne,

I can really sympathise with you where dark circles are concerned, I've always suffered from them even as a child and I do still have them even with exercising although they are much improved now. I would say that eye hollows and dark circles are different problems, although having hollows will certainly make dark circles appear worse. Hollows could be described as sunken areas around the eyes, mine always looked worse when I was tired. The Lower Lid Lift will certainly help this, it definately has worked for me but I do still have to wear concealer under my eyes to cover the dark circles. I've tried lots of different concealers over the years and have found that Dermablend Quick
Fix Concealer to be the best by far, it's the only one that I come back to time after time. Keep up the exercises though because they really are worth it!

All the best....Rah

To Deb a Green apple Thanks! May 4, 2001

I really want to thank you, Deb for well over a year of your patience, effort and encouragement. I didn't know or really believe when I started that skin could actually look BETTER as time went on! But you stood by your theory and allowed me to ask you many, many questions. You encouraged me to continue when I got worried and you shared your beauty secrets including ideas about
Retin A's and Renova. You give us a board to share our progress. (even when our name appears toooo much!)

You emailed me, you called me and you walked me through it all. You are a continual inspiration on how to actually help yourself. You showed me how to feel positive about skincare.

You know, you are quite remarkable so hey, thank you any great feedback I get. For the ability to look ahead at aging and not running screaming to the nearest martini! (doesn't mean I still don't run to a good martini -especially Green Apple, but now I can toast you with it instead)

Thanks, Girlfriend!!
Jae
IP: 38.29.80.133

Hi. I realize flexing is about lift and not about wrinkles exactly....but since build and lift do tend to smooth out some and put some into oblivion someplace, what are the chances of smoothing out a whole bunch? I am so encouraged by 'loosing' just two that now I am really gung ho, and I was fairly gung ho before. Explain to us technically why some lines and wrinkles seem to disappear with flexing. Is it building muscle alone, or the benefits to the skin itself? or a combo? or location? or
extent of damage in a particular area? I am just curious because it seems so amazing how this could be physically possible....yet is before my very eyes. I have an instinct that massaging has great deal to do with this in some way or other. whatever, I am happy....just very curious for a clinical
explanation. Did you experience this too?

The wrinkles disappearing is due to a combination of exercising, which increases the mass of the muscle which pushes out the skin. Also the increase blood flow assists with repair of damaged tissue. Additionally, since your skin care regimen sounds to be advanced, I'm sure the combination of good skin care and exercising have been responsible for the disappearance of lines. Remember, lines are an indication of skin damage. Exercising, in addition to advanced skin care, helps us to repair the damage that years of neglect or abuse have caused.

Congratulations on your achievement. Your testimony is an encouragement to us all.

Jason

To Jean. Bribery works !!! May 4, 2001

Ha!! You are too funny!! OK for me it might be the 100 bills that I leave hanging out of my pockets - well, whatever works!!

My joke with all of my friends used to be - for years - that it really made me mad when someone asked me age because when I told them they would just nod their heads and go "OH". What.. where was the - "You COULDN'T be??"

And now they are. I sometimes have other women who I know are about the same age say to me "You wouldn't know about this, you're too young." Since it all started to change within the year, I know it has to do with Deb's program and the changes I've made in skin care. I exercise my face and my skincare got gentler, more natural and less irritating.

I actually have a problem because I know that I don't try enough to dress up. Most of the time I am in my garden with 4 dogs. So for me, it makes me feel good because I know that I am taking care of myself. It is not plastic surgery, which my friends are doing. Or expensive clothes and jewelry or facials and hai cuts that cost $$$$. It is simply wanting to be my best. NOT younger.I don't ever want to go back even 1 year. I would like to feel that I look healthy for my age. I think it is healthy for woman to care about themselves but not enough to let age panic us. Use age to get better. Mentally, spiritually and physically. I have started working out, too. I want a healthy heart, a healthy body. A balanced life all the way around.

I think that when we are excited about life we look forward with joy and hope. I love the quote "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be". Robert Browning.

Life makes us better, doesn't it?!

Jae
IP: 38.29.80.245

Hi Jae,

Congratulations on your great results. I have been flexing on and off for about a year but feel that I need to step it up to get more results. How many times a week do you do the exercises and do you do them all? Do you mind sharing your morning and evening routines and which products you use? I've read some of your previous post re: cp's and Hope Aesthetics. There are soooo many choices out there, I feel like I'm going to go broke trying everything. Thanks for any tips you can give.

2 less wrinkles! May 3, 2001

O.K. I've got one for you. Nasal labial folds. yes, I counted my wrinkles there last summer when I began flexing....o.k....I have 2, count them T W O TWO TWO TWO TWO LESS WRINKLES..tis true. On either side! And a little fine line that was beneath these 'craters' has all but evaporated...or gone where diminished lines go? (Probably crop up in my forehead!)....but
for the moment are OVER...DONE WITH....GONE!!!! Now, Jason, explain that! (smile). FLEXING DOES ASSIST WITH WRINKLES! I DON'T KNOW ABOUT TOTALLY OBLITERATING THEM, BUT THEY HAVE GONE SOMEWHERE off in the ozone....not on my face!!!!! They are simply not there...and to me, that seems totally obliterated. It cannot be ALL the results of products I am using...as I have used trillions of those with great huge effects to the skin
itself...some effect on wrinkles, but not monumental. What other ones I have are 'softened'..but these aforementioned 2 are gone!My face is 'fuller' in this area..so perhaps they haven't "gone" anywhere, but they DON'T SHOW!!! That is good enough for me!

Jean

A few ideas? May 2, 2001

Hi there, my friend has the flexeffect book which I came across when visiting her on holiday to Florida (I live in London), and she had nothing but good things to say about it. After 5 years
of not seeing her she looks better than ever. Obviously I took great interest in flexeffect so she also mentioned you had a very helpful website and I was wondering if I could have a few hints to start me off before I purchase any items.I have a very small petite face with angular features. What I would like to achieve through facial exercises is to round off these features esp areas like the mouth as I have a pointy chin with jowls at the side of the lips. Also to plump up the under eyes and cheekbones. I know that is alot to ask,so I am mainly concerned about the mouth area.Thank you very much for your time

Nina
IP: 212.137.234.209

Thank you Deb Apr 17, 2001

I can't thank you enough for your program. I ordered the tape about a year ago. I did it a few times and like so many other "fitness" tapes, they ended up in the cabinet. I just couldn't find the time to do it consistently. I got it out last week and really started the program with gusto and in only five days my face is getting so firm and I already see some lift. I am so happy I got the tape out again. I am making the time now. It is so worth it. I have a 25th class reunion in July and I know the jowls will be gone by then and there will be even more lift. Again, thank you so much....I'm looking younger already!

Cindy
IP: 206.162.212.30

under eye area Apr 7, 2001

Hiya! Um,okay-I'm in my early thirties & I've had Deb's flexeffect video for aprox. a year- I did the program for about a week & a half. I noticed that I had less puffiness under my eyes & the dark circles under my eyes definitely improved in that short time. But then I got scared & insecure because of some article I read that was in opposition to facial exercises. I don't know if it was just the natural aging process or the short time I did the exercises,butafter that,it seemed that I had aquired a couple of tiny fold lines immeadiatly under my eyes that I'd never noticed before. So I think all I really need now is some encouragement,someone to tell me that it isn't going to make my eyes worse
Mae
IP: 208.177.130.218

Hi Mae

When done properly, the exercises will not cause any lines or wrinkles to form. I've done them religiously for over two years without causing a single line. While I am a certified FlexEffect
instructor, I have no vested interest in FlexEffect. I donate my time and opinions to the board free of charge. No kickbacks (darn it! LOL) no salary .....nada. So I have nothing to gain or lose by telling you this. Go for it. You'll be happy you did!

Jason

Results Mar 29, 2001

I just wanted to write and say that I have now been doing FlexEffect for almost one year. It is really working because I can see an obvious improvement in the firmness of my face! It no longer has that drab almost sagging look and my upper lip appears lifted and fuller.On top of that, I am suddenly hearing "oh, I thought you were like 27 or 28"...fyi, I am almost 37. I also have been carded twice, Wow! I'm gonna keep doing this forever and avoid plastic surgery in my future. Thanks Deb!

~Lynne
IP: 208.237.135.21

Vertical lines gone Mar 21, 2001

Hello everyone,

I thought that when I got my first positive flexing result, I would share it with you. The major change I see is with my lip area. I understand that this is the easiest muscle to correct. I had fairly deep vertical lines on both my upper and lower lips. I do not smoke and have been flexing (not all 40 exercises, of course) for 6 months. I am 48 yrs. old. I am constantly doing the 'bite the upper and lower lips' exercise. What ever it is called. It works. What I have seen first is a larger lip, which
is in Vogue, you know, and then today, I noticed that the lines are GONE. Vanished. I will look tomorrow for them, but I don't think they are coming back. By the way, this is an easy exercise
to do. I do it in the car and at work (in my office when no one is around). Just thought some of you might be interested in correcting this area as well.

Karen
IP: 216.112.40.166

me too. this was an area that really pleased me to pieces. I, too have deep verticle lines. I still have some of them but they are so much better than prior to flexing...it is really an encouragement to see these kind of results. I have been flexing since last summer..about 9 mos. I do same ex you do for
this area and they are so very effective I do some of them several times a day also and yes, they are so easy!!!

Jean.

I am not very good at doing all of the 40 exercises. I do only some of them. A couple for eyes, a couple for cheeks / jowls (that are nearly impossible to correct) a quick neck exercise, couple for the forehead, and the lips. I ONLY do 'bite the lips' (don't know the name)for my lip exercise. I don't think it is in my set of flashcards. This is such an easy exercise that I do it several times a day. You see, it doesn't take any hands, so I don't worry about contaminating my eyes or mouth or messing up what little makeup I wear. You will first notice that the size of your upper lip will increase (a little). It won't puff out like some of the lip stick models, so don't worry. After a while, the lines disappear. They are still gone. I checked today. I still have one on my lower lip, so I will press on that section more. It appears to be deeper than the other lines.

Bye.
Karen
P.S. Rita, I re-read your message and see that you said you were exercising for 6 WEEKS! Let me know in 3 MONTHS. It takes time. At least for me it does.

Muscle tone and wrinkles Mar 13, 2001

Hello again,

I have been facial exercising now for about 6 months. I have a horrible time sticking to any consistent schedule, but I am managing to do the major groups of face muscles every day
(almost). My question is about the wrinkles under my eyes. I have 4 fairly deep lines under each eye that have developed during the past year. I am 48 years old. When I do the 'cheek raiser' exercise, they disappear entirely. The problem is - they come back. How do I get them to stay away permanently? What do you think?

Karen
IP: 216.112.40.166

Hi!

If my experience is any normal indication, I think the area will build up in time. Doing lower lid lift helps a lot...but it does take time. some of us have more fluid buildup in this area than others, and different at diff times of day...i.e. a.m's upon awakening, etc. Jason can give real input on this re fluid, etc. some things won't be helped by flexing. building the muscle will be; however. I had bad lines there...now the area is quite smooth considering all my other undesirable factors! lol. I was
really amazed how this area built...but it took time. I have been flexing since last summer. go to Workshop..there's a lot of valuable info on this particular problem area there. often topical treatments on this area assist as well.

Karen

Flexing will help to fill out wrinkles but, especially if they're deep, won't irradicate them. Wrinkles are a sign of skin damage, thus the issue is less one of sag than skin integrity. There are a wide array of cosmeceuticals out there purporting to eliminate or reverse wrinkles. None of them that I am familiar with will eliminate deep wrinkles. For deep wrinkle elmination you will have to explore options such as chemical, laser, or series of dermabrasion peels. A dermatologist would be able to advise you on what would be appropriate for you.

Jason

Variations of Deb's ex's and up-date Mar 9, 2001

Hey Jason,

As always, your posts are great! I've been looking through the board for the variations of Deb's exercises, (that you discovered) and can't find them all. If you could find a special place to put them up, I am sure everyone would love to try them! It will inspire us to follow Deb's advice to "be creative"! How about listing them by your e mail address? Just to have them together in some place where we can all find them easily, would be wonderful!!! Please. 0:-) Ok...now for an update:
It has been one year and a half, and I am still seeing results!!! Things just keep improving slowly but surely. My niece who is 21 (with beautiful flawless skin) asked me to show her the exercises. She said it is "so awesome" to see something that works so well, that she wants to start early. She likes exercising, and said, "why not just include the face", since it is part of the body! Wish I had been so wise when I was her age! But thank God it is never too late!

Anyway, for us vets, the trick seems to be creativity! Now that we KNOW it works, it is just a matter of knowing one's face, and getting to know the muscles better. As always Deb, I can't thank you enough for all the help and support you give to us. EVERY piece of advice you have given me has worked, just as you say it will. So, once again I am thanking you for so generously sharing your expertise.

Ok Jason........can't wait to try all your, variations on Deb's exercises. Your information is always an incredible help! No pressure though! LOL

Eileen
IP: 209.240.221.128

Exercise Question Feb 21, 2001

Hi everyone

I have been doing the exercises from the video for about 10-11 months and I see a big improvement,especially in certain areas. I am still having problems with one exercise that I just can't
seem to master. It is the one where you place your thumbs under your chin and then press down while keeping you mouth slightly open. You are suppose to feel this in your temples but I have yet to get the proper placement of my thumbs to feel it there. Any suggestions or other exercises that I could do to replace this one. I need to tighten up the area around my temples..which seems to pull up on the lower face and help with smile lines around the eyes.

Thanks for your help.
Rhonda
IP: 209.255.228.42

Hi!
Try doing this one with your lips closed and teeth apart. It took me FOREVER to be able to 'feel this in my temples'. see if this will work a little better for you.
Jean

Rhonda,

You must open your mouth very wide. I place my thumbs just under the tip of my chin.

Hope that helps!

Jason

One year up-date! Feb 20, 2001

Thought I would give an update. This month marks one year of flexing. Since last February I’ve seen wonderful changes all around. All areas of my face have built nicely and I could almost say that the time has come after using Retin-A for nearly 11 years that I could actually put it up if I really wanted to, but since it helps my break-outs, I won’t be able to totally stop using it, but use it less and use it in areas that need a little help. There are areas that need improvement like top furrow (for which I’ve incorporated my own exercise by putting right thumb under left top furrow, placing left index finger and middle finger over top left furrow, (feel thumb through furrow), lock on, then pull down toward mouth and try to smile. Do other side). Doing this exercise in conjunction with Deb’s other top furrow exercise has helped this area.

The neck area has built up nicely on both sides but the sag right up under the neck is not totally gone. In my case, I notice that diet plays a major role. If I cut out fats, the sag is almost gone. I should mention too that this is genetic. Flexing has helped this area but I see it’s going to take longer
than a year to really reach that goal.

My jawline looks more defined than I've seen it in years.

I'm pleased to mention that my lips look better than what they did when I was in my 20's. I never knew they could be built to the size they are. I don't mean they're drastically larger but just enough to say that I don't remember them looking as good as they do now.

I found that using vinyl gloves right after I wash and dry my face has really helped me get a good grip on the exercises because my hands don't slip like they did when I wasn't using them. I mentioned this before in an early post, but I thought I would mention it again.

Now I'm looking forward to year two in flexing when I’ll be a year older and looking even better than what I look this year. BTW, I'm 46.

Becky
IP: 24.4.252.230

Hi Becky

Happy Birthday! LOL. Sounds like you very much are on track. I remember the vinyl glove tip. I use them now, too. Great suggestion!

Jason

Jason

Where do you buy vinyl gloves?
Connie
IP: 63.67.120.226

Hi Connie

I buy mine at Wal-Mart, a 100 to a box. I can't remember the price right off, but they're pretty cheap. They come in different sizes, too.

Jason

Hi:

I bought mine from the grocery store (Food Lion). They are put out by Ansell called Viny-Touch. There are 50 disposable gloves to a box and cost under $4. I would also check with the drug store if you don't have a Food Lion in your area. Jason may have some ideas.

Becky
IP: 24.18.41.244

Re: corner mouth pull Feb 14, 2001

Lisa and Renee,

In my case, the skin has tightened up. I can't pinch any appreciable amount of skin anywhere on my face - it's very firm. I'm 43 and have been flexing for over a year.

Sadie
IP: 205.129.112.52

Sadie,

Did you notice a loosening in the first few months then it tightened up? I'm 45 and prior to beginning this, my skin wasn't near as loose! Lisa, thanks for your input also!
Renee

Hi.!

I have those little 'pockets' around mouth. There are a lot less "pockety" since flexing...this will take some major work for me...being 58...major sun damage over the yrs...and sag in this area (lower half of face). In the beginning BF (before flexing) I did Deb's recommendation of 'measuring' your skin slack etc. I have a noticeable improvement here. also have pics...and I can tell when applying makeup. (been flexing 10 mos)....I cannot praise facial massaging enough...this is really a definite enhancer to all else. all works together...takes time. In my case, perhaps I will need some more aggressive assistance..i.e. chin implants or whatever? However; giving it an entire year to see how far I CAN go with it. The bottem line, though I may not be where I would wish to be in this particular area of my face...I also realize I may NEVER be where I would wish to be with this particular area of my face....but the improvement is evident! so I'll go with that...don't give
up...if I did not have the loss of elasticity I do have, I imagine this area would have responded totally as well as other areas of my face. so you hang in there and see just what all you can achieve!
Jean

Lines / Folds Feb 1, 2001

I have been using your exercises for about 2months now and am noticing an improvement in my forehead. The lines are definitely diminishing. So thanks for that. :-))

My problem is that I have lines and the start of a fold running from the centre of the side of my nose down to about 1cm from the corner of my mouth. What exercises should I do more of to target them. I notice my dad has the same lines, so they seem to be hereditary, does that matter?

Can you help me please!

:-) Phil
IP: 172.134.234.237.

Hi Phil

Do you have the book, the video or both? Top Furrow ADV is a very good exercise for the naso-labial folds. I also like Mouth Flex Adv. Not only does it build the lips but it will also help reduce the fold as well. The naso-labial fold is the most stubborn. So don't get discouraged if you don't see the kind of results you want right away. It actually took me about nine months or more
before I began to have results.

Jason

Progress Report Jan 20, 2001

Hi Jason and Deb,

I posted a month or so ago about a deep vertical fissure in my forehead (right above the nose) that seemed to look worse, more prominent, although shorter and flatter. I was very surprised and encouraged by Deb's analysis that it will look worse as the deepest level of the crease is exposed as the more superficial levels flatten out. So I'm holding that as my principle over the next year or so
whenever I look at the damn thing.

The latest report is that I do notice the top end of this approx. 3/4" line is flattening even more. The line etched in the skin is becoming exposed especially at the top, and throughout its length. This was something I used to have to pull the bulgy skin on either side to see. I have a kind of zigzag or
lightning bolt line there and its much more evident than before. However, it's still quite deep and 50% of the time when I see my face in a mirror, especially in fluorescent light, I think it hasn't improved that much. If I can beat this sucker down, that will be a real feather in your cap for the programme
because this furrow is a real [expletive deleted]. BTW, I'm doing Jason's exercises and I think
this is the magic bullet for me. Since I started pulling the brows upward and then doing frowner, and also doing interrupted crunches (i.e. half-contraction to mid-point and hold a sec, then on to the full
contraction, then half-way back out, and to full release) I'm starting to see a significant difference.
Thanks to both of you.

[Okay, 5 minutes in the penalty box for oversharing about my facial terrain in public.]

Jen
IP: 128.100.181.55

Progress Report Jan 17, 2001

Hi Deb,

Well, I'm into my 26th day of facial building and I can't believe it, this stuff really works. I lost 30 pounds since August and it really showed in my face. I'm 47 years old and was skeptical. I had a very loose double chin, and loose jowls. My neck has begun to firm up tremendously, and the jowls are getting so much tighter. I was skeptical at first, but now you have a believer out of me. It's going to be interesting to see and feel where I'll be in another 25 days. Thanks Deb, and keep up the great work your doing.

Rick

Progress Report Jan 13, 2001

Hi Everyone,

I have been flexing for 8 1/2 months now. Have seen some wonderful changes!! What has really impressed me is that my FOUR chins that I started with (due to atrophy...I am thin) have diminished to one and a half. I have always had a double chin which I can live with but not FOUR!!! My cheeks are noticeably fuller and higher. I was beginning to get jowls and have noticed my jawline is firming up. The folds from nose to mouth are much better. Seems to have shortened with the lift in cheeks. I had some crepiness on the tops of my cheeks that seems to be smoothing out!! I don't remember my face ever feeling so firm! I still have areas that need work...brow and undereye area. I have noticed though the deflated bags under my eyes (don't know how else to describe this) seem to have shortened. Hope this makes sense.Hope this means progress there. My son gave me a compliment today! He told me I look so much better now than before I began this program! And its AFTER Christmas!! LOL

Anyway hope this encourages those just starting out. I also want to mention that when I first started the exercises I kind of looked worse than before I started. However I kept going because of all the encouragement I got out of reading the discussion board. It passed and when I could really feel the
muscles I was working things really started to progress. I'll be doing these exercises for the rest of my life!!

Bonnie
IP: 64.20.82.206

Hi Bonnie!

I, too, am into 8 l/2 mos. Isn't it great?! YES, I know EXACTLY what you mean by "deflated bags" under the eyes..I had written a post recently expressing how much this has improved for me. I will be doing this for life too...I notice the build up in cheeks..I was so amazed by this in the beginning, as it was fastest to respond for me....now it is even better! I can't get over the benefit to your skin! I know Deb said this would be the case, but I wasn't expecting the results to the skin, itself, that I have realized by flexing and massaging. Seems one thing benefits another and that thing benefits yet another thing and so on ..Did it take you awhile to get all of the exercises down
correctly? I feel initially, I was blindly 'aiming' at the designated spot...now I actually KNOW where the designated spot/s are!..as can feel it...and see it. I bit my thumb many times doing wide laugh, and raked my chin on chin press w/thumbnail...actually 'brush burned' the skin doing top furrow. now all is much easier and I have not wounded myself in months! lol. loved your post!

Hi Jean,

Yes I most definitely had my awkward moments in the beginning!! I used to do the exercises in front of a mirror as I felt so uncoordinated and awkward! Now it's like brushing my teeth!! Just do them first thing in the morning while watching TV. I also gouged myself doing tongue press!!! LOL Glad those awkward moments are over with. Has all been worth it and paid off. Guess we're both addicted!!

Bonnie

Success at last! Jan 7, 2001

Hello Everyone,

I am thrilled to report that after three months of flexing, seven days a week, I am seeing some lovely results. I was beginning to wonder if would ever happen...Most visible is the lift in my upper cheek area, and I have to say that much to my surprise the nose lift routine is giving me great contours. I think the challenge of this program is learning how to get the correct resistance, which IMHO takes patience and trial by error. I have found that with many of routines I get greater resistance and results when I anchor my elbows on something, like when I am at work I use my desk, when I 'm home watching TV I lean over and use my legs. Hope this is making sense. I also have to tell you that my husband has not been very supportive of my facial contortions and I was feeling very funny
about doing them in front of him, we actually have fought over this. One heated discussion was the result of my flexing during TV time after dinner and he blew up at me saying that he hasn't seen me all day and why do I have to do these ridiculous exercises. I assure you now he is singing a different tune. So I would like to say thanks to those who have encouraged me and to encourage others who are frustrated. Hang in there!!! This is the only way to combat gravity. A special thanks to Deb,

Pam
IP: 24.147.121.220

Gayle's (e-mailed) progress report. Sent Nov. 21, 2000

Hi Deb!

Your new online pictures look beautiful. Thanks for sharing them with us. Also, I like the changes you've made regarding the discussion board. Thank you!! :))

You asked how training is going... welllllll .. <Grin> .... I know that I'm early into it, I've been flexing since October 16th. As I've shared with you before, I'm over a year into my weightloss track and the changes have been staggering. With 90-some lbs off and about 25 to go, I've encountered challenges that I didn't expect. Losing over 100 lbs when you're in your 40s is BEGGING for trouble. <chuckles> I wasn't gonna take pictures because I thought that people wouldn't really be able to discern between the positive changes of FlexEffect and the constant changes of still actively losing weight. Now I've rethought that decision. Perhaps there are others out there like me... yanno, works in progress? Most of the people seem to have already lost the weight and are now trying to deal with the effects. My situation is that every day (whether I use FlexEffect or not), my face and body are changing. I can literally look at my face in the morning and know whether I've lost more weight or not. I'm rarely wrong. As I Flex each day, I'm dealing with a changing face. I honestly can't wait til I hit goal so that I can have a more stable situation to work with. My sons have seen me at this weight but they were too small to remember it. I see them every mont

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