Strengthen your smile: Zygomaticus major exercises
The zygomaticus major muscle is a key player in facial expressions, most notably your radiant smile. By strengthening this muscle, you can improve your smile and achieve a more youthful appearance. In this article, we'll walk you through five effective exercises to target and strengthen your zygomaticus major muscle for a noticeable glow-up. Read on to discover the secret to a brighter smile and a more youthful you!
Smile and hold technique
The exercise is super simple! All you have to do is smile as big as you can, hold it for 10 seconds, then relax. Do this 10 times. You're isolating the zygomaticus major muscle and working on building its strength and endurance by holding the smile and then relaxing it. You can do this exercise literally anywhere, anytime. It doesn't get more convenient than that!
Resistance smiling
For this exercise, place two fingers on each cheek, applying gentle pressure as you try to smile against the resistance of your fingers. Hold each smile for 10 seconds before relaxing. Do three sets of 10 repetitions each. This added resistance strengthens the zygomaticus major muscle by making it work harder.
The cheek lifter
Start by slightly opening your mouth and drawing your upper lip up towards your nose. Don't strain too hard, though! You should feel a little tension in your cheek muscles. Hold for 10 seconds, then slowly release. Do this exercise three times a day for 15 reps each to strengthen your zygomaticus major muscle.
Yoga for facial muscles
Facial yoga, specifically the "smiling fish face," greatly fortifies the zygomaticus major. Simply suck in your cheeks, try to smile, and hold for five seconds before relaxing. Do it 20 times every day. This exercise doesn't just tone the zygomaticus major but also strengthens other facial muscles. It boosts facial muscle coordination and endurance.
The puffer fish exercise
This fun exercise is all about inflating your cheeks with as much air as you can, keeping your lips closed. Then, gently shift the air from one cheek to the other, ensuring even pressure. Do this 20 times, back and forth. It not only strengthens the zygomaticus major but also improves facial muscle coordination and endurance.
