Sometimes when you lose
weight you also gain loose skin. This problem most often develops in
your face, neck, under arms, abdomen and thighs. Some exercises can help
to tighten these areas. Each exercise is designed to not only tighten
the skin but also to tone and firm your muscles, which also reduces the
appearance of sagging loose skin.
Neck and Chin
Loose
skin on your neck gives the appearance of a double chin. Doing
exercises that focus on this area of the body tones and tightens the
muscles, which eliminates the appearance of sagging skin. To begin one
easy exercise, stand with your arms at your side. Tilt your head back
until you are looking directly at the ceiling. Do not strain your neck.
Open your mouth and close it, slowly touching your teeth together. You
can feel a slight pull on the muscles of your chin. Repeat this exercise
five to 10 times per day for optimum results.
Arms
As
you lose weight, the skin under your arms becomes loose and sags. Light
5 pound dumbbells tone the muscles in your arms. Overhead stretches
help to tone this troublesome area. Simply sit comfortably with your
back straight. Hold one dumbbell in each hand, resting them down at your
sides. Raise your arms straight out in front of you with your palms
facing inward. Slowly lift the dumbbells straight up so they are above
your head. Bend your elbows; your hands should be behind your ears. Hold
for five to 10 seconds and lower your arms. Do 10 to 12 reps every
other day.
Abs
Exercises
such as crunches tighten and tone the muscles in your abdomen to help
trim unwanted skin. Perform a basic crunch by laying on your back with
your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Interlock your fingers and place
them behind your head. Without bending your neck, slowly raise your head
and upper back off the floor. Hold for five seconds and return to your
starting position. Repeat 10 to 20 times.
Legs
Excess
skin may accumulate in your inner thighs. To address the saggy
appearance, lay on your left side with your left leg bent under your
right leg at a 90-degree angle. Prop yourself up on your elbow. Keeping
your right leg straight, slowly raise it until you feel a slight pull in
your inner thigh. Hold for five seconds and return to your starting
position. Repeat 10 times and move to your left leg.
Additional Information and Warnings
Before
you begin any new exercise routine, consult a medical professional.
While these exercises may be helpful in toning and tightening your
muscles and helps to diminish the appearance of loose skin, a healthy
eating plan in conjunction with daily physical activity increases your
chances of maintaining your muscle mass and current weight.