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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

Hi Nick

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

Hi 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.

Jean

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

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

Hi PJ

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

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

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

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.

Elaine

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

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

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

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?

PJ
IP: 130.184.43.82

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Janet

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Bev
IP: 204.50.249.132

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

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

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

Hi Lynne

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

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

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

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

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.

Rah
IP: 62.254.0.6

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

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.

Jean

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

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.

Jean

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

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

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

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

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

Detachment of muscle  Feb 1, 2001   

Are you aware of anyone (is it possible) who was too vigorous with your flexeffect exercise regiment to the point that face muscle became detached from bone or other muscle?   My MD told me to exercise my finger for arthritis and I tore the tendon and now have a mallet index finger. 

Pattie
IP: 162.114.211.

Hi Pattie

LOL. Dear me, no! I work my face muscles out probably harder than anyone else and I haven't even come close. I can't imagine the kind of force that would be necessary by someone to do such a
thing. Since you have direct control of the resistance being applied it would be really very difficult to accomplish such an injury. In the gym when lifting, such injury is far more possible because you DON'T have direct control of the resistance. Instinctually, you're going to back off the resistance when you begin to feel pain. In fact one of the things you must be conscious of is that you MAINTAIN proper resistance because you'll have a tendency to NOT apply enough.

Jason

Does it really work? Jan 26, 2001     

I am 28 years old and I am totally in the fitness, I exercise daily and I try to use the facial flex.  My goal is preventive, so you can really build up your facial muscles.   When you say resistance training, do you mean by applying pressure with your fingers to each facial muscle.  Will this prevent wrinkles, so I take that you get wrinkles by loosing muscle tone in the face.  O.k. I guess it makes sense.  I also read that this type of training can also increase the blood flow to the skin.   What do you advise, I don't have wrinkles, my skin is pretty toned, should I start this type of training now or later? 

Sheryl
IP: 12.105.24.50

Hi Sheryl

You should start now, long before atrophy begins. Also be doing things to protect your skin. Always, always wear sunblock of at least spf 30.  By the time atrophy/sag have set in, you're behind
the game and catching up is much more difficult than prevention.

And yes, Virginia, it really does work! ;-)

Jason

Alternate routine Jan 18, 2001    

When you condition or train the muscles in your body it's a good idea to alternate or change your routine.  Can it be said that doing the same exercises for your face 5 days a week will in the
beginning give you results but then become monotonous where the muscles get use to those exercises and begin to reverse the effects? 

My only concern is that I am 24 years old and want to get a head start on the aging process.  But I don't want to start now if  in time i will be doing more harm then good.

Kim
IP: 165.89.84.242

Hi Kim

Any exercise to a muscle is not going to hurt it whether now or in the long run. FlexEffect has over 40 exercises to the face quite a few of which target the same areas only in different ways. With the number of exercises Deb has in the program you can cycle through them changing the routine. Some exercises will be a mainstay, but the other additional ones can be worked in. Personally, I've found that it isn't necessary, however, to vary the routine greatly to get and continue to receive the benefits
the exercises give you.

At your age, starting the exercises and protecting your skin from the sun will keep you young looking well into your advanced years.

Jason

FlexEffect Video   Jan 17, 2001

FlexEffect is an instructional video (not a work-out tape ) I've been asked why I did not count out each exercise 10 times to the count of 6 with you (I review each exercise 3 times and ask you to pause the tape to finish the count yourself, if you choose)

I was advised by those shooting the video NOT to do the count as the video was already 30 minutes long with just the explanation/ demonstration of each  exercise. I had a choice...I could either show fewer exercises and spend time counting them out or show more exercises and let the person count for themselves.  Remember, the idea is to put the exercises to memory,   not to sit in front of  your TV every time you want to train.

For training (not learning) 'The Personal Trainer' (audio cassette/flashcards) does the complete count.  It too is 30 min.long but without explanation/demonstration. It takes you from the first exercise to the last without pause (40 exercises)

Deb

Length of time?  Jan 8, 2001    

just would like to know how long will i see results if i exercise my facial everyday and what happens if i stop ? is this something that has to be done everyday?

Rose
IP: 208.188.168.14

Hi Rose; 

This is like any exercise program, you need to keep at it on a regular basis, if you want to see regular basis results. And yes, it is for life.  Once you get into it and see the results for yourself, there will be no question about continuing to benefit your face from hereon in and forever more.  It will become second nature to you, just like brushing your teeth!  If you want optimal response, yes you need to do at least 5 times a week...you will reap benefits doing less, but if you are going to invest the time and effort..why not go for the gold?! Gather up ALL the benefits at a speedier pace.   You will notice results; they are ongoing....accumulative...and encouraging...for life!

Jean

Hi Rose

You should attempt to do the exercises everyday, especially until you've obtained the results you want. Thereafter you can reduce it to about 3 days a week. That's where I'm at now.

Jason

Other  Oct 20, 2000

Hi.

I'd like to hear from people who had appreciable damage and sag, who have been using flexeffect and who have been greatly helped. I know that some of you out there have stated that you were lucky enough to have started early, so that no appreciable damage had already occurred. You may just have very good genes and would not have seen much aging even without flexeffect. I'd feel much
better if I could hear from anyone who is a little older and who saw great changes-even if it took 12 months to see these changes.

Thanks.

Sheila

I agree with Sheila.

I too would very much like to hear from those who have had success through using flexeffect. We desperately want to believe in this program, but we're afraid of causing more damage.We have to live with our faces after all. It all sounds genuine and great, but why won't anyone come forward to tell us their success stories? Can you reassure us Deb? You, who have taught flexeffect for many years, must have seen many a success story yourself. Please then tell us about all the people you have seen who had problems with sagging necks etc. and who are now reaping the benefits of your program. Have you seen with your own eyes that exercises like chest pull really does tighten up the neck, and that frowner really has worked for people in time. Please reassure us. By what is on the board lately, I am not alone in needing reassurance, and I mean this respectfully.

Thanks.

Maggie

Hi Maggie

Please read through the board in its entirety. You will see numerous success stories of what FlexEffect has done for not only the neck, but other areas as well. Tori's before and after
pictures further confirm her own success with FlexEffect. Again, expectations must be realistic. I think people see Deb's pictures and think, "Wow, I'm going to look like that!" But you must keep
in mind Deb has assiduously protected her skin from sun since a young age in addition to doing facial exercises. Many of us, myself included, have sustained considerable skin damage from the sun before starting this program. If you will carefully look at Tori's before and after photos, you can see where the lift is dramatic, but she STILL has lines. Has her overall appearance improved? You betcha! But once damage to the skin has occurred you're not going to erase all of it by facial exercises and have a face that looks like Deb's. Each of us needs to be realistic in setting our goals. You have a lot of lines and wrinkles? Think about laser resurfacing or chemical peels. I'm sorry, but that's my take on it.

Jason

Hi. Jason

I was talking about older men and women. I'd like to see what many of us may expect. I'm not asking you to promise that I'll look like Deb.  I'd just like to see what different results are with
varying degrees of sagging and age.

Thanks.

Sheila

Deb

I'd like to hear some of your success stories too. Perhaps you could give us a couple of stories a week, maybe focusing on different problems they've had. Surely they wouldn't mind this, and we sure would appreciate it. Hope you don't mind my asking.

Tina

Re: Jason, Wink-Adv   Oct 20, 2000

Jean,

You should feel the thumb that's in your mouth under the fingers that are providing the resistance to the muscle on the outside. The remaining fingers of the thumb-in-mouth hand go over the fingers of the hand providing the resistance. Then smile. Hold your count to 6. Then repeat 10 times. I don't know whether this explanation helps or not. Even to me it sounds rather complex.

What this exercise helps to do is isolate the muscle better and provide more guidance to your resistance. I personally do Wink far more than Wink Adv. But we all have our favorite exercises.
Hope this explanation helps.

Jason

Hi Jason

Thx for the description...I do 'get it'...I also do wink more frequently than wink advanced..but wanted to work wink adv in there too here and there.   thx again!!!!!

Jean

To Jason  Oct 20, 2000

You mentioned in an earlier post that we can't hope to look as good as Deb when we've caused damage to our skin through sun exposure etc. I have taken good care of my skin, always avoiding
the sun all my life, never been overweight, never smoked and eaten relatively healthily, but at 43, I still have some loose skin on my neck, and some facial sag. I even did isometric exercises for many years, so would it be unreasonable of me to expect dramatic results from using flex effect? Can I achieve a firm, youthful face, or is this just fantasy?

Cathy

Hi Cathy

If you mean sun avoidance in the fact that you've constantly worn sun block DAILY since your mid twenties, at least, and consistently performed facial exercises. I would say yes; however, I'm concerned that at 43 you have these problems already if you've taken these kind of precautions. Eating healthy is a relative issue as well; the obvious question being healthy compared to what?

I believe I've had dramatic results from FlexEffect already myself. I can't tell you what results you will have just the same as I can't tell someone walking into the gym for the first time what they will achieve. It is very individualized, and depends a great deal on consistency, technique, and dedication. If you haven't the desire to go the distance then it will be just fantasy for you.

Jason

Hi Cathy                                                         

Jason is right. It is VERY individualized. It's so hard to know what condition your skin is in. I just turned 44 and although I don't look like I did when I was 20 my skin is in pretty good condition. You have to be willing to put in the time and be aware that prevention is always better than repair. I have been flexing for just over a year. The only thing that really bothered me was the lines I get under my eyes when I smile. The area under my eyes, that was beginning to loose muscle tone and hollow out, if you know what I mean, started filling in within the first two weeks. The muscle seems to react quite quickly. The skin is a different story. The smile lines that I was telling you about have only recently begun to improve. No one wants to discourage you because if you put in the time and the work you will get results but if you expect miracles over night you'll be disappointed. I would suggest that you e-mail Deb directly. She's the expert.                             

Terry H                                                                

Funny story about getting Flex.E..   Oct 19, 2000

I got my packaged....faaaaaaassssssstttttt let me tell you!  I was surprised - pleasantly to be sure - but it was fast!  Thank you Deb.  Ordering over the net at times means long waits for the product to show up at your doorstep.  I usually order and forget about it - because it usually takes a while.  Kudos to you on that.

Ok...first night with the Video/Tape/Book/Flashcards.  I sat down in the living room, put on the video and my sweety comes in and sits down with me.  At first his reaction is "oh no"....:)

Shortly he is DOING THE EXERCISES WITH ME LOLOLOL.... We are both sitting there pulling on our cheeks then look over at eachother and bust up laughing!

His face looked SO great the next day after ONE application of the exercises that he is now a flexer too!  LOL . . .

I am not making this up - I promise you.

Jason, you were absolutely right - 110% right about FlexEffect.  I do think it goes the distance from what I can already tell beyond the Maggio program. 

Which is EXACTLY what I was looking for.  I am impressed, I am excited.  There are many things that benefit from toning the muscles in your face - speech for instance, being more aware of what is happening on your face in terms of facial expressions - at least for me.  I am loving it - loving it - loving it.

Thank you Deb.  And Deb, btw...my sweety says you're just as cute as a button on the video and I agree WHOLE HEARTEDLY!  When you say "pause the tape" we both just cannot help but
laugh..."with" you. :)

Andrea

WINK  Oct 18, 2000

Why does the WINK have to be done one side at a time?  I feel the same muscle working the same amount when I do them both at the same time? Am I not feeling the right thing?

Sally

Hi Sally

It doesn't. You can do both sides at once. Doing one side at a time may help the beginner isolate and work the muscle better, but you can do them together. In the interest of time, I frequently combine both sides.

Jason

Jason

Are there any other exercises that can be combined in the interest of time?

Sally

Sally

Yes,  I will often times combine cheek press adv, doing both sides at once. I do this just like what you would do for mouth flex only putting my thumbs farther back into the cheek.

Jason

Jason

One more question. My hands slip when doing certain exercises that require my pulling my face, thumbs inside mouth. What do you do? Do you press so hard to keep your grip that you just about pass out?

Sally

Sally,

LOL! Now I know why they keep smelling salts in first aid kits. But no. The important thing to remember is that you're trying to get resistance strong enough to have worked the muscle. If,
however, your hands are slipping when you do Top Furrow Adv or any of the exercises for that matter, you can use latex rubber gloves. A recent post recommended using the kind you frequently
see health care workers use. The rubber gloves tend to be easier on the skin while providing a good grip. I just use my hands although I intend to try the rubber gloves sometime in the near future to see how well it works.

Jason

Frequency of exercising  Oct 17, 2000

Hello all,

I've been using this flexeffect program (from the book) for over a month now, and I'm already seeing great results.  Thanks!  I've got one question now.  I know with regular body building it helps to alternate muscle exercises daily, ie. work a particular muscle every other day, so it has time to rebuild.  Does this also apply to the facial exercises (specifically those involving chin and neck), or can I do these everyday?

Alex

Alex,

You can perform these exercises every day if you want. Because with wt lifting, you're using a controlled amount of wt and incrementally increasing it, you do need to take time off to heal. With facial muscles, because your hands are providing the resistance and that resistance is not stable nor incremental, you can work out everyday. If you feel particularly sore, which you may at first, do take a day or two off. I generally do FlexEffect about 4 times a week now. I've found that after taking a day off my muscles feel stronger and I get better resistance.

Jason

Hi Jason- great!  thanks for the swift reply =)

alex

Average workout time?  Oct 16, 2000

Deb, Olympia, Jason:

Really, how long should it normally take to do all 40 exercises?  I find myself taking 45 minutes to an hour some days. Is a 20 minute workout too quick?

thanks, Linda

Linda,

I often exercise up to 45 minutes a day. That's not unusual; however, on busy days I may perform a truncated version of the exercises. That's okay; some days you're just going to be too busy to do more than that. As long as you look at the program as a permanent habit for life, those days when you can't do more will all equal out.

Jason

Easier?  Oct 16, 2000

Can anyone tell me if the exercises get any easier to do in time. I'm finding them quite hard going, especially the left side of my face which seems really weak, and I'm not at all sure I'm even achieving the right amount of resistance which is disappointing, as I want to perform them correctly.Please
advise. Thanks

Mary

Hi Mary,

I found they definitely do get easier, but you have to discipline yourself on the amount of time you spend on them. I've been doing them for 3 months now, and initially I found it quite time consuming trying to get the exercises done right - and trying to get some of the muscles to actually flex.

The right hand side of my face was also considerably weaker than the right. This was surprising to me as I'm right handed - I started to get a little worried. The solution I found was to double up on the number of repetitions on my right side for the exercises I found difficulty with on the right. Within three weeks both sides were of equal strength, and i no longer have to worry. I now exercise both sides equally.

Hope this helps,
eric

Hi Eric

Thanks a lot for your response. It's comforting to know that someone else has come across the same problem.I'll try doing what you did, and double up on the weak side. Thanks, I appreciate it.

Mary

How Often    Oct. 16, 2000

Deb
Can you tell me how often I need to do the exercises. I am doing all 40 every day, but am finding this time consuming. I want results as soon as possible, but I was wondering if I could miss out the odd day without losing the benefits. Thanks.

Tina

Hi Tina

No problem,  I only say everyday... for all the days I won't.  Look at you training as a life style, something you'll always do.   It's far more fail-safe that way.  Take your days off when you feel like it. I've dropped a month at a time.. (holidays, family crises, just plain bored with it).   But it is something I'll always do so I don't think about schedules (too regimented) I just do it, when it's convenient.  Believe me... once you've taken the time off  to where you begin to see signs from  not training (been there, done that) ... Oooooh Yeah... your back...big time!

Quandary   Oct 12, 2000

I have sent an email with a question now on two occasions over the passed couple of weeks. I really wanted an answer to this question as it is foundational to the decision to purchase this product.  And I would like to believe me - but with no response I have to wonder?  I have been burned by Internet companies a few times - had problems, been back-charged, double-charged, over-charged. anyway, point being, it happens, but I have found that a personal contact with the company or someone in it tends to help weed out the ones that are "thin air" from the ones who really want to do business.

I sent the email twice to the address listed on this website, have received no reply at all - nothing.  The question wasn't out of line I do not think. 

I understand that there are schedules, people are busy - but this program is intensive and appears to need support, will that support be there? - I ask myself?

I want to know that the company is really there - there is nowhere to go to see anyone face to face - this is all on trust, faith and agreement.  Please, someone write me back.  I am very interested in this program.

Thank you,
Andrea

PS - Thought I'd give this one more shot before going
elsewhere...maybe on the message board?? Hopefully.

Andrea

Hi. I'm not with the company, just someone who bought the program a few months ago. I notice, too, that questions aren't being answered lately, and some questions are not being addressed at
all.  But, if you call the 800 number, you'll get Deb (it's her program), and, she'll talk to you and answer any questions you may have.  At least she did with me.   As for whether or not this
works, I can't say.  So far, I've seen no results, and, the program is awfully expensive.  But, call Deb and ask away.  She's very nice.

Diane

Hi Andrea:

I'm puzzled that your E-mail wasn't answered as yet, because Deb, Jason and I have always gotten back to everyone on a very timely basis.   I'm sorry about that.  If you still have it, shoot
me the E-mail with your questions and I'll get right back to you - promise!

What might have happened is that when you posted your message, one of us could have answered it, but you didn't get to see the response because it only stays up for I believe 48 hours and is then downloaded to Deb's computer for her answers then these answers are permanently posted to the Board. 

I know she's working on about 80 posts right now, so one of them is probably your answer.  

But send me your questions anyway.

All my best,
Olympia

Hi Andrea

Actually, the program is about the cheapest on the net that I've seen. For only $30 you can get started on the exercises. Even if you bought only the tape or the book, that is enough to have a
full workout. I apologize if any of us have missed a question, it surely was unintentional. The board has literally been flooded with posts these last few weeks. The posts only stay up for 24 hours. After that, they are removed and sent to Deb. Any posts that had unanswered questions then have to wait until Deb has read, responded, and posted them to the board. I hope that helps to clarify any problems. Additionally, if you want a more timely response, you are always free to e-mail Olympia or myself. Either of us can generally get to you fairly quickly.

Also, Olympia and I answer questions on the board that we feel most comfortable with and are related to our areas of expertise. For our areas of interest, you may check our individual pages
under our names on the Board.

Thanks!
Jason

Hi Jason

I spent almost $80.00 on this program.  I consider that a lot for a book, a tape and the flashcards and cassette.

Diane

Hi Diane

I agree. A booklet, video, flashcards and cassette costing $80.00 (depending on its content) could be outrageous.   However, a facialbuilding program, THAT GETS THE JOB DONE...once learned, you will have for the rest of your life...come-on, even if it were printed on a banana peel it's a steal. 

Deb

Patience  Oct 1, 2000

Goodness.....I haven't checked the board for a few days and  find I have missed LOTS!   Anyway,  just a note to new comers and the "unbelievers".   Please,  bear with those of us who are a bit defensive of  Deb.  I think once you see how much integrity she has, and the amount of kindness and caring, and   detailed instruction she gives to all who ask, you will understand why some of us,   who have been doing her program, can be a bit defensive of her.  Personally I have found that she has been totally there for me every step of the way, since I started with FlexEffect.  I had no idea what to expect from facial exercises, and had lots of questions.  Deb went totally out of her way to answer ANYTHING I asked.  REALLY above and beyond the call of the cost of her program!  I have watched this board as I continued on with the exercises.  And, I have seen her go out of her way  again and again for her students.  So,  of course such dedication, and kindness produces loyalty.  For all you skeptics,  keep the questions coming!.  I KNOW this program can stand up to ANY question and comment put to it.  And to all us vets and avid supporters of Deb, let's just hang in there with her, and be patient.    We KNOW Flex Effect is the BEST program out there.  We KNOW it works!   And, so will ANYONE who gives it a chance! Deb, I thank you again for your program,   and for your continued kindness to us all.

Eileen

Amen! Jason

Who luvs ya Eileen?... Deb;0)

Boy, now that felt great....  THANK YOU!

Deb:0)

Confussion    28, 2000

A friend of mine received the entire FlexEffect package a couple of weeks ago.  I read all the literature and have read all the messages on this Discussion Board.  I am confused about the contradictory information put forth by Deb (in the book) and Olympia (D.B. #994).  A FlexEffector said that she noticed  a problem with one of the exercises, and, therefore, she stopped doing it.  As a result, she noticed a line that had not been there before.  Olympia said that the line proved that the exercise had been working.  Deb, on the other hand, stated emphatically, that facial exercise DOES NOT create wrinkles or lines.  She further states that lines form only over time, presumably, over a long time.  I am a lawyer, and I know what talking through both sides of the mouth (double-talk) is.  Please explain the answer given to the FlexEffector's dilemma

Cynthia.

Hello Cynthia

Re: Post #944

Carol wants to build an area to lift out a newly acquired line. Her problem  is that it is an area she once overbuilt and doesn’t want to go there again.

Your response to post #944 suggest Olympia and myself  are contradicting each other. As you put it "talking though both sides of the mouth (double-talk) and you’ve asked that Olympia’s answer be explained.

That explanation would be …you misunderstood what you read. Nothing in Olympia’s response suggest that FlexEffect caused the line.

Please re-read Post # 994 second paragraph., you will see that Carol stopped doing a particular exercise LAST YEAR and now Fall (of the following year) has noticed a line where there wasn't one before. Even in keeping with the nay-sayers way of  thinking, FlexEffect could not have been the cause of that line.

Becoming a facialbuilder means setting back time it doesn’t mean never getting another line or wrinkle.  Besides, Carol said the area in question showed considerable results while training… to the point of over-building.

Resistance training not only increases muscle density but in some cases (depending on the persons weight and facial structure) will show definition. 

I’m sorry if Olympia's response was misunderstood, but I assure you, her take on what does and does not cause lines is identical to mine. She wasn't saying that training caused the line, but rather, bringing attention to the fact that when she was training there was no line.  

Please consider this;  Deleting what anyone might construe as negative responses to FlexEffect would be far easier than making a pathetic attempt at double talk.

Deb

Cynthia

I just found it amusing that your name is Cynthia because there is another facial exercise program by a person named Cynthia Rowland called "facial magic", I figured chances are pretty good it would be Cynthia Rowland since the competition is probably going to check each other out a lot but you said you are a lawyer so I guess your not Cynthia Rowland, I think you may be trying to do more damage to Deb than Cynthia Rowland would. I feel bad for Deb.

Rock Star

Cynthia

I really don't see any confusion or contradiction. For one year, the person did the nose exercise and built up muscle but then her glasses couldn't fit. When she stopped doing the exercise, the muscle deflated and she saw a crease. I would imagine that a year's time is long enough for a crease to appear naturally (it seems that way for me). It appears to me that: 1) she may have had the crease to begin with (or the beginning of a crease) and simply didn't remember it (can you remember every crease, indentation, line or wrinkle from a YEAR ago?); 2) in that year's time, if she WASN'T doing the nose exercise, the crease would have appeared regardless but SINCE she was flexing, the muscle built and the crease never formed; and 3) by stopping the exercise and letting the muscle deflate she simply saw what that area looks like with an atrophied muscle (i.e., a crease APPEARED to manifest), thus PROVING (to me anyway) that flexing was indeed working.

Simply put, flexing didn't cause the crease to form but stopped it from ever fully appearing. By stopping flexing that area, the muscle atrophied and the skin relaxed to what it would look like if she had never flexed before. At least that is how I read those posts.

In any event, I've been flexing for a little over 6 months and can attest that I had the same crease BEFORE I flexed and now that crease is practically gone. If I stop flexing that area, I would assume the crease would return. Take that for what you will and hope I didn't add to the confusion.

Regards,
Robbie

Hi Cynthia:

I'm sorry about your confusion, but I think you're taking what I said out of context.   Perhaps I didn't state my point clearly enough in post# 994.  So let me try again:

Basically, it's as simple as this:  the evidence that Carol's facial resistance training was working was the fact that she clearly stated that her old glasses no longer fit her due to the fact that the sides of her nose had built up from executing Nose Lift (one exercise in her facial training regimen).  Let me preface by saying:  This is exactly what we are going for with this program...building up the small but highly reactive voluntary facial and neck muscles, and thereby creating a smooth natural lift.

Carol also stated that she ceased Nose Lift, and in doing so found that the muscles atrophied, and then this line shows up that wasn't there before.  I'm not stating that the line was caused by the facial exercises. I'm stating that, the evidence that the program works is in the fact that Carol saw a visual
difference in her nose after cessation of this particular exercise.

Let me ask you a few questions : 

When and if you ever work out - do ever think you are creating a wrinkle or associate ruining your skin with working out?  Have you ever compared an athlete's skin to one who doesn't work out?  What do you think happens when you increase circulation (increased oxygen, cell turnover...etc) to the tissues via training - is it detrimental or beneficial? 

Exercise programs, moreover resistance programs are not limited to everything below the neck.  Why should they be - who wrote that law anyway? Our facial muscles are made up of the same stuff that every other muscle in our body is made made up of.  In addition, they react the same way when challenged - they grow. 

90 percent of all wrinkles are caused by our exposure to the sun -solar irradiation of our skin - and this takes place from day one of our lives on this planet. The majority of this damage takes place in childhood.  The rest of the factors that contribute to our dermal degradation are pollution, exposure to toxins both internal and external, gravity, stress, free radical damage, our overall health or lack thereof.....

So where am I going with this?  I firmly believe that exercise in any form is beneficial to the body and it applies to the entire body.  I believe the only way to lift your face sans plastic surgery, is with this program.  I do not believe that one can create wrinkles, or an environment which would catalyze the creation of wrinkles via this program. 

I always like to use this little analogy: if you've ever witnessed plastic or reconstructive surgery of the face and neck, you've seen how much those surgeons pull on that skin and tissue.  If this was detrimental to the patient, plastic surgery wouldn't be a billion dollar industry.  In addition, most facelifts only last 2-3 years.  The reason being is clear: if you've taken already weakened atrophied muscle and skin and pull it beyond what is natural, and never increase the strength or density of that tissue, it's going to fall and atrophy all over again.   In addition, you'll never hear a plastic surgeon tell you pulling on the skin is detrimental to anyone...they'd be out of a job and out of business. 

I see no contradictions or double talk on this Board by me or by Deb.  In fact, we talk straight up on this Board and we back it up by physical evidence.   The bottom line is, we're the evidence...and 20 + years of this program being in existence in hospitals on the West Coast in PT departments, bringing stroke and Bell's Palsy victims hope and back to a place of rehab and health.  We are our own control subjects here.   This program has been tested and proven to work in studies at Eureka Physical Therapy. 

Like I tell everyone, your progress and how you do with this program is all in your hands, the whole of it, it's all in your control.  This program is cumulative in benefits and bottom line....it works and it's backed by science;  Kineasilogist and the like have been preaching the gospel of working out and its' benefits and all those principals apply to this program.

This isn't brain surgery - it's simple logic - and to quote my dear friend and mentor Deb - "it's a physical fact". 

Thanks for asking, hope I've clarified any confusion you might have had. 

All my best,
Olympia

Journal / Chart   Sep 27, 2000 8

Hi gang, I was wondering if any others keep a daily flexing chart?  My husband, Dennis, made me one up, and I keep it in a folder.  When I do an exercise, I made a    /   for the day in the column for the exercise I just completed.  I find it helps me remember what I have done.   If I stop and have not finished all my exercises, I know which ones I have left to do.

I also keep an exercise journal for my body exercises.  I have over 2 years worth of flexeffect in it too.  (Dennis just made me the chart 2 days ago.)  In the larger journal, I can read about what I used to look like from my comments.  I can also read about and know how far I have come.  My husband used to tease me about these, but now he is my biggest fan.  Every so often, he will look at me and say "you look younger again".  I love it when he looks at me, tilts his head a little to the side and looks harder.  That is usually when he tells me I'm younger again!     

Carol  (modemfun)

Hi Carol

I definitely recognize the head tilting to the side... I see it often... Just wish it was followed with the same kind of comment LOL!  You are really doing great girl.  Very good idea about chart and journal..maybe even put snapshots in every so many months... See ya back here ;-)

Deb

Is there a certain order to do the exercises?  Sep 26, 2000

I was just wondering if it is ok to start any exercise you want first or if you get better results if you do the exercises in a particular order? thanks

Merle

Hi Merle:

Nope - no order in particular.  You may find you want to work certain parts of your face during different times of the day.  For instance, I work Cheeks at night because I get very red and irritated looking right after and it lasts a while.  As long as you do the program daily, you'll be fine - don't worry about the order of  the exercises.

All my best,
Olympia

Nose Lift     Sep 25, 2000

Hi,

I have noticed in the two years I have been doing FlexEffect that I can see a difference in several areas. I know I look better around the eyes.  My mouth area is much better.  I do not have a puppets mouth now.  No line from lips to chin!   That was one of the first things to go!  Hallelujah!  It was getting really bad.  (you know it's getting bad when your husband starts calling you Howdy Doody!)

I do have one exercise that caused me problems, so I stopped doing it.  Nose lift.   It fills in the area next to the nose/eyes.  The problem I had was my eye glasses no longer fit.  They were too small in that section. My nose got wider.   Was I doing it wrong?   Has anyone else had this problem.  I stopped doing it last year and now it is getting noticeable again.  I see a line where there was none this spring.  Any suggestions?

I have also noticed that it not only takes time to build the muscles, but if you have very little tone to your skin, you need to start there.  When I started Flex Effect, I had little tone to my skin.  Not much happened. Even after nearly a year.  Not enough tone to work with.   I tried another persons routines, built the tone, and now Deb's is really taking off and showing. I needed a starting point.  I think it is different for each of us.  I am 45, and look about 38.  Just think how young I'll look when I get ALL the areas of my face and neck toned and lifted! 

Carol (modemfun)

Hi Carol:

Sounds like your are doing and looking fabu! 

Re:  Nose Lift: actually you were doing it right.  It does build up the area between the nose and cheeks, so I'm not surprised about the glasses not fitting.  The other evidence you have that it was working so well was now that you stop Nose Lift, a line is forming where there wasn't one.

I would say start right up again with Nose Lift to build up the area again so you can get rid of that line before it gets worse.  Your only dilemma is that you have make a personal decision:  do I keep the glasses and let the line form, or do I build up the area which will get rid of the line and acquire new glasses or contacts. They can't adjust the nose pieces on the glasses? 

I know eyeglasses can be expensive.....but a face lift cost so much more, and having a line where you don't want it is just plain lousy (we can all relate). From what you've written, you have done so incredibly well with the program that it would be a shame to leave certain parts of your face alone.. ..an incomplete masterpiece. 

I'd ditch the old glasses...it's a new you anyway right?.... start up with your Nose Lifts, do a full comprehensive FlexEffect workout and go for broke.....that's my personal suggestion!

Hey Deb and Jason....what do you guys think about this scenario....I can't think of any other options (other than plastic surgery) to fix the problem with building up the Quadratus labii superioris to the point where her old glasses will fit....I mean, that's what we're going for with the program is build and lift...so...I don't quite know what else to say...

Any other veteran flexors who wear glasses been encountering similar problems?  I'd be curious to hear....

You know Carol, I'm really glad you brought this up, because I don't wear glasses and was ignorant to the fact that this would be a problem.  Thanks for making me think.....

Good-luck in your decision,

All my best,
Olympia

Hi Carol

I have not been doing flexeffect long enough to have to yet buy new glasses...but yes I am noticing my glasses do not fit as they did..I had them adjusted.   Was simple.  I know I will have to purchase new ones pretty soon down the road...and that is o.k with me!!!!  Will be my banner of achievement to have to buy new glasses!  My nose has not gotten 'bigger' or wider especially, just filled in in the areas where the nose pieces are resting.  Any eyeglass place will readily adjust these for you, usually at little or no charge at all.

Jean

Hi Carol

Hi Carol,

I also overbuilt my nose area. Since we all have different faces, what might work well, let say for Deb, did not always work for me. I have found that I need to adjust my workouts for MY face. Here was my problem, I did the nose lifts ALOT, because I was getting the valley look in the inner corners of my eyes. When I did the exercise just the way the video said, I over developed the muscle that runs into the upper furrow (above the lips). Since the muscle ABOVE the furrow was raised or built up, my upper furrows look deeper and worse and my face looked like it was sagging. I happen to have a small mouth area to begin with, so I by overbuilding the area above, only made matters worse.

So what I did was, place my fingers into the valley part or grove part under my eyes, not on the sides of my nose. Then I did the exercise like usual, scrunching my nose and pushing the muscle down, but I instead of going straight down the nose, I followed the grove or valley which sort of goes down and out toward my ears. Considering that I haven't been real consistent on my exercises, I still saw results,  the upper furrows look much better and the eyes look a little better too.

I did check with Deb on this and she said that was a good idea. After doing these exercise for over 1 year and bugging the hell out of these kind people on Deb's web, I'm starting to learn  that this whole concept behind the facial exercise routine is to find what fits your face and be willing to play around and adjust. I'll always double check with the Deb or her trainers first, but I don't get upset if it doesn't work out fine the first time. I hope this helped.

Linda

Hi Linda

Well put...Great Post!

Deb:-)

Re: Mouth exerciser Post #976   Sep 22, 2000

Hi. I hope you're still reading the board here. When I answered your post, looking for those elastics, I had just come across that site and my mind was still on the proof thing. Since then I've been regretting not giving you this more important information. You can get that exercise along with 39 others in Debs' book all for less than the price of that one device. Plus, all you use are your hands so you'll never have to reorder. Another thing I should tell you is that at the same time I probably saw sites for every program out there and I have no doubt that this is the most extensive and helpful one on the market. I feel really bad for not telling you this before. I guess I was preoccupied.                                               
Terry                                 

Proof is in your control.   Sep 13, 2000

Hi All

I began this program with the idea in mind that if these exercises really work I would see the differences on my own face. I for one am skeptical looking at before and after photos anyway as they can be easily retouched. So with that in mind I decided I would just DO THEM and then I would know.

Reading through the discussion board also motivated me more than the pictures of Tori. Anyway I have seen positive changes. Am one week shy of five months into flexing. When I would get discouraged I would read thru the postings and get inspired to keep going. I really wanted to give this program a chance as it made so much sense to me that it should work.

I am very happy that I stuck it out. The changes in my jawline and chin area has thrilled me!! I now have all the motivation I need to continue in because I most definitely see results on my own face. And now just like reading a good novel that you can't put down because you have to find out what happens next....I find I can't stop doing these exercises because I have to see how much more improvement will I see next month and the one after that....

Thank you Deb for your wonderful program. I for one KNOW these exercises are effective as I have seen the results with my own two eyes on my own face and that is all the proof I need!!

Bonnie

Hi Bonnie

You are very welcome, and thank you.

Deb

Response to Bonnie:   

AMEN AND DOUBLE AMEN.  YOU ARE SO RIGHT.  I, too, and  m a n y  of us see the proof in our own faces.  Most women at least depend on other women for input...pictures don't really tell it all.  and yes, they can be 'fudged' somewhat.  Tori's pictures are extremely impressive, but that is not what motivated me either...not even totally in the beginning.  It was this board and the response of the people doing these exercises...and the wonderful backup and info you receive from Olympia, Deb. Jason and all.  And most impressing is I can see and feel for myself the benefits and effects.  What else do I need to know?

Jean

Re: Post # 952...research    Sep 9, 2000


Olympia has some very valid points in her response. Each one of us, regardless as to research, is going to evaluate an exercise program based on our own results. There are some individuals who
will find that, for one reason or another, a particular program does not work as effectively for them (Deb's discovery of resistance training for the face instead of isometrics is a prime example). Based on their incompatibility with the program they may have a tendency to claim ineffectiveness of the
exercise simply because they couldn't make it work.

You see this in the gym everyday where resistance training of the body is a well established fact. However, there are still people who fail to gain the results they want and give up, believing that it doesn't work for them. Did it truly not help them at all? No one can say because it is a subjective
evaluation. Did they give up too early before benefits could be seen? Were they consistent? What kind of routine were they utilizing?

So many factors come into play when exercising and the face is no different. I have had to modify my exercises for face and body so much to achieve the results I've wanted that if I had stuck with just a plain routine I very well may have never seen the kind of results I needed to in order to stay motivated.

On the flip side, however, it would be NICE to see some objective testing of facial exercise. I just recently read in a scientific journal where a study was conducted on sedentary men. They had the men exercise with resistance training for seven months then took biopsies of the muscle from the calves. The results were that they found an increase in size and strength and an increase in a hormone that encourages muscle hypertrophy, which continued to elevate in the subjects up to three months after training had stopped. The article, btw, showed no before and after photos. Why can't we have the same kind of testing for muscles ABOVE the neck???

I believe one day soon facial exercising is going to "break out" much the same that resistance training and aerobic training for the body has. The issues that we're dealing with right now with facial exercising are the same issues that were dealt with body workouts in the 60s and 70s. Only time, testimonials, and eventually, research will tell.

Jason

Isometric add-on    Sep 5, 2000

hi all,

i've started the flexeffect exercises concentrating on the chin/neck area.  before this i had just begun roy steven's isometric exercises.  now i gather from what you've said that resistance techniques are far more effective, but would it help to do both?  or would adding isometric exercises to the flexeffect workout not make much of a difference?

thanks in advance,

alex

p.s.  here's a few of the steven's exercises i'm talking about:

EXERCISE [1]

A great exercise it to sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and then start a chewing movement. You will feel the muscles working in your neck and throat area - and will be truly amazed at the results.    Repeat 20 times.

EXERCISE [2]

Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Start puckering your lips together in a kiss and stretch the kiss, as if you were trying to kiss the ceiling. Keep your lips puckered for 10 counts, then relax, bring your head back to normal and repeat 5 times.

EXERCISE [3]

Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Open your lips and stick your tongue out as if you were trying to touch your chin with the tips of your tongue. Keep your tongue out in this position for 10 counts, and return your tongue and head to its normal position.

EXERCISE [4]

Sit upright, tilt your head back looking at the ceiling, while keeping your lips closed and relaxed. Next move your lower lip over your top lip as far as possible and keep it there for a count of 5. Relax and repeat 5 times.

EXERCISE [5]

Lie on your bed, with your head hanging down over the edge. Slowly bring your head up towards your torso and keep it there for 10 counts. Relax and lower your head towards the floor again - repeat 5 times.

EXERCISE [6]

Sit upright and face forward and while keeping your lips together, separate your teeth by dropping your jaw and then push your jaw forward, keep for a count of 10, bring back to starting position and repeat 5 times.

Hi Alex

When it comes to facial training.... Throw nothing away!... it is all beneficial.  Thanks for the exercises!

Deb

UC Berkely trashes facial exercise    Sep 1, 2000

Did anyone see the article in the recent University of California at Berkeley Wellness Letter that totally trashes the principle of facial exercise?  This seems to me a pretty serious statement of "learned scientific opinion" that should not go unchallenged or at least queried. I read about it in an article from a national Canadian newspaper, under the subject "Letters from Academia."  The byline is "Can your face get a lift from chin wagging and other exercises?"

The unidentified author, presumably in an excerpt from the Wellness Letter, argues that facial exercises are a waste of time and will even promote wrinkles.  He or she states categorically
that "Don't believe the testimonials, the before-and-after photos, or claims of scientific studies (there are no good ones).  The idea that strengthening facial muscles will erase wrinkles is nonsense. In fact, exercise the muscles in your face and you'll probably get more wrinkles....

"Weakened muscles play little or no role in sagging skin.  Facial exercises may strengthen facial muscles, but that won't get rid of sagging skin and wrinkles. Even if the exercise devices or programs do boost circulation in the face, as claimed, there's no reason to think that increased blood flow would remove wrinkles. 

"...Facial muscles are quite small, so even if they did fatten up through exercise, you wouldn't notice. In fact, since facial skin is very thin, repeated movement of muscles helps cause creases and wrinkles, not prevent them.  Just look at the crow's feet at the corners of your eyes, caused by squinting or laughing, or the folds running from your nose to lips, caused by smiling, or the horizontal lines on your forehead. When people suffer partial paralysis of the face, wrinkles tend to lessen on the paralyzed side, because of lack of muscle activity there. That's the rationale for one treatment that helps remove the ridge that develops between the eyebrows: Doctors inject botulism toxin to
paralyze the muscles that allow frowning in that area."

I subscribed to the Wellness Letter back in the 80s and considered it a pretty definitive source for health info, so I would think some of our expert Flex folks might have some thoughts on this, perhaps even prepare a rebuttal to WL? 

I have some references that I've come across in my research that doesn't make this person's claims as definitive as he or she claims, citations from within the dermatological and cosmetic surgery literature itself, not exercise entrepreneurs. 

Jenny Canuck

Jenny and all,

Okay, let's address the letter from the information you've provided, which I assume is partial info. Firstly, we need to classify it. Is it a paper based on scientific research? Obviously, no. The author, who is unknown, makes the statement that there is little to no research done on facial exercises
(which has been my complaint).Based on this alone, then, what kind of letter is it? It is an editorial. The fact that it appears in UC Berkley makes it no more scientific than an article that appears anywhere else. The very fact that the letter is authorless makes this article extremely suspect. NO scientific paper would EVER be without an author. Subsequently, there are no sources, no data, absolutely nothing of any support for his assertions that facial exercise cannot alleviate lines and
wrinkles. Additionally, this author obviously has an axe to grind, "chin wagging"? Clearly his derogatory statement indicates that perhaps this individual's objectivity should be closely scrutinized.

Obviously, the author is fairly well ignorant of anatomy and physiology not to mention patho-physiology. In a previous post, #914, I discuss what facial paralysis can do, especially in
stroke victims and why it appears Botox works. What I did NOT mention, but wish I had, is that lines appear to disappear in stoke victims with facial paralysis largely due to the resulting interstitial fluid which fills out the lines. Because the muscles have been paralyzed, they lose the ability to flush fluid from the area around the cells resulting in edema or swelling. As with Botox, once the muscle function returns, guess what else comes back just the same as before? Lines. The ones you thought you'd gotten rid of. They return because the muscle is able to flush out the interstitial fluid.

Also muscles do NOT "fatten up" with exercise. This author's misunderstanding of muscle growth and resistance training is serious. Just from what little I can see of the letter from your post, this article was written from a person with little training, minimal education, and perhaps a bad personal
experience.

Everyone should keep in mind that scientific research is serious business. Real research should include, author, methodology, control groups, and the experiment should be REPRODUCIBLE by
anyone. If the results are true then ANYONE performing the same experiment should get the SAME results.

An assertion from anonymous sources that something doesn't work is not science, and while perhaps interesting to read as one more opinion on facial exercise, it is hardly definitive.

'Nuff said!

Jason

My Turn!

Lock-on Aug    25, 2000

Hello,

I don't know how to do "lock-on" correctly.  Any hints?

Thank you.

qq

Hi qq,

The term "lock-on" could also be interpreted as "anchor". I think you're referring to when Deb says on the video with cheek raiser to feel the muscle, pull down, and "lock-on" or anchor your
fingers to the cheek bone.

When first beginning this exercise it may be a little difficult because the muscle is so undeveloped that it's hard to find the leading edge of it, pull down, and anchor it properly while then resisting your fingers with the muscle. But keep at it and you'll finally get it. It took me three months before I really caught on and that was because it took that long for the muscle to grow enough to really feel it.

I hope I've answered your question, but if I haven't just fire back a response.

Jason

Three Questions    Aug 24, 2000

Hi Deb,

I've been using your book now for the last month and have seen noticeable results, I've got three questions though:

1) The left side of my face seems to be stronger than the right side when I'm doing some of the exercises, especially the cheek ones - I can pull more with the muscles on the left. Should I do some extra sets with the right side? I've a dimple in my left cheek, could this have anything to do with it?

2) When I do the exercise where I press my tongue against the rough of my mouth, it looks like I've got a double chin - could this exercise give me a double chin?

3) I'm in my early twenties, can I reduce my routine to 3 times a week once I build my face up to how I want it to look? Five times a week seems a lot.

Thanks for everything,
Eric

Hi Eric:

Re:  Right side being weaker.  Not unusual.  You can keep doing what you are doing and eventually the right side of your face will catch up in strength.  You can absolutely double up on the right side if you want too and have the time.  Don't think dimples have anything to do with it.  If you are left handed, your right arm will be weaker.  If you train them both - say with weight training, eventually that right arm is going to be as strong as the left.  Takes time

Re:  Tongue Press: Are you putting your thumbs together and placing  thumbs under the chin - back towards the throat then pushing up and holding and at the same time contracting the muscle by pressing the tongue to the roof of your mouth?  You didn't mention using the thumbs and their placement.  If you simply press up with your tongue to the roof of the mouth, sans the placement of the thumbs, it will look like a double chin because the mylohyoideus muscle will sort of bulge out.  NO - this prevents double chin - keep at it!

Re:  3 day workout.  Since you are young - you may find that a 3 day workout is fine for maintaining what you have.  Pictures and a mirror will tell all - so you basically have to gauge how much and now often you have to work out based on what you feel and see.  If 3 days looks like it's doing well for you in terms of maintaining, then it's for you.  I know I'll be 40 in a few months, so I have to get in at least 5 days a week - even for maintenance.  Lets see what Deb and Jason think about this!

Good-luck!

Olympia :-)

Re: Photo... post # 897     Aug 23, 2000

Hi Deb.  I know you are waiting for, and expecting this question. You said in your letter to Susan that if someone starts at early enough age with absolutely no signs of facial aging yet visible can hold back facial aging big time.  OK.  What of all of us who DO HAVE SIGNS OF VISIBLE AGING ... Pls. don't tell me that everything we are doing is futile.  Are we fighting a battle we cannot possibly win?  Or we will just have beneficial responses and effects for a short while?  I realize aging is inevitable and flexeffect is not plastic surgery....and nothing can totally reverse the aging process...
Jean

Hi Jean

Holding back signs of aging (prevention) will always be easier. But that does not mean you can't repair and from that point continue to improve.    I'm really sorry if my response gave you the wrong impression. No such thing as futile.
Deb

Hi Jean:

Sure it would have been great if we all started when we were 21 years old and we halted the aging process by staying out of the sun, and doing our facial resistance training everyday (if it existed back then) - but we didn't.  And truth is, would we have listened at 21 years of age when we looked good and our skin and muscle tone was perfect - would we have indeed done that which had to be done to save what we had?  For most of us, probably not - because when you're 21 - you think you're going to live forever, you can abuse your body and self and stay young and pretty to boot!  Hello! 

But so what we started later.  The point is we started - we  are taking action now - a complete proactive approach to facial rehabilitation and rejuvenation which has been clinically tested and proven to work.  Facial resistance training is not for the faint of heart or for pansies - and this Board has no pansies - it's serious business our training. 

AND IT WORKS - it's absolutely not futile.  Give up, and it will be futile!   What you are doing (we all are doing) is absolutely, unequivocally of immense benefit to our outer aesthetic selves as well as what it does for our inner selves.   Cause when we look good - and we all want to look good - we feel good sugar!   Can I  have an amen!

For those of us who have started later on in life, it's going to take a little longer to get what we are trying to achieve.  And we have to be realistic.  If you're 50 and aiming on looking like 40 - that's realistic - it can happen.  Heck you might even look 35 - it's possible. 

It all comes down to how committed and serious you are about your training.   Commitment, perseverance, persistence, diligence, consistency in you facial training workouts, staying the heck out of the sun and sun tanning booths, using patented proven products to rehab the skin as well ...we've all talked about this before. 

FlexEffect is part of what I consider a holistic - total head to toe - approach/process of taking care of ourselves. Body, mind and spirit.  It is for me.  But that is what it takes to achieve our goals.  Futile?  No way!  Futile is giving into the notion that nothing (with the exception of plastic surgery) is going to rehabilitate your atrophied facial muscles and skin - that you are not in control and that you are incapable of catalyzing physical changes to yourself. It just aint' so!

This program's effectiveness is quite literally in your hands!  There are no ifs ands or buts about it.  Physical fact.  Do not take on a defeatist attitude that you are incapable of fixing that which needs fixing - because you are - we all are. 

Your body is an amazing machine and it responds to whatever stimuli you put forth to it.   Create the resistance - whether it be the bicep of your arm or the rissorius muscle of your cheek - that muscle is going to grow!

So, keep on 'keepin' on' sugar - it's going to just keep getting better - PROMISE!!!!!!   I'm off the soap box.  Hey Deb, Jason and All - vacation is over - I'm back!

I missed you all!

Olympia :-)

Hi Olympia,

Just had to thank you for the great response to Jean. It came just in time for me as I was getting a bit
discouraged. Was wondering if it was too late for me too. Glad you're back!!!

Bonnie

Old or retouched photo?    Aug 23, 2000

Oh come on!

You're NOT 50!  You can't be 50 and look that good.  When was that picture taken and who is your photographer?
Susan

Hi Susan

Well… you’re certainly not the first to pose this question but I will say (gratefully) you to put it  more gracefully…LOL ;-)
You’re right I’m not 50. I turned 52 Mar. 23, 2000.  If you will click on ‘Deb’ at the top of the page and scroll down to the bottom of that page, you’ll find a break-down of my age concerning  photos and in what time frame everything was done. Also check out the dates of the newspaper clippings.

The photo at the top of the this page was taken in Nov ‘94’ at that time I was 4 months shy of turning 48. The photo was taken at the Eureka Bay Shore Mall ‘Expressive Portraits’… 'One hour photo'. I don’t think they even know how to enhance a photo! But I’ll tell you one thing… For as many pics I had to take before I found one I liked… enhancement would have been a hell of a lot cheaper!

Shown on the ‘FAQ’ page was taken at age 50 . While teaching a workshop, a friend took pictures of me to put in a brochure to show classes (like she couldn’t afford COLOR!) the only changes made to that photo is a blow-up / close-up.
The photo found on the ‘FlexEffect’ page I am 49. This too was to be taken in color…. Again, taken at ‘Expressive Photo"  If  I were going to have this picture touched up, the first thing I would have done would have been to remove that stupid strand of hair directly under my eye…looks like a line!!! This picture was suppose to be used for the cover of the Video (you’ll notice I’m wearing the same thing as in the video) But! Again! It’s not in color! I wanted to kill someone! But hey… I got that one for free.
Here is something for everyone to consider… I work (teach FlexEffect) through Physical Therapy at Mad River Hospital and have been approached by several other hospitals interested in having FlexEffect taught through there PT dept. You can be sure if any of what I put out to the public was bogus, including photos, they would have absolutely nothing to do with it.
It comes right down to this:

Anyone starting facialbuilding  at an early enough age, with absolutely no signs of facial aging yet visible (as I did) can   hold back facial aging BIG TIME.  Every bit as much and for just as long as they can when resistance training their body. This knowledge is far from news (physiology) and even further from being a miracle.   Just plain work!
Deb
PS just as soon as I drop 5 lbs … I’ll put up a new photo ... hopefully in color LOL

Video vs. Book    Aug 21, 2000

Is the current video the same one that was offered 2-3 years ago? Which set of exercises did Tori use?  If I purchase only 1, which would you recommend?
Thanks
Sandra

Hi Sandra
It is the same video.  Tori trained with all 40 exercises in the book. The video has half as much but it still offers a complete workout.  Price wise, you might want to start with the video and see what you think.. you can always purchase the book/trainer later. 
Deb;-)

Exercise with fingers   Aug 17, 2000

Hi all,

Do we really do the ex. with our fingers only?  If I hurt my fingers, does it mean that I need to stop doing the exercises?  Are there other ways that we can still do the ex. without using our fingers? 

q q

Hi qq,

Yep, FlexEffect uses mostly fingers for resistance and in some exercises the palms.   You can exercise the face without using your fingers; however, you would not be getting the kind of
resistance you need to build the muscle (although there are a few devices out there you can buy for facial building). Exercising the face without resistance is called Isometric exercises. Deb has a web page differentiating resistance vs isometrics. You might find that particular page interesting. I performed isometric exercises for several months before FlexEffect but did not find them particularly helpful. I understand, however, that Deb had performed and taught isometric facial exercises for
several years before developing FlexEffect. This actually would be an interesting chat discussion: What was it about isometrics that led Deb to develop FlexEffect?

Jason

Re: Post #846 Aug 9, 2000

Thanks for your response Jason. The thing is that I already spend about 45 min. every morning on the exercises. I'm not prepared to spend much more than that. I guess what I'm really asking is if I
can benefit from the book without investing any more time than I already am. Thanks.                                              
Terry

Hi Terry!

Yes. Because the book will give you different exercises to do and you can rotate through those exercises substituting them for the ones that you do regularly. In that manner, you won't be putting
in additional time, but you will be working the muscles with a different exercise and thus encouraging growth.Hope I've answered your question.

Jason

Great! Thanks Jason!                                   

Artical in Question:   Aug 8, 2000

 
Okay Deb, whatta ya think?

Questions  Aug 8, 2000

I have 2 questions.  One is about the 2nd exercise in the book, Brow Smoother.   I noticed that it's also one of the massages.  For the massage, it says to use vitamin e oil but when I'm exercising I don't use moisturizer.  When I do brow smoother, is it alright that I don't put anything on first?  I know I'm not putting this question very good, so I hope you understand what I'm asking.  The other question is, is it alright to do the exercises in sets.  Instead of doing count of 6 ten times, can I do all the exercises for forehead and then do them again count of 6 ten times? 

Thank you.
Jo Anne

Hi Jo Anne,

It is not necessary to put moisturizer or anything on your face before doing the exercises. You may if you feel it helps but you can do the exercises just as well without. Concerning your last question, if you mean can you repeat the exercises immediately, yes you can. But as with any skeletal muscle, you don't want to over work it, especially at one time. You won't achieve any better results if the muscle is strained.

Thanks,

Jason

Book  Aug 7, 2000

Hi Deb.

If the book contains that many more exercises than the video does that mean that we will have to spend that much more time on it? Or do you just replace certain exercises with other ones that work the same muscles? Also, if the video is a complete program covering all the facial muscles what is the benefit of the extra exercises in the book? Will those of us who aren't seeing the progress that we would like by using the video see better results through the added variety of exercises in the book? By reading the messages on the board I see that some people are gaining spectacular improvements but it's so hard to tell without seeing them do the exercises why some people's results are so much
more dramatic than others. Sorry about all the questions. I just, like everyone else I suppose, want to gain as much as possible spending the least amount of time. Thank you very much. I really appreciate all the time you spend helping us hold back the time clock.                                                           
Terry

Hi Terry,

Since I have the tape and the video, I'll take the liberty of answering your question. The book contains about twice as many exercises as the tape. Several of the exercises in the book work
the same muscle but from different angles. Some Flexers may respond better to one exercise than they will another. Many will find that working the muscle with different exercises will help to build it faster. The same is true in bodybuilding. Different exercises utilizing the same muscle will cause it to grow faster. The video will give you a good start, but you will want the book eventually so that you can pick up different exercises to strengthen those muscles where you may be having a problem.

You really can spend as much time on the exercises as you want. The video contains the basics; the ones you will want to do all the time. The book supplements and augments the exercises you are
already doing.

Hope I've helped.

Jason

Reverse Chew   Aug 4, 2000

Hi,
I just got started with the tape and have 2 questions.  #1: The Reverse Chew on the tape is different from the one I've been trying from this board, ie. on the tape the mouth is open wide and on the board, the mouth is closed though teeth are separated.  Which is better for jowls?  Or should I alternate or what? #2, is there an exercise for sunken areas beneath the eyes (as opposed to puffiness or bags)?   Thanks. 

ronke

Hi Ronke

A-1  Start out with the one in the book... Later try it as shown in the video then pick the one you feel works best for you.  A-2   All the under eye exercises will due as much for sunken eyes as it does for puffiness etc.

Deb

Beginners questions Aug 4, 2000

Hi Deb -&- Co.

I am about to begin the exercise program, but before I do I have a couple of questions I hope you can help me with.

Q-1. Is doing the exercises more than suggested going to mean I get results faster or is this actually detrimental? i.e. stopping at traffic lights etc just do a quick set. Q-2. I find using my thumb and middle finger on the same hand easier to do the "frowner" exercises - is this o.k.? Q-3. I have uncomfortable bags the size of potato sacks under my eyes (hereditary - thanks mum). I was wondering what it is about the lower eyelid pull that helps this condition and how much improvement I can expect. They do get slightly better throughout the day so not sure if it's a fluid or fat problem. Thank you - love your work!

Annette.

Hi Annette

A-1 At first  you'll find comfort / soreness will pretty much dictate how often you do them. However, if you want to do more and you have the time... go for it. It certainly can't hurt and some areas might   build faster depending on your genetics.

A-2 As long as you are able to get as much resistance... no reason why not.

A-3  If it's fluid, you'll see improvement within 6 - 8 weeks.  Lower lids can take time but even if it's fat pads...  Remember even muscle can have a fat build-up (intramuscular fat) think of marbling in  steak.  The only way to rid the muscle of fat is through training (not dieting).

Go for broke girl!  and keep us posted.

Deb:-)

How many should I be doing?   Sep 29,1999

Deb,

I've been doing the exercises for 7 months now.  I do nearly all the exercises from the video (except for the ones involving my jaw; I have TMJ) and I've incorporated several from the book as well, plus I've made up a couple of my own to compensate for my TMJ.   I do about 28 of the exercises. How many should I really be doing? Are the exercises in the video enough? Or should all the ones in the book be added to it?  My personal experience seems to indicate that the ones in the video are enough. I've
obtained great results with these. Some of the exercises in the book seem to work the same muscles. Is one exercise enough? What do you normally tell your students? Any seasoned flex effectors feel free to e-mail me with your opinions and experiences.

Still at it! :-)

Jason

Hey Jason!!

Where have you been!   Yes, the video by itself is quite sufficient  and you are also right about some of the exercises in the book addressing the same muscle more than once. You are training 26 voluntary muscles of the face and neck (the muscles you can move at will) So, look at it the same way you would if building your biceps...curls/ preacher curls/ alternates/ hammers/ concentrations etc.  Many ways to build the same muscle, but each exercise will have a slightly different spin on it. You might find one works a little better for you than another.  So.... what are some of your newest facial changes?  Come on...

I'm waiting :-)

Deb

Short on Time     Sep 25,1999

Deb, 

Is it very important that I do all 40 of the exercises for each session?   I don't appear to be getting much out of some of the exercises for the smaller muscles.  Can I do the advanced exercises in lieu of the beginner exercises if I am short on time?  Also, where did you come up with six seconds and 10 repetitions for each exercise?  Is it very beneficial to do the exercises for longer time periods and more repetitions?  I was thinking of spending more time on some of the exercises and skipping some of the other exercises where I don't need as much work.  Also, I found that I can do some of the exercises in my car while stuck in traffic.  :)

Thanks for your input.

Dave

Hi Dave

You do not have to do all the exercises at one time.  You can break up your routine anyway you like.  As for doing ADV... again...no problem.  I like doing both because of the extra massage involved when not doing ADV.  But the ADV does ask more of the muscle. So, like you say (short on time) do ADV.

A study was taken several years ago on getting the most out of resistance training and they found that holding the contraction for 6 seconds will  better assure complete contraction which  is needed to build  muscle.

You can  concentrate on areas that concern you most when time just doesn't allow for the works. But remember... these muscles terminate into each another. The expression 'a chain is only as strong as its weakest link'  definitely applies here.  So be sure to cover all the muscles whenever possible..

So...  Short on time....  Break-up routine - ADV moves when possible - Less rep/hold for 6

Keep me posted ;-)

Deb

I Agree!     Sep 21,1999

I agree!!  You could give us tips as we are going through a full workout.  For example, in a recent reply to a post you stated that during "Wide Laugh" look in the direction that you are contracting.  It made a big difference. In the meantime, could you post additional points or tips that you give students during your classes?   Thanks!

Teresa

Hi Teresa

Okay... Here's one.    for those who have the video only... When doing REVERSE CHEW Try keeping your lips together when separating your teeth. You just might   find more of a contraction in the Temporalis.  Let me know what you think.  

Deb

Helpful Suggestion     Sep 20, 1999

Hi Deb:

I don't know if this is in the works - but personally, I would love it if you had beginner and advanced training tapes.  I mean, where you actually go through every exercise full 10 reps whole routine and all.  I think working along with you and not having to pause the tape to finish the count would be cool. 
Also, with different camera angles.  The reason I say this, is because, it's helpful to see what the other side of the face is doing on say Wide Laugh, or Wink (which for some reason I still don't feel I'm doing correctly).  Just a thought. 

My best,
Olympia

Hi Olympia

Do you have the Personal Trainer? This will do exactly what you said.  I agree, you need to have a routine that takes you through the entire workout (40) exercises with all 10 reps non-stop.  Actually I will be cutting more videos within a few months... hopefully they will be more informative.

When doing Wide Laugh or Wink...  Try to keep the other side of your face motionless.  It does take time to really feel these muscles since we use them so often you are not as aware of their movement.  These muscles really need to gain in strength to feel a serious pull.  After awhile, you should feel the stress of the pull just in front of the ear when doing Wide Laugh.  Catch ya later!

Deb ;-)

THANKS FOR COPY AND QUESTION   Sep 15, 1999

HI DEB,

THANKS FOR MAILING ME A COPY OF THE ADV.TIGHT UPPER AND LOWER LIP FROM THE BOOK.  I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS.  WHEN DOING THE TIGHT UPPER LIP, I'M NOT SURE I UNDERSTAND WHAT TO DO WITH THE MIDDLE FINGERS.  THE BOOK SAY PRESS, SO AM I SORT OF RUBBING MY FINGERS ACCROSS THE INSIDE OF MY LIP(BECAUSE THE TOP PART IS CURLED UP) AND DOWN TO THE CORNERS OF THE MOUTH. IF I DO IT THE WAY IT READS, I PLACE  MY MIDDLE FINGERS SIDE BY SIDE ON THE TOP OF MY
LIP AND MOVE EACH FINGER AWAY FROM THE OTHER, THIS CAUSES A STRECHED FEELING ON THE TOP PART OF THE LIP, THEN AS I MOVE THE FINGERS DOWN TO THE CORNER, THE FINGERS START TO PULL THE LIP DOWN, UNDOING THE PUCKERD FISH MOUTH POSITION.  DOSE THAT SOUND RIGHT?

THE OTHER QUESTION IS ABOUT THE BROW EXERCISE (DON'T REMEMBER THE NAME.)  IT'S THE ONE WHERE YOU HOLD THE BROWS APART AND THEN TRY TO FROWN.  DO I ACTUALLY "PULL" THE BROWS APART, OR JUST "HOLD" THEM AS TO PREVENT THEM FROM MOVING WHEN I FROWN?  I HAVE BEEN PULLING THEM APART AND WHEN I LET GO, THERE SEEMS TO BE MORE OF BROW FURROW THEN BEFORE I STARTED THE EXERCISE. THE FURROW ONLY LASTS TEMPORARILY, BUT IT SCARES ME THAT I MAY BE DOING IT WRONG. IN THE PAST, I WAS DOING IT WRONG BY PUSHING IT UP ALSO, BUT I KNOW NOT TO DO THAT NOW.  I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM DOING THE EXERCISE THE OTHER WAY (PUSHING THE BROWS TOGETHER WITH THE MIDDLE FINGERS) AND THEN RAISING THE BROWS. ON THE VIDEO, WHEN YOU DO IT, YOU CERATE A FURROW BY PUSHING THEM TOGETHER, BUT IT GOES AWAY WHEN YOU RAISE THE BROWS, WHEN I DO IT, I CONSTANTLY HAVE FURROWS, EVEN WHEN I RAISE THE BROW.  WHEN I'M DONE DOING THIS EXERCISE I HAVE TEMPORARY LINES IN BETWEEN THE BROWS.  AN I DOING SOMETHING WRONG?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

LINDA

Hi Linda

When doing TIGHT UPPER LIP you place your fingers on the outside of the lip right at the top.  As you move down you will be pushing down against the curled lip. At first your fingers will be far stronger than your lip...in time you will be surprised just how strong the lip becomes as far as holding the curl.

When doing FROWNER you pull the brows apart then hold in place.  For the second part you push them together then try to raise your brows. As the area builds you will see less and less of a furrow after doing it. The Furrow is fluid flushed out of the area. Let me know how it goes.

Deb

Question      Sep 13, 1999

Great video but I have a couple of questions. Can you explain the difference between the "wide laugh" and the "corner mouth pull". Except for the position of the hands they seem almost exactly the same. I also have trouble keeping a good enough grip on the exercises where your hands are in your mouth. And a little off topic, do you have any exercises for lifting the breasts?          
                                                                                                                                            Thanks,                                                            
Terry

Hi Terry

WIDE LAUGH muscle used Zygomaticus  (Draws the mouth up into a wide smile) Draw a picture of a face.  Now, draw a straight line from the corner of the mouth to the center of the ear.

CORNER MOUTH PULL muscle used: Risorius. (Draws the mouth straight back)   Now, draw a straight line from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe.

To aid your grip, cross your thumb (the one that's in your mouth) across your palm between sets to remove saliva.

If you are working-out at a gym.  Ask one of the floor trainers to show you how to do cable cross-over and incline bench these are my favorite exercises for building the pectoral.

Deb

Is More... Better?        Sep 13, 1999

Hi Deb

Just wanted to know if you think doing more reps. will get faster results?   ( Sometimes more is not better, and not recommended.)   So,  in your experience does one achieve better and/or faster results by exercising more then the usual 10 times?    

Thanks. LOL,                                                                                                                             Eileen

HI Eileen

If you're doing them everyday then Instead of doing more reps.  Maybe do a second workout later in the day, targeting just the areas that concern you most.  Or, do your training in the a.m and a complete facial massage in the evening. 

Deb

How long before I see a difference?    Sep 3, 1999

Deb

Thanks so much for the exercises for the bulldog jowls.  I have been doing them at least 4 sets a day and sometimes 5.  Is this enough, too much.   How many should you do and how long before you could see a difference.

Thanks

Charlene

Hi Charlene

Changes start taking place right away (couple of weeks) but this is usually noticed more by your sense of touch than visual.  If you should have very little drape in the area you should be able to see the difference.  But regardless of touch or visual once you notice it, you're on your way!  Give yourself 3  to 6 months for some serious changes.   The amount of training you're doing is great! Don't worry, you'll know if you're overdoing it, soreness takes care of that. If you notice soreness in the jaw ( joint = weak link) back off until it lets up and then resume.   Other soreness is pretty much lactic acid (shows your making progress!) but no reason to train outside the comfort zone.  Keep me posted!

Deb

Fingernails get in the way           Aug 17, 1999

Hi Deb,

I have a problem doing the lower lid lift. I have long fingernails and they get in the way. Would using the inside of my middle finger to pull and hold do the job?
Cari

Hi Cari
You get as creative as you need to!    You can use the sides of your fingers and even the butt of your palms.  Just make sure you get the resistance.  You wouldn't believe some of stuff I've come up with over the years when the joints of my fingers had just HAD IT due to the concentration of classes. Keep me posted with your results.

Deb

A couple questions      Aug 9, 1999

Hi Deb:                    

Really like your video, although it took my face awhile to adapt to the exercises.  A couple questions:  Do you get better results when you perform the exercises in order, at the same time of the day, or can you space them THROUGHOUT the day? Also, will you get good results if you perform just those exercises that you think are more suitable and needed?, say, 10 or 11 of them instead of the 19?

Thanks,
Michael.

Hi Michael

It makes no difference in what time frame or order you perform the exercises.  Just do them everyday possible (to make up for all the days you just can't). Remember even if you lay off for a month or so MUSCLE HAS MEMORY once you pick it back up, you'll be right back where you left off in no time (not starting from scratch). Yes, it is a good idea to put emphasis on areas that concern you most but please don't neglect the rest of the face and neck.  There are NO WARNINGS WITH FACIAL AGING.  The red flag IS sag.  Let me know how your training goes or if I can be of any help.

Thanks for asking,                                                                                                                         Deb

Training Schedule    June 28, 1999

Hello! 

I really appreciate your assistance.  I have been doing your exercises for about a month or so. For this entire time, I have been experimenting and getting used to using my facial muscles.  I have noticed that many of my muscles are weak due to atrophy.  I also looked in my roommate's anatomy book (he's an exercise sports major at my college), and I have attempted to locate the facial muscles that I need to exercise the most.  I have found that your program is very comprehensive. However, I also discovered that a variety of facial muscles must be exercised to bring about noticeable results.  I have noticed that there is a slight improvement in my appearance after using your program.  This is outstanding and encouraging because finally there is something that works!  However, I realize that it will take additional time before the positive results from your exercises take full fruition.   Weight lifting requires proper form in order to work the muscles properly. This is also the case for facial muscles.  I also realize that it takes much discipline to continue to train regularly.  I think this is because I try to tax my muscles to near failure.  I wonder if this approach is okay to perform everyday?  If I work to positive muscle failure will I need to take an off day in between a workout?  I find that on some days I really do not want to work my muscles because they actually feel sore. 
I thank you for being a pioneer in facial exercises. I also want to compliment you on your own face. I am currently 23 years old. If I can look half as good as you do, I'll be a very happy person.

Sincerely,
Suk Kim

Hi Suk Kim

Unlike resistance training for the rest of the body, the only time you may want to give yourself a rest  would be if you’re just to sore to train (acid build-up).   You use a fixed amount of weight when resistance training the body. When applying resistance to your face, you are constantly adjusting the amount of resistance.  So, when the muscle needs the rest, (without even knowing it) you’re pretty much just going through the motion. This prevents over-training.   Good question, thanks

Deb

Tip         May 22, 1999

I've been doing the exercises for approx. 2 1/2 months and KNOW they work very well already. But here are some mistakes I made early on with the exercises and have only lately discovered the errors. One, I was using only 2 fingers for the under eye lid pull.   The effect of this was that the outer aspect of the eye was not benefiting as well from the exercise and I was not seeing the results I wanted. Only when I  began using three fingers and circling the under lid did I begin to see better changes. Secondly, with   check raiser, I was pushing down more on the tissue of the check rather than the muscle. The result? Poor increase in muscle density along with increase of lines around the nose to the mouth. I corrected this by feeling for the cheek muscle below the eyes by squinting a few times while I found the placement for my fingers.  Result? Much better improvement in density and lifting of the cheek while decreasing the lines around the upper lip of the mouth/nose. These are a couple of my mistakes to date.  I'm sure I have a few more and when I find out what they are I'll pass 'em along, too. LOL.
Jason

Hi Jason

Thanks for taking the time to post this tip.  You're right on the money! Hope to see you here again.

Deb

Give me more.....     May 8, 1999

Hey Deb:

You know I think your program is THE BEST - Revolutionary - but I wanted to know - when's the expanded version coming out?  I'm waiting for the advanced techniques - specifically more of these fabulous exercises!  So, while I'm waiting on this, do ya have anymore eye lifting exercises and cheek exercises you could suggest?  Something I wanted to share with others who might have run into the same problem because my skin tends to be on the oily side - when executing the exercise, i.e. anchoring with my fingers and pulling for upper and lower cheek areas - my fingers would tend to slide.  What I did, was purchase a package (for a couple of dollars) of those cotton gloves.  They work great in terms of maintaining position and not losing your grip.  I bought mine from Dr. Leondard's Catalog
Olympia

Hi Olympia

Thanks for the plug!   First of all, the book is out (covers everything) so check product page.  This exercise will be a little tricky to understand without illustration but the technique is the same as in  the video (place, lock-on, pull, contract.) 

Draw an imaginary line from the outer right corner of your mouth straight up to the outer right corner of your eye. This is the area you will be working.

WINK - ADV

  sorry, time's up                                                                                             

Thanks for your tip about the gloves.  For those of you who have really dry skin you might try putting a little Vitamin E from a capsule on your fingertips and work into the skin before training.  If you find you are having a problem griping when your thumbs are inside your mouth (saliva)  such as in TIGHT UPPER LIP, TOP FURROW etc. ... between each set, swipe your thumbs across your palms.
Deb

Too much exercise     April 27, 1999

Hi Deb: This discussion board will be great. My question is: is there such a thing as too much facial exercise? Looking forward to your answer. Thanks
Kate Sherry

Hi Kate
I have at times overbuilt certain areas of my face due to the concentration of classes that I teach. When this occurs I simply avoid training that specific muscle and talk my students through that particular exercise. In time, the muscle returns to the look I prefer and I’m back at it again. Facial muscles are small and quick to respond but the amount of muscle gained is entirely under your control.

Deb

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