TRAINING SCHEDULE / TIPS
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Received book, have question Aug 7, 2001 Ok everyone, I've got the book now, but I'm unsure about a couple of things. 1. I am assuming the adv exercises are advanced versions and if you are aleady doing them, you don't need to ad the beginner version. for example Wink and Wink adv. Am I right? 2. The Bright Eyes exercise, do you squeeze your eyes shut while doing this or is the squeeze mentioned in the exercise the squeeze you perform at the corner of the eyes and the eyes stay open? Thanks, Janet IP: 216.12.51.237
Hi Janet
No, The advanced version is really just a modification and all forty exercises should be done. I've always done the exercise by squeezing my eyes shut. But for the definitive answer we need to ask Deb. Deb? Whatcha think? Jason
If time is a big factor the moment you are training than I would say go for the ADV. form which is more resistance (Pull) But, you will find the other technique has it's own benefits (pressure) a completely different way to manipulate muscle and tissue. Both are very beneficial.
Bright Eyes: you are squeezing the inside corners of the eyes with your fingers. No reason you can't squeeze your eyes shut at the same time... personal preference.
Deb ;0)
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Is less more? Too much exercise? Jul 18, 2001 Ok...this is the 5th time I've posted this question, with no answers. I'm just wondering why we're supposed to exercise the face 5 to 7 days a week? I've been doing this, 7 days a week for the past 6 months and, yes, I've had good results. But...why is it good to do these resistance exercises daily, when you're supposed to do the rest of your body less frequently in order to build muscle? I've always heard that muscles need a "rest" period so the damaged fibers can repair and, hopefully, build a little larger. I just want to make sure I'm doing all I can. Thanks, in advance, to any/all who will answer this question for me. Have a good one!
PJ IP: 130.184.43.82
Hi PJ
I knew I saw this question before. I checked on the discussion board and found post# 1668. Jason did answer this for you. Bonnie
It is necessary and important to learn hands on experience of manipulating facial muscles. Doing ex's 5 x wk is not too much..10 reps, count:6. this lets you learn to maintain proper resistance....go to the Workshop and look under TRAINING SCHEDULE/TIPS....POST NO. 1137. Hope is of help. Jean
Hi All I found post 1668 answered by Jason. I don't know HOW I missed it! Thanks alot. I'm still learning my way around this site.
PJ
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Wide Laugh Jul 18,2001 Hi all, Can anyone help me with Wide Laugh? I've never done this one right from the start of my training because I simply don't feel any kind of resistance. I've tried moving my palms around to different areas near the ear...and NOTHING. I feel nothing getting exercised there. But I don't want to miss out on any of the benefits that this exercise might provide in the cheek area. Can anyone tell me WHERE the muscle is? Where do you feel it?? Maybe I can find a different way to do it so that I feel it.Thanks, Lynne IP: 205.188.199.38
Hi Lynne, I feel a pull right in front of the ear. Took a long time though before I could feel anything. Just keep at it, in time when the muscle becomes stronger you will feel it. Bonnie
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Moving Ears Jul 16, 2001 Previously, someone asked about how to learn to move the ears. I discover an old book, l928, called Eternal Youth (a resistance training book for the face!) There's a whole chapter on moving the ears along with a whole set of ex. which are supposed to lift the face with the ears. The exercies are learned in incriments, and once mastered, the author calls the total group of exercise done at once "The Great Triangular Pull" because it lifts the area of the face from above the brows to the back of the ears and from the top of neck to behind the ears in a side-ways triangular fashion. If anyone is interested here's the authors techniques: lst an experiment to see what the combined exercises will accomplish: Use three fingers of ea. hand. Place the length of the lst finger (index) just in front of ears, the third (ring) just below outer corners of eyes, and the second (middle)placed midway between the other two. Slightly raise the skin of face by pressing fingers up. The experiment shows that all lines around nose, mouth and chin are drawn out. Don't try to learn all the ex. at once. Learn Ex. A (may take month or longer) Then learn B and practice with A. Then learn C and practice with A&B, and so on through exercise F.
Ex. A (Moving ears)= Sit in chair & rest head on cushion. Think of them hard to the exlusion of everthing else (concentrate). After 5 min. clench teeth tightly together and at the same time make a great effort to draw ears back & up. OR Sit before a mirror & put elbows on table. Place 3 middle fingers of ea. hand over ears, clench teeth together and at same time push up ears with fingers. Remain in this position while you count to 20. Repeat over & over until you get tired & achey. Then try to see if you can move them by simply clenching and making muscular movement without hands. Little by little you will get control. What may help is to wear dangling earrings to encourage you as you will notice them swing up & down before you can even see ears move. This ex. takes persistent practice for most people, but don't get discourage because it will happen if you're diligent over a period of a month or longer.Once exercise is accomplished practise at odd moment while reading, driving etc. When you can move ears you can greatly increase the power by using a little resistance: genly press ears downward & draw them up with the muscles against pressure. Don't practice using resistance until your muscles are developed sufficiently. My daughter needs the computer, but if anyone is interested in exercises B thru F to learn the "Triangular Pull" to lift the whole face, let me know & I will give instructions.
Terri IP: 130.101.2.122 Hi Terri, I'm interested in hearing the rest of it. I can already move my ears, so I'd just add on to this. Thanks! Lynne
Hi Lynne, Its really long so Ill only post part to get you started. I wish I knew how to send you the pictures so you can see how the area of the pull increases as you learn each ex. The pictures are a sideview drawing of a head .
HOW TO MOVE YOUR EARS...
Ex. A, Ive described that-just moving ears, shows mini arrows behind, above, & below ear indicating how much skin is being pulled up & back for that exercise. The area of mini-arrows representing the lifted skin keeps expanding (both vertically & horizontally) with each exercise , until the whole face as well as under chin and above eyebrow can be pulled back and the mini arrows look like a sideways triangle (the narrow point is somewhat behind the ear) and the face, including forehead to below chin is the wide part, or base, of the triangle). Hope you can see this in your mind's eye. B Ex.- Now you are to try and feel the drawing up and back movement in the skin all around the fronts and bottoms of ears, so you can pull up about 1" of your cheek area in front of the ears). Sit in front of mirror, elbows on table & place the three middle fingers of ea. hand on the cheeks, so that they come about l" in front of ears. Clench teeth, raise ears and push the skin you are touching with your fingers so that it goes upward & backward while raising the ears. Hold, count 20 slowly. Relax teeth & ears, release pressure of hands BUT don't remove hands. Repeat about 20 xx, then try to do exactly the same thing without the help of your hands. You may have to work at this some time, but once mastered without the help of your hands practice at odd times. WHEN YOU CAN FEEL THE MOVEMENT QUITE STRONGLY BEGIN TO USE A LITTLE RESISTANCE, like you did for ex. A. Here's what Ex. A said again about resistance: Instead of helping your ears up with the fingers as when you were learning the ex. use the fingers to genly press them downwards and draw the ears up with the ear muscles against the pressure. (Lynne, since your fingers are placed in front of the ears for this ex. I she must means to place the resistance there, not on the ears again). Make sure you've mastered this, before going to the next. Ex. C: Same principle as the last one, only your are to place fingers of each hand lower on cheeks. (Lynne, this part is goofy the way she describes the finger placement but I think I understand what she means, see if you agree). The two third fingers (I think she means the ring finger of each hand) should touch the cheekbones about 1" down from the outer corners of eyes. The two first fingers (I think she means the index fingers of each hand )should touch the jawbones about 2" down from the lobes of ears. The middle fingers should be placed at an equal length between the other two. Clench teeth, draw ears back push up skin. Practice til you can do it without the help of your hands from the muscular pull from ears alone. Then practice with slight resistance. Ex. D: Now you will see that you are to make the pull from the ears spread farther down over the cheeks and also to make the pull come from the sides of the forehead just over the outer corners of eyebrows. (Wish you could see the pictures as it would make more sense, the triangle is getting longer & wider on the side of your face) A. By doing this you will begin to get a tension that will draw the skin backwards from the central point above the bridge of the nose, where the little vertical lines appear when you frown, and thus will help to erase them from your brows. B. You have also got to make a pull from under the sides of the eyes and over the cheeckbones toward the ears, and so begin to draw out the sagging lines that are apt to come there To accomplish this the ex. is divided in two parts (told you this was long!) EX. D,
Part A: Elbows on table, place the tips of the three middle fingers of each hand on the forehead on a line vertically just above the outer corners of the eyebrows. Then place the two thumbs on cheekbones slightly below the outer corners of eyes. Clench teeth, draw ears back & up and at the same time push the three fingers above eyebrows back toward ears and push the thumbs also back toward ears so the the skin under the eyes is pressed back with them. Practice til you can do it without hands. Part B: We want to incease the pull from ears still farther. Place 3 middle fingers of ea. hand vertically on either side of face, about l/2" below the corners of the mouth. Clench teeth, draw ears up AND ALL THE OTHER PARTS OF THE CHEEKS OVER WHICH YOU HAVE ALREADY GAINED CONTROL (Ex. A,B,C,D Part A.) At same time push skin on either side of mouth so that it moves up toward LOBES of ears. Once you can control use resistance. Ex. E- An intensification of Exercise D. You have to pull from the ears so that the pull comes still farther forward from: -over the center of eyebrows pulling back along forehead toward ears, under the eyes at the INNER corners pulling in a line toward ears -corners of nose pulling in a line toward ears - corners of mouth pulling in a line toward bottom of ears -along the jawbone pulling from center of chin up toward back of ears. (You have to learn this in 4 steps for the 4 areas just mentioned.
>From the flexeffect exercises, you should already be familiar with the direction you should be aiming for:)
Exercise E: Part l thru 4: Part l: Place 3 middle fingers of ea. hand over eyebrows so that the third fingers nearly touch over the bridge of nose. Fingertips should be pointing upward toward roots of hair. Clench teeth and draw back ears and also all those parts of the cheeks & forehead over which you have already gained control. As you do this push back the skin over the eyebrows with the fingers in a line towards tops of the ears, so that all frowing lines between eyebrows are erased. Practice til you can do without the use of your fingers. When you have control you can begin to use slight resistence. Part 2: Place 3 middle finger of ea. hand just under eyes. Clench teeth and draw back the ears & all parts which you have already gained control. As you do this very gently draw back the skin under eyes with your fingers in a line towards the ears. Practice til you can feel a distinct pull in the muscles under eyes, then do it without the help of your fingers. This movement, if persisted with in conjunction with No. 3 will prevent sagging skin under eyes. (Lynne, No. 3 is the same as Crows Eye in FlexEffect, but her count is l0 repeated 5x, squeeze eyes tighter & tighter during the count as your pulling back the eyes). When you have control, use slight resistance. Part 3: Place 3 middle fingers of ea hand on either side of nose, so that the third fingers come exactly at corners of nostrils. All three fingers should be spaced about l" apart from ea other going in a line towards the ears, with the tips pointing upwards toward eyes. Clench teeth, draw back ears & every other area you've mastered. Push back skin on either side of the nose so that lines between nose & mouth are erased. When you can do this without using your fingers, use resistance. Part 4: Place hands one on either side of face so that the two wrists meet in the center of the chin, the two palms cup jawline and the fingers spread out fan-like just behind ears, all except the two pinky fingers, which should come just in front of ear lobes. Clench teeth, draw back ears & every thing else learned so far. As you do this push back with hands all skin of the jaw from center of chin up along jawline towards back of ears. Once you can do it without hands, use resistance. Exercise F: Make movements of Ex. A,B,C,D,E altogether in one complete exercise. In order to do this place hands, one on either side of face so that 3 middle fingers of ea hand come just over eyebrows, tips pointing upwards; place top part of palms where fingers join on to them along cheekbones;the actual palms should cup cheeks; lower edges of palms where they join wrist should lie along just under the jawbone line. Clench teeth & at same time push up and back whole of the sides of the face & chin in such a way that the age lines are drawn quite out. This is a combined effort of using all your muscles & your hands. If you just use hands it won't do any good. When you feel you face muscles pulling upwards, remove hands & try to keep skin drawn up by musscular effort alone. Don't lift mouth corners as if you were smiling, make all effort come through ears & keep mouth as serious as you can. Practice til you can sense all the muscles drawing the skin earward. You know you can do "The Great Triangular Pull" when you feel as if A,B,C,D,E,F muscles are like tight elastic bands under the skin, all pulling upward & backward from the central points of the face! By doing the exercise daily for about 5 minutes it will "iron out" lines, never to become very hard or unsightly. If you have deep lines, they will gradually improve and get better. If you want to work on special lines use resistance for that area while doing the Great Triangular Pull at the same time. Thank goodness its THE END! Terri
Hi Terri Thanks much! I printed it out, so I'll try it later...after my face stops cracking from the retin A!! I appreciate your taking the time to type it all up for me.You're a doll! Lynne
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Usenet thread comments Jul 11, 2001 Hi, I ran a few searches on Deja for facial resistance training...and came up with the following thread. I'd be interested to hear some comments from the experts on this board, about the comments I found. Obviously, they are just opinions of one or two individuals, but I felt some of the points raised were very relevant here. The complete 'thread' can be found here.. http://groups.google.com/groups? hl=en&safe=off&ic=1&th=1ec9bea724d3a18e,6&seekm=5qol5p%24c6s%241% 40news.fas.harvard.edu#p
Message 4 in thread
From: Larry DeLuca, EdM, CSCS (henrik@course1.harvard.edu) Subject: Re: facial toning exercises? Newsgroups: misc.fitness.misc Date: 1997/07/15 [Toning the muscles of the face.] Most peoples' facial muscles get plenty of exercise just through everyday expressions. While burn victims, people with Bell's palsy, stroke victims, etc., might need rehabilitation, this doesn't mean the devices used for this purpose will be of any use to healthy people. "Toning" facial muscles will not reduce wrinkles or make sagging skin smooth. The problem is not with the muscles, but with the skin itself, whose collagen matrix undergoes changes as we age. You could work your facial muscles till you were black and blue in the face, but the lines would be there still. Sometimes getting older stinks. Sometimes it's wonderful. In any event, it's happening to all of us, and accepting it with grace and dignity will do much more for your self-esteem and appearance than wasting money on hopeless gadgets designed to take advantage of peoples' insecurities. larry...
Message 6 in thread From: Larry DeLuca, EdM, CSCS (henrik@course1.harvard.edu) Subject: Re: facial toning exercises? Newsgroups: misc.fitness.misc Date: 1997/07/18 In article <5qmbqb$mac$2@news.nyu.edu>,Sunil A. George <sag1115@is2.nyu.edu> wrote: Q facial toning exercises help INCREASE MUSCLE MASS under the skin and thus 'stretch' the skin out to some degree, which can have at least anoticeable effect on reducing perceived wrinkles and lines. (ie,sagginess). A Yes, I suppose that's possible. However, remember that getting a muscle to grow (hypertrophy) takes a lot of hard work. You've got to have a resistance sufficient to tire the muscle in about 8-12 reps, and you've got to train with multiple sets of the exercise several times a week. Q Do you know of any of those bizarre facial gadgets that will provide that sort of resistance to any facial muscle on an on going basis? A The only ones I've seen really either work primarily orbicularis oris (the muscle that helps you pucker your lips when you kiss) or the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles (which aren't particularly going to contribute to "puffing out" wrinkle lines due to their location. Besides, if you're going to have enough hypertrophy to stretch out the skin you're talking about *huge* amounts of muscle growth. It's quite possible that that will be less aesthetically pleasing (even if it were possible) than having wrinkles. Regardless, even if everything worked as theorized it's still only a temporary fix. The skin's matrix will continue to break down, and it willhave to be "stretched" again (exactly the same reason face lifts must be performed periodically). larry... Thanks. Nick IP: 212.56.128.167 Hi Nick First of all, Larry's logic is seriously flawed. If movement alone were enough for us to get plenty of exercise, why would anyone work out in a gym? We'd all go around being buffed and looking absolutely wonderful. For any muscle to grow and stay toned, it takes more than movement alone. Skeletal muscle, which includes facial muscles, must fully contract and be stressed in order to start the compensatory mechicanism that leads to strength and hypertrophy. Larry is certainly correct in making the distinction between muscle and skin. Twenty something year olds can show a good deal of skin damage (almost always caused by sun exposure) and yet still have good tone to their faces. Facial exercises, especially FlexEffect (since it uses resistance) may help to alleviate some of the wrinkling effect by initiating muscle hypertrophy, but moderate to severe skin damage may require repairing the skin in order to eliminate the wrinkles in question. No one has to live with wrinkled skin today, unless they just want to, or unless there are medical complications that prevent them from utilizing all the wonderful options that are now on the market. Larry is also correct concerning devices to exercise facial muscles. They usually work only a few muscles. FlexEffect is comprehensive in that you're working all the muscles of the face and neck using resistance created by your hands. Larry is also correct in saying this takes dedication and time. It does. But it can be done. Larry is incorrect in saying that we should do nothing and just live with whatever skin damage we accumulate throughout our lives and try to do nothing about our facial muscles or our skin. This really is the ultimate defeatist attitude. I, for one, have found that FlexEffect works and was far MORE worth the money that I paid for it. Larry is correct that the skin matrix will continue to breakdown. This is a normal process of aging. But what he neglects to say is that if the skin and muscle are very well taken care of, you can stay youthful looking far, far longer than what people do who do nothing. At this time in our history, we cannot stop aging, but we can slow it down. Not just for our faces but for our whole bodies. With Larry's attitude of do nothing, we should all be sitting on the couch, watching T.V, with a big bowl of potato chips and ice cream. So while Larry will be an old 65 year old some day, many of us who practice good health will be a youthful, vibrant, active and socially engaged 65 year old. See the difference? Jason
Hi Nick
Jason or Deb could best explain the phsyiology. I can just tell you from experience that FlexEffect works. I decided to take the plunge and try it. I've been flexing for a year and seven months, no new wrinkles, no deeper wrinkles from flexing as some would claim would happen. Every line that I did have is greatly diminished, my undereye area looks SOOOOO much better, my cheeks have filled out giving me a young look, my skin is tight and toned. I'll be 44 next month and last weekend I was carded to get into a gambling casino. Need I say more? :-) To those who argue that FlexEffect does not work or makes lines worse...well, it's really their loss :-( Sadie
Hi Sadie / Jason Thanks for your replies. I should add (at this point) that I did actually purchase the full FlexEffect programme in April last year...and did the exercises dilligently for 2/3 months or so. Then a number of 'distractions' occured, and I ended up lapsing on the regime...eventually giving up by July of last year :( However, I've recently started up again......so was just looking for a bit of a 'filip' to get going on it again :-) Basically, I've just turned 34, but have a fairly noticeable 'sagging' appearance - almost certainly from way too much sun in my teens/20's/early 30's, with little, or no, sunscreen usage :( - (been avoiding sun for the last 18 months now).....all of which probably makes me look at least 6 years older. Ouch :(( I find that when tilting my head upwards (towards the sky), the skin on my face kinda 'pulls back' nicely...and it looks 'normal'. But at a normal angle, the sagging is there (particularly the cheeks/naso-labial areas)....especially when light is coming in from one side or when I look downwards.So, I suppose my main question is....given this situation...and given the comments regarding actual *skin* damage, as opposed to muscle atrophy.....should I expect FlexEffect to be beneficial to me? (in a *visibly* noticeable sense, that is).Should I be using something like Retin-A, at the same time, to 'repair' the actual skin? Thanks in advance for your comments. Nick
Hi Nick You probably do have a high degree of skin damage then from so much sun damage. However, Flexing will help you. I started at your age (I'm 37 now) from seeing just the same kind of thing, and it has helped me a great deal. I've also gone into overdrive to help repair my skin, having had peels, facials, AHAs, and Retin A used. So don't despair. Even though you've done damage to your skin, you can begin to protect and repair the skin you have. Better starting a little late than not at all. Jason
Very interesting article; however to 'accept without question with grace and dignity, lines and wrinkles and sun-damaged skin???NOT. self-improvement in any form is one of our biggest incentives we have available to us. Utilizing these incentives and means is not only healthy, it IS self-esteem building. Ask anyone who has lost 50 lbs, landed an impossible to get job, won a race due to hard work and participation and self-discipline. To simply accept that looking old and damaged is o.k...when there are so many other restorative options...why would you want to? this is just like any other self-improvement program..is time consuming, dedication is required; it is not a spectator sport..hands on involvement is necessary..the rewards are worth any efforts involved. And I am here to tell you that all the lines are NOT STILL THERE. I have some years on most of my fellow flexors..(I think I am the oldest one who has posted on this board)....the results I have seen are quite wonderful and ongoing improvements are evident. It is well worth the effort..in fact, is no longer even an 'effort' but an enjoyable regimen. If you have not done this for at least one year, it is very difficult to be able to realize the results you can achieve. In my case, advanced skin care has also been a must...I had very sun damaged skin, age factor, previous smoker, etc etc...and I have achieved results from flexing...and I am not even in the 'preventative' category...I am in the damage control status. No one would convince me flexing is a 'waste' in any way, shape or form whatsoever. Yes, we will ALL continue to age..fact of life....I have said before..this is not all about looking young, it is about looking good, at your age, for your age, at ANY age.
Jean
Hi Jean and Jason, Thank you both for your kind words of encouragement about FlexEffect still being beneficial to a (relatively) young, but sun-damaged face. Seems I'd better get back on-board pronto! I must admit, when looking in the mirror, I sometimes pucker up my cheek muscles (like the expression made when in bright sunlight), and the resulting contours seem to 'fill in' (thereby de-emphasizing) things like the top furrow. It seems that...with some extra muscle in that area of the cheeks, things might not look quite as bad. Presumably, it's not unrealistic to expect a fair degree of muscle growth in the cheek area..Oh....one other thing...how does the 'creping' (when smiling/laughing) of the under-eye area of sun-damanged skin respond to the program? Thanks again. Nick
I have found the crepiness under eye area (sun damage..and I suppose also as the skin is so thin there etc)...flexing and massage HAVE helped to quite a degree, but in my case (remember I have older skin than you) I also had to use topical applications and aggressively go after that area. By topical I am referring to Renova, Retin A, retinol (whatever of your choice)..chemical peels and even microdermabrasion (which does great job of polishing the skin done by an adept and experienced operator).sun damaged skin knows no specific 'age limit'..is as damaging to young as older skin....just worsens with time, and is accumulative with time. Be sure to always use good broad spectrum sunscreen..and if you smoke...quit! Almost does as much damage as the sun! I smoked years upon years...and still snag one now and then! (bad)...and I KNOW it.
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Jason Re: Book exercises Jul 21, 2001 Posted this before but you were sick and I think you missed them. Glad you're better! Recently received the book :], & have a few, well more than a few, questions. Upper Lid stretch-Should fingers be placed so the fingers stretch to browbone? I can't unless my fingers are up fairly high, otherwise I can only pull up to eye socket bone. Should I make sure they reach browbone and change finger placement? Lower lid lift: Similar to above question. Should fingers be right below lower lashline because I can only pull down to eye socket? Should my fingers be placed lower so that I can pull to cheekbone? Upper lid pull-Is it hold & contract or pull down & contract? The video & book differ on this. On the mouth pulling exercises, how far into the mouth should fingers/thumbs be placed? Is further in better/worse? Can I vary this exercise by the depth I place them into the mouth? Can you vary this exercise by placing fingers/thumbs at different locations around the mouth rather than just at the corners? Wink Adv.- Since the thumb can't be placed high enough into the mouth to be held onto on the outside by the three fingertips in the eye corners, are you actually holding the thumb in place with the lower part of the fingers laying flat against the face before you lock on & pull? Im confused. Tight upper lip- Make a fish mouth? Is that like an extreme exageration of throwing a kiss to someone? What's my bottom lip doing in this exercise, is my mouth open or closed? Lip press-Is it one bite down, moving mouth from side to side, or more like a series of bites (chews) going back & forth along the lip? I'd like to make a suggestion. I don't know if this would help others, but I know it helps me if I know what the surrounding area looks like during an exercise. For instance, Top Furrow Advanced. The exercises instructions are fairly easy to understand, pull down & snarl. But then I get to wondering if I should snarl with the lower mouth wide open & jaw lowered, or is it more effective if your teeth are together, or somewhere in between these two lower mouth positions? Do you see what I mean, I don't know what to do with the lower half when Im working on the top half! Maybe Im just not too with it. Appreciate you expertise once again. Thanks, Terri IP: 130.101.6.73
Hi Terri
1) Hold to the orbital bone unless you want your upper eyelid later hanging around your ankles. LOL 2) No. Hold to eye socket or boney ridge right below eye unless........(see #1). 3)Push down...but not in... and hold while trying to open the eyes. 4)You can vary. Find what works best for you. 5) It can, but acts more as a support and to isolate the muscle. 6) Keep mouth slightly open.....works better. 7)Series of bites. Keep working with the exercises and you'll eventually find what works best. There is technique involved and you will have to play around with the exercises in order to target best your facial muscles. Jason
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A tip when flexing Aug 3, 2001 I found that by using a bit of cornstarch I am able to hold on without sliding. I don't need it for every exercise, but for the ones I do, I sprinkle some on the slipping fingers. I keep it in a salt shaker. I don't experience any irritation from it. I tried cotton, latex & vinyl gloves which all caused irritation/redness & were too time consuming to take on and off. Since talc makes my face itch, I tried cornstarch and it really works great. Its also safe if you happen to get some in your mouth!!!! Terri IP: 130.101.2.214
Terri, Thanks for the tip, will try it today.
Elaine
Elaine, Hi! Did you find it helped? Terri
Hi!
Yes I did . Very helpful. Thanks.
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Time of exercises Jul 9, 2001 I've just begun doing this training. I notice that it takes about an hour to complete the exercises, and I'm still just doing the minimum suggested - 10 exercises each. My question is, will this be enough - 10 exercises each per day - to get the kind of results Tori got? (I look something like her 1996 photos now.)
Marcia IP: 168.191.54.137
Hi Marcia,
Okay, not doing something right for 10 exercises to take an hour. Tell me what you're doing so I can help. If you do the exercises that are on the video as Deb does them, you can do the program within 20-30 minutes. You can do all 40 of them in 30 to 45 minutes as it's described in the book. If you're only getting 10 done in an hour, there's definitely something wrong unless you're doing a lot of extra reps and holding your counts for a very long time. 10 exercises are just a few too little, I would think. I regularly do about 20-23 of them. Let me know what you're doing and maybe I can suggest some things to add and do differently. Jason
Jason: I didn't state the question correctly. I mean that I can do all 40 exercises, 10 times each for a holding count of 6, in one hour. (Actually, even when I get good at this, and don't have to make sure I'm doing it right, I don't see how I could do them in less than 40 minutes: 6 seconds x 10 repetitions x 40 exercises = 40 minutes) My question is: If I keep this regimen, will I progress as far as Toni did in a year, or did she do the exercises 2 or 3 times per day in the first year?
Marcia
Hi Marcia Tori did all 40 exercises once a day as called for in the program. Yes, it does take about an hour to do all forty exercises when I've done ALL forty of them. Many of the exercises contained in the forty will work the same muscle but differently. If you do the cassette tape, I believe (but am not sure) that Deb takes you through the whole thing in approx. 40 min. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I have not used the cassette myself since I like to do fewer reps with longer counts. Yes, you should expect results similar to Tori's when doing the program as instructed. Having said that, let me add that Tori also used Retin A and assiduously avoided the sun. The Retin A helped to smooth out her skin tone. But aside from that, the reversal of sag (which is what FlexEffect is most concerned with) is phenomenal! We've had posters on the board who've asked if she's had a face and eye lift (even after we've already stated on the web page that she hasn't. Deb and Tori actually had a cosmetic surgeon sign off on that as evidence). Hope I've answered your question. If you need more info., just yell! ;-) Jason
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Time of exercises Jul 6, 2001 I'm just starting out & I have questions. I don't have any wrinkles or lines. The problem is I'm getting jowly & don't have a great jaw line. I'm committed to doing exercises 30 minutes a day. My question is, is it okay to do 2-3 times more on the parts that bother me (or is muscle fatigue a problem?), and very lightly on the rest? I don't think, starting out anyway, that I have the discipline to work on areas that look fine now - not until I begin getting some results on what really bothers me.
Maggie IP: 168.191.54.144
Hi Maggie You can hold your counts longer or do more reps for the areas that are troublesome; however, I would advise that you work all areas of the face and neck even if you don't do all 40 exercises that appear in the book. The reason for this is that many of the muscles of the face interconnect with each other. If you're spot working and the muscles surrounding and attaching to that particular area are not worked, you may not see as good of results as you should. The more atrophied muscles surrounding may drag down the area you're working on. Nowhere else in the body are skeletal muscles, that I know of, so interconnected as in the face. Therefore, it's important to work the whole face not just part. Hope that helps to answer your question. Jason
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Substitute exercise for WINK Jul 6, 2001 Jason, The one exercise that I find helps me more than all others is WINK ADV. I do most of the 40 exercises, but without this one I have these horrible bags/creases on the upper & outer part of my cheeks. This is my question - By placing three fingers of each hand just below outer corners of each eye (working both sides at once) pressing firmly downward, hold and contract muscle, raising cheek muscles as with CHEEK RAISER using wide smile...would this be as effective as WINK or WINK ADV ? I'm seeing some wonderful results. Had to break from exercising for quite a while and lost all progress I had made. Started again in Feb 2001 making really slow progress, but after 5 months I'm seeing results again. Thanx, Wanda IP: 216.28.211.171
Hi Wanda If it's working for you that's what's important. You do sometimes have to modify some of the exercises to help target trouble areas. I have modified several of them to fit my particular areas of concern. That's perfectly okay to do. Jason
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Exercise every day? Jul 5, 2001 I've sent this message a couple of times in the past month, but I guess I still don't know my way around this website all that well. When you do weight training and resistance training exercises on the rest of your body, you're supposed to wait a few days before repeating exercises on the same muscle groups. Why is it better to do daily facial exercises? I've been doing them daily for over 4 months, with results, but was wondering why it's different for the face?
Hi PJ I do mine every other day; however, we recommend that in the beginning you do them daily for several reasons: 1) You are learning how to do the exercises and because of that newbies often are very timid about applying resistance. 2) the amount of resistance that you do apply is NOT incremental as with wt lifting. The pressure you apply is going to vary each rep, each time you do the exercises because you are using your hands not weights. 3) doing the exercises at least 5 days a week (which is what we actually recommend rather than daily) will help you to become familiar with your face and the proper technique to perform the exercises. It has also been suggested, but I don't know of any research that actually confirms this, that because the facial muscles are so small that they recover more quickly. That, I DON'T know. But there are the reasons. Jason
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Vanity or self awareness? Jul 5, 2001 Thanks for this website! It has really helped me out as I realize that I am ageing and not as gracefully as I thought. I am only 44 but physically feel like I'm 24. Now I feel like a look like I'm 60 years old. A mirror was never used much but when I saw a picture of myself I couldn't believe how many flaws I have to deal with. From a wrinkly forehead with creases above my nose, lines under my eyes,lines under my mouth (from my awkward bite)and loose skin below my mouth. I know I'm more critical than anyone else would be but as I constantly look at other people they don't seem to have the same problems. Anyone else feel the same? Mine seemed hopeless but with this program I am doing something for "me" and I look forward to positive results. I really enjoy reading other postings and the encouraging responses to questions. I'm generally a very positive person with many friends but this realization has taken it's toll. What extra excercises can I do for the loose skin just below the bottom of my lips (is it the jowl area?). Thanks again. Laura IP: 209.188.81.207 Hi Laura Glad to have you on board. Do you have the video or book or both? Let me know and I can point out the ones you may want to hit harder. Jason
Jason Yes, I have both book and video. I'd appreciate whatever help and advice you can give me. Laura
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Moisturize with exercise? Jul 3, 2001 I've been doing the flex effect exercises, daily, for about 4 1/2 months. Yes, I've noticed changes! It seems, though, that my skin has become a bit "creapier" since I began. I don't use much moisturizer,while exercising, because it's difficult to "hold on" if you know what I mean. Should you use a moisturizer while exercising the face, or is it okay to wait until you're finished? I'm 48 years old, I eat healthy, drink LOTS of water, and exercise religiously. Has anyone else experienced "creapier" skin since they've begun?
Phyllis Robowski IP: 130.184.43.82.
Hi Phyllis
Yes, I did...but I had creapy places, especially on sides of face before flexing....after building cheek area, this is almost T.Totally gone! (I think massage helps also). I can especially see the significant absence of this crepiness while looking in mirror while light (natural light) hits sides of face...we recently had photos taken where I work for Hosp week, and I noticed in this photo -(in lieu of last yrs photo..viva la diff!). as your muscles build and you create some lift, you will be astonished how this effects all other 'problems' in a favorable way. Everyone suggests you exercise with a clean face, no oils or moisturizers..(can use oils when massaging). I have tried it all ways and find it works much more effectively with nothing on the face...just cleanse face, dry and go with the exercises. this way you are ABLE to 'lock on' satisfactorily. I do moisturize after. hope this helps.
Jean Hi Phyllis
I don't know if it's ok the way I do it, and I sent a message last night to find out, but the way I do the exercises is before I wash my face in the morning it feels a little greasy, so I do the exercises where you don't have to get a good grip...scalp flex, brow smoother, nose lift, etc... then after I wash my face and it's not greasy I do all the exercises where I have to get a good grip...lower lid lift, wide laugh-adv., tight upper lip-adv. etc... Jo Anne
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Can I split up the exercises? Jul 3, 2001 Hi Deb. I know you said that we can split the exercises at different times of the day, but can I do 2 of the forehead exercises in the morning and 2 at night. Same with the other areas of the face, 3 of the eyes in the morning and 3 at night, etc... If I work a certain area, do I need to do all the exercises for that area at the same time or can I split it up? I didn't know if you meant that when you work a certain area to do all of the exercises for that area at the same time. I hope you understand what I'm asking because it's late and I'm tired and not doing very well at explaining...lol. Jo Anne IP: 64.12.104.189
Hi Jo Anne
Yes, you can split the exercises up any way you want to. I usually do mine at one time, but you can do them the way you were wanting to. It won't make a difference as long as you're doing them regularly. Jason
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Moving ears Jun 24, 2001 Ok everyone after a discussion with Deb, we decided I need to post this to see if others have any tricks. Those of you who can move your ears back and forward, how do you do it? I have always been able to do it, and can move them without moving any other muscles on my face. When I do it bring awareness to the back portion of my ear. When I really lift my brows and flex my scalp, that is when my ears will also come forward and backward Anyone else have some suggestions. Deb thought it might help others learn how to isolate the frontalis and occipitalis (sp?) Thanks, Janet IP: 216.12.54.116
In "The Natural Facelift Book" these comments/instructions are given for moving the ears: Its one of the most difficult...most people find it impossible to do. The muscles that make the ears moved are located behind your ears at the back of the skull. Muscle activity can be created in this area, but takes extreme concentration, repetition, willpower & application (which all flexers naturally have, lol!!!) The exercise helps keep the jaw line and lower part of the chin smooth, keeps sides of the neck smooth & lifted. It will improve hearing & will stop it from getting worse. When you begin you may find that muscles in the neck get involved creating "guitar string" lines. If this happens you are on the wrong track for ear movement. The solution is to begin doing the ex. lying flat on your back to prevent neck tension. l. Gently place 3 fingertips on skull behind ears. 2. Pull fingers slightly backwards towards each other, you'll feel a very slight motion. This very slight movement will encourage you to keep exercising. Continued practice will create a strong band of flat muscle tissue spanning from ear to ear across the back of the head. It will create a natural "face hold" for the lower half of the face for an instant face lift in any situation. (I interpreted the last sentence to mean that you are secretly doing the exercise in public to create face lift without anyone knowing, similar to holding in your tummy to look thinner???) 3. The feeling you'll get when the ears move is like the feeling of trying to surpress your laughter because it wouldn't be appropriate to do so-- your mouth is in place with lips closed, but it feels like your ears are pulling backward toward each other. Repeat this ex. several times remaining on your back to try to find the muscle without causing contractions in the back of neck. I don't know if author's comment is encouraging or discouraging, for she claims her ear movement is still very mediocre.
Terri
Hi All
For me, I could never move my ears until after I had been flexing for several months. Then suddenly I found that I had built the muscle enough that by flexing my scalp I could move my ears. In fact, if you check the postings from a couple years ago, I had posted the same comment. You know that you're building the muscle when something like that happens. It's proof positive that the exercises are building. Jason
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Head Lift Jun 8, 2001 How come when I do the head lift exercise I feel nauseated? Is there another exercise that I can do that will give a similar effect? Laura IP: 209.188.82.26
Hi Laura Head lift is the most effective exercise, I think, for the neck area. Nausea during the exercise is NOT normal. Something else may be going on like an inner ear infection. You might want to check with your Dr. to be sure, but you should be getting nauseated when performing it. Jason
Hi Laura
I had the same problem the first time I did it, which was before breakfast. I found if I just slow down do each lift to a count of 5 my stomach doesn't bother me. Janet
Good tip! Thanks Janet. Jason
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Overbuild May 27, 2001 Jason, I have too much build from the mouth corners down. I'm not sure which exercise targets this area. Kind of looks like jowls but is not. I can feel the thickness so I know its muscle. I'm thinking one would be bottom furrow. Any others I should hold off on? Thankyou much! Bonnie IP: 209.255.81.187
Hi Bonnie
I had same thing with bottom furrow adv. ex. I just held off on that one in particular and it seemed to work out fine.
Jean Thanks Jean. That's what I needed to know.
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Continuos improvement? May 16, 2001 I have been using Flexeffect for about 6 weeks...I have the video. I can see and feel some improvement. I was just wondering what my chances are of continuing to see improvement? Don't the muscles get used to the workout and reach a point where they are no longer challenged?
Cindy IP: 206.162.214.11
Hi Cindy
Six weeks is barely getting started. You can expect much more improvement over the next 6 to 12 months. Since, you can directly vary the amount of resistance you apply, plus length of hold, your facial muscles will rarely reach a homeostatic response to the exercises. Additionally, with using the exercises in the book, you can vary your routine from time to time to add different focal points for muscle stimulation. It actually takes very little to PREVENT sag. Once sag has occurred, however, you've got your work cut out for you. Jason
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Too soon? May 14, 2001 I have been flexing about a month now but am not noticing or feeling any changes so far. Is it too early, or am I expecting too much too soon. On the video Deb says you can start to see some results after a couple of weeks. I will continue my daily routine and keep my fingers crossed. Also would it be better if I order the book instead of just using the video. Perhaps some of the exercises there would work better for me and those that are in the video. My only concern when doing them is feeling like I am pulling the skin at times. It is really hard not to when the moves state to pull down on the muscles. Naturally the skin is going to be pulled down as well. Just curious?
Bev IP: 204.50.249.132
Hi, Bev,
I've been doing a few of the exercises since February along with some isometrics and started seeing and feeling some tiny changes almost immediately. I finally got Deb's book and video a couple of weeks ago and am now noticing real changes in a hurry. But what I see as major changes are actually so minor that no one else would notice them, and even I probably wouldn't notice if I hadn't paid so much attention over the past few months as I started exercising my face. What I'm seeing is that muscles I could hardly move can now move a lot more visibly. That doesn't show yet, but it tells me that I am building and toning and that bigger results are right around the corner. Also the thing everyone says about your face getting worse right at first is happening to me -- but I can see it as a step in the right direction. It's a little like the muscles that hold everything together are tightening, but the sag in between looks worse in comparison. And again, it's all so subtle that no one but me would notice the difference. Good luck.
David
Hi Bev You're going to be touching the skin and even pressing on it, but if you're locking onto the muscle, you're going to avoid stressing the skin. This is where technique comes in and will take some time to develop. Under Workshops there are posts upon posts talking about proper technique. If you get a chance, run through there sometime. Also a month may not be enough time to see much changes. Some flexers after a few weeks do begin to notice some minor changes, but really, expect no more changes than if you started working out in the gym for the very first time. How far would you be in just 30 days. Chances are great that you would see no appreciable difference yet. Six months, however, may be a different story. I would encourage you to keep at it. Jason
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Reps Vs. longer hold May 10, 2001 Hi all, Me again, with a question. For a faster build in an area, is it better to do more repetitions or use longer holds? What would be the effects of each?? I've found that with cheek raiser in particular (which is one of my favorite exercises so far)that I can hold it for longer than the 6 counts--like say 10 or 12. Will this help the area build faster?? Lynne IP: 64.12.102.179
Hi Lynne
Yes, I believe that it does. It has been very beneficial for me. I hold my counts longer with fewer reps, but if you choose to do more reps at a six count, that should work as well. Jason
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How much resistance? May 8, 2001 Since ive only been flexing a few weeks Im wondering if ive been doing the exercises right. Is it necessary to use a lot of resistance with your hands? It seems that if I back off on the resistance some I can feel the muscle contracting better. Should I use as much resistance as i possibly can or should I use just enough to feel the "pull". I notice on the video when Deb does Frowner, for instance, she pushes the brows together but when she holds & contracts the muscle the brows seperate again. Ive been holding them with so much resistance that the brows don't move. Is this too much resistance?
Terrie IP: 199.183.105.80
Terri Yes,You can use too much resistance. Moderate pressure only is required. You should be able to feel the muscle contract under your fingers. If you can't, you're applying too much pressure and it will show on your skin. Make sure that when you're doing brow raiser that you are allowing the muscles to move apart. Holding them in place may is not as effective and you're going to see more of a line until the muscle builds. This is where a lot of flexers get discouraged. Jason
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Video Apr 20, 2001 I just received my video today and watched it twice so I could try out the exercises. Deb does not seem to use very much pressure while performing these exercises. Is this because she was only demonstrating the technique or do you not have to use any more resistance to get results. I am very interested in raising my cheek area and would also like to know if there are more exercises in the book that would be beneficial.
Hi Bev It does not require a lot of resistance to obtain lift results. It is more important that you be consistent in doing the exercises. And yes there are a couple of additional exercises in the book for the cheek area that are not on the video. Jason
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Slantboard while flexing? Apr 16, 2001 Since Im new to this, can anyone tell me whether you have to be in an upright position to perform the resistance exercises? Slantboarding seems to help reduce droopy under-eye tissue and is a refreshing way to relax. I used it quite a bit before I had blephroplasty, especially before going out on special occassions. With a cold pack on the eyes while relaxing on the board, it was a temporary fix for the evening. I was wondering if lying on the board while flexing is ok?
Terrie IP: 216.67.120.197
Hi Terrie
It should be just fine. I can't find anything that would be a contraindication for performing them on a slant board unless other medical conditions such as, high blood pressure, hx of stroke, etc is factored in. Let us know how it goes. Jason
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Newbie Questions Apr 15, 2001 Hi All, Got my package yesterday and watched the tape. I'm going to start training this week. I know I've read that you're supposed to do all of the exercises, but since I don't have a line across the bridge of my nose and am not too concerned with the little lines I have across my forehead, I'm thinking I'll skip the ones for those areas. Is this advisable?? Lynne IP: 205.188.192.33
I would begin by doing all the exercises on the video, at least. Then as you master them, you may want to incorporate some or most or even all from the book. Several of the exercises work the same area, but differently. You may want to do one and rotate through the others periodically to challenge the muscles differently. Remember, too, prevention can be worth a pound of cure, but if you really feel like leaving one out, it will probably be okay as long as you don't leave too many out. The ones on the video tape are the heart of the program....although for trouble areas the book is a tremendous help, too. Jason
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Jason's schedule with face building Apr 10, 2001 Jason, What is your weekly schedule for facial exercising. Im trying to get the best possible results? And are you a weightlifter like Deb...I was curious if bodybuliders put this into their regiem... Thanks! Theo IP: 198.209.73.28
Hi Theo Deb was in competitive bodybuilding. I lift weights more for health reasons and to stay looking fit. I do enjoy researching bodybuilding techniques and exercises and diet strategies. When I first started FlexEffect and for about the first year, I followed the program of facial exercising every day. Once I achieved my desired results, I then went to three times a week. I also hold my counts much longer and do fewer reps. We don't recommend this for newbies, however, because it's important that they get the "hands on" experience of manipulating facial muscles. At this point, I've done the exercises so much, I can do them in my sleep and I know my face so well, I know the exact amount of resistance and the proper technique to maintain the build I have. Jason
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Fastest area for results? Apr 5, 2001 Hi all. What area of the face or neck shows results the fastest, and what area takes the longest?
JoAnne IP: 152.163.206.178
Hi JoAnne
Generally the upper cheeks show the fastest results. The eyes particularly the lower lid tends to take the longest. The larger muscles will show results much faster than the smaller ones. Jason Hi Jason.
You said that it probably takes the longest for the lower lids and this question has probably been asked before, but, will it hurt to do lower lid lifts twice a day, and would I see results faster?
JoAnne 152.163.207.191
Hi JoAnne No, it won't hurt and yes you can see results faster. Remember the counts and reps Deb gives in the book are really the minimum. You do want to pay attention to what's going on with your muscles and be sure not to over-strain them. You'll know when you've gone too far because it will feel as if you're getting no resistance from the muscle at all. When this happens, back off for a day or two and restart. You'll immediately notice how much stronger the muscle is. Now, I know the next question will be, then why should we exercise the muscles 5 times a week? Isn't that too much? No, it's not, especially when doing the exercises as described in the book and video: 10 reps to the count of 6. Hope that helps. Jason
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Awkward Stage Apr 5, 2001 I've been reading the messages for a while now and have noticed several references to "the awkward stage". What exactly is this stage, does it happen to everyone doing the FlexEffect programme and how long into the programme does it tend to occur???I'm asking this question because after doing the exercises every day for only three weeks my face has certainly developed characteristics that look strange to me. For example, the area around my mouth and the lower cheeks have started to look sinewy (is that the right word?Lol), when I'm speaking and smiling these areas look lumpy as if you can see each individual muscle defined. I'm 34 and have a fairly thin face naturally, would it be worth my while to persevere in the hope of gaining a smoother more rounded appearance to my face??
Rah IP: 62.254.0.6
Hi Rah Yes, Many people report a beginning awkward stage within the first 2-4 months especially. Hang with it and it will even out. The larger muscles of the face have a tendency to grow faster and can give the awkward appearance. Don't give up too soon! Jason
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Aching post exercise Mar26, 2001 Hello, I,m new to Flexeffect, I've been doing all 40 exercises daily for almost two weeks now. Just wondered, is it normal for face muscles to ache after flexing? Could I be over doing it or does this mean the exercises are having desirable effect? Also, I've noticed that immediately after performing the exercises my face looks better, but after a while returns to pre exercise state. With continued Flexing can I expect the firmness to remain and then become permanent rather than reverting back to original state? I'm actually looking to build up facial contours as my face is already quite firm.
Hi Rah: It's not unusual to get that lactic acid burn when you are realling working the muscles of the face....because they are just like any other muscles you might work out throughout the body. You must be really kickin' it - cool. Remember, this program is cummulative in it's results. So as long as you keep pumping those muscles and building them, the effects will remain and continue to improve. I always get a "pump" after I work my facial muscles - again, just like when I lift weights. I will tell you: That if you are experiencing jaw pain, or numbness or tingling, anything acute....then stop what you are doing and give it a rest. If it's just the type of "good pain" you feel after working out that goes away later, then you're doing fine. Remember, these muscles are being challenged beyond what they are used too....so a good workout ache is not unusual. Take care and keep flexing! All my best, Olympia Hi my Deb and Jason.....I missed you both....I'll be popping on and off the Board...I'm trying to ease back into it given my health problems.....which ain't gonna git the best of this chikita let me tell ya! My love to you both!
Hey Oly!
Miss you bad girl :0( hurry back
Deb
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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
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Reverse Chew Feb 26, 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. 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.
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Exercise for the young Feb 23, 2001 Hi, I´m new to this forum. I´m really glad that I have always believed in a phrase that says "use it or lose it". I mean, every single part of our body needs exercise. I´m 23 years old, yes I know I´m very young and it may sound silly(even more when I tell you that I look a lot younger, 15 to be precise) that someone like me wants to start exercising her facial muscles. I´m aware of the fact that it´s better to start young for prevention. I´m just wondering which exercises would you recommend me considering my age. Hope you can help me. Thanks Magally IP: 148.233.64.89 Hi Magally I would start with just the video. Those are the basic exercises. I began with just them for about the first year and had good results. I would think they would be very beneficial in maintaining what you already have. Remember to wear sunscreen daily! Jason I have always looked younger than I am. When I was 23, I also looked 15. I was "carded" until I was 30. When I was 36, somebody guessed my true age, which hurt my ego like you wouldn't believe! (OK, he had to look really, really close, but it was a GUY and it hurt!) I am now 48, and am usually mistaken for 40 (am trying, via flexeffect, to move this down to 35). Start NOW doing a maintenance program (at least 3 times per week) with the exercises on the video. And AVOID THE SUN like the plague! (At your age, this is even more important than the exercises.) Keep that pretty, young face of yours forever. Twenty years from now (I know, a LIFETIME!) you will be so glad you did. Wish I knew about flexeffect when I was your age (and knew that some day I would care!). pj IP: 64.12.102.54
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Question for Jean Feb 21, 2001 Hi Jean, You said in an earlier post that you work for a dermatologist? Do they know at work that you are doing FlexEffect and what do they think of what it's done for you so far? Sadie IP: 205.129.112.85 Hi Sadie... There are varied opinions on whether or not facial ex can tighten facial skin..on one hand one expert reminds me it is repeated motion, like things that helped cause wrinkles in the first place (there is also some opinion that facial muscles get more ex than any other in the body)...etc..etc. However, there are ALSO those Drs. I see and converse with daily that explain that the face, neck and chin muscles respond to resistance training just like the other muscles in the body....but unlike other muscles that can become bulky with exercise, tiny facial muscles become flat and compact as they grow stronger. Anyway, facial exercise are generally intended to improve sagging, not superficial wrinkles...so if sagging and drooping and crinkling are your problem, facial ex is a good alternative to cosmetic surgery....especially since there are so many other ways to tackle wrinkles! The general concensus seems to be is a good and sensible route! Yes, they are aware of my exercising. And the fact I regularly do the massages is obvious. Concensus also seems to be that my skin is pretty. Of course, I use skin care products geared toward my sun damaged skin...and I get chemical peels..but yes, flexing does really enhance the appearance and condition of your skin..all additional things you can employ to assist in this are also an added plus. And even if no one thought it was a 'good thing', I wouldn't care..because I KNOW BETTER. Jean
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Book Vs. Video Feb 18, 2001 I am on a very restricted income,and i am wondering if you could tell me which one, the book or the video, I should purchase. I read that the book offers more exercises, but will I miss out on anything if I order the book and trainer and not the video? I really cannot afford both. Is there a money back guarantee with your product? From what I have read the people who seem to be getting the best and fastest results are using a dermal tone facial exerciser (or similar) along with the flex exercises- It seems I have read more people disappointed with the flex system by itself, or even the dermal tone by itself. Can more people please share their experiences with me on this one? Thanks Jenny Y IP: 63.175.45.217
Hi Jenny I would start with the video first. With the video, you'll get the basic exercises to get you started and you'll get to see Deb perform them so you'll have a better understanding of how to do them. FlexEffect works very well all by itself. I have not used any of the electrical muscle stimulators. We do have 2 or 3 people that have used them while doing FlexEffect and have reported faster results. But since my experience is limited concerning Dermal Tone or any of the others, I really can't speak to what effects the combination of FlexEffect has with them. Jason
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Concerning process of FlexEffect Feb 16, 2001 I'm really interested to know why one's skin sometimes regresses for about three months before improving with facial resistance training. I did not have lines or sags on my face when I began resistance training. I began it as a prevenitive measure. However, after about a month, I am beginning to see cuts and stretch marks appear on my chin area. They are developing quite rapidly and it is truly scaring me to death. If this is simply part of the process and will improve in time, then that is fine. After all, it would have happened eventually anyway, but I really do need to understand why. If anyone could please answer my question, I would truly, truly appreciate it. I know its shameful for a grown woman to beg, but right now, I'm begging for answers! LynDale IP: 38.36.4.206
Hi LynDale Cuts and stretch marks?? Okay, we desperately need to talk technique 'cause somethin' ain't right here. With these exercises we are applying resistance. Does that mean that you apply the most extreme pressure that you most possibly can? Uh....no. You do want to get good consistent resistance. If you feel that the muscle isn't getting the fatigue you feel necessary, then hold your count l-o-n-g-e-r. If you're apply so much resistance that you're cutting the skin and stretching it, you are performing the exercises completely incorrectly. It would be no different than starting out in the gym and trying to bench press 250 lbs when realisticly you can't even bench half your body weight. BE REALISTIC. For now, totally STOP this exercise and all facial exercises until you can heal from whatever you've done to your skin. Then, restart using moderate pressure and if necessary hold your counts longer. Jason Hi Jason
Thanks for replying so quickly to my message. I'm a pianist and I had not considered how strong my hands are. Other flexers had mentioned that their skin seemed to get worse before it improved and I thought that this was simply a step along the way. Thank you for stopping me before I stretched my whole face. I do have another question. You said to stop until my skin healed. Will stretch marks and fine cut marks in my skin really heal? LynDale
Hi LynDale The cuts will definitely heal. And the stretched areas should heal as well but may take longer. It's difficult for me to image the amount of stress you must have placed on the muscles to create such an effect. To create stress marks takes a lot of force that would, I think, be very painful. I am probably as aggressive as most flexers ever are but have fallen far short of producing such an effect. Having performed the exercises regularly for two years, my face and neck are very tight with very little play in the skin. I would recommend that if after a period of a week or so if you find that any stretch marks are not dissapating that you follow up with a dermatologist. There may be some medical reason present that has made your skin very fragile. Best to rule that out if you're healing slowly. Hope I've been of some help. Jason
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Re: too young? Feb 14, 2001 Hi Ryan No, you're not too young, but the exercises for you will be more maintenance since, I'm sure at your age, there is no atrophy. The number one thing you can do to stay looking younger at this point is to take very good care of your skin. DO NOT TAN. Start wearing a sunblock (spf of 30 or greater) with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in it, and wear it daily. Ninety percent of damage to the skin comes from the sun. Facial exercises do not cause wrinkling in and of themselves. Older people who start the exercises notice more lines because of the years of damage they've done to their skin. If they stick with the exercises and follow a good skin care regimen, they'll notice a reduction in lines. May not completely eliminate them, but they will soften. But for you, NOW is the time to assiduously protect your skin. You'll avoid a lot of hassels that the 30 and above people have who've spent a lifetime in the sun, smoking, poor eating habits, etc. Good luck! Jason
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Ice for swelling Feb 6, 2001 hi jason, im the guy who was bugging you about my bags, and doing too much exercise there causing it to be puffy , ok my question is about using ice for swelling, should i ice the area till it doesn't look swollen or is there a point where it becomes counter productive because of constriction of blood flow.