Tone your neck with these simple exercises
What's the story
The platysma muscle, which is at the front of the neck, is key to the neck's shape and look.
A weak one can make you look older, while a strong one can help you look younger and more fit.
This article details five exercises that focus on strengthening the platysma muscle.
They are easy but effective, and you can do them anywhere without any special equipment.
Chin-up
Chin-ups for neck sculpting
Chin-ups are an excellent exercise for your upper body, but they also work your platysma muscle pretty hard.
By consciously contracting this muscle as you pull yourself up, you can increase its strength and definition.
Do three sets of eight to 10 reps, but make sure you're doing them right. Good form is crucial for getting the most out of any exercise, and chin-ups are no exception.
Neck tilt
The power of neck tilts
Neck tilts are a simple and effective exercise that specifically targets your platysma muscle.
To do this exercise, tilt your head back until you're looking at the ceiling. Next, slowly move your lower lip over your upper lip as far as you can.
You will feel a strong contraction in your neck muscles.
Hold this position for five seconds, then relax.
Do three sets of 10 repetitions every day.
Jaw jut
Enhancing definition with jaw juts
Jaw juts effectively isolate and strengthen the platysma muscle.
Start by tilting your head back to look at the ceiling.
Next, jut your lower jaw forward until you feel a stretch under your chin and along your neck's front side where the platysma is located.
Hold this position for 10 seconds before returning to the starting position.
Aim for three sets of 15 repetitions daily.
Hand press
Resistance training with hand presses
Hand presses provide resistance for exercising your platysma without weights.
Sit or stand with your back straight, place your hands on your forehead.
Push your head forward against your hands, this will create tension in the neck muscles, including the platysma.
Hold this static contraction for five to 10 seconds, then release slowly.
Do three sets of 12 repetitions.
Collarbone backup
The benefit of collarbone backup
Sit or stand with good posture, keeping your shoulders straight.
Tilt your chin down toward your chest, then jut your jaw out and upward, as if you're trying to point with your lower lip. This will create a stretch in the platysma.
Hold each position for three to five seconds, transitioning smoothly between them.
Do two sets of 20 repetitions for a good platysma muscle workout.