Full Face Stretch
The full face stretch is a bodyweight facial exercise that targets all major facial muscle groups simultaneously. It involves opening the mouth, eyes, and extending the tongue to perform a comprehensive stretch of the face.
How to do it
- Sit or stand upright with your shoulders relaxed.
- Open your mouth as wide as possible and simultaneously open your eyes as wide as you can.
- Extend your tongue downward as far as comfortable.
- Hold the fully stretched position for 5 seconds.
- Slowly release all muscles back to a neutral, relaxed expression.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Form cues
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and down
- Open your mouth gently but wide
- Widen your eyes without wrinkling your forehead
- Extend your tongue downward slowly
- Hold the stretch without straining
Breathing: Maintain a slow, steady breath throughout the hold to keep your facial muscles and neck relaxed.
Common mistakes
- Tensing the shoulders, which can lead to neck discomfort
- Closing eyes too tightly, which may cause unnecessary tension around the brow
- Holding your breath, which prevents the muscles from fully relaxing
- Moving too quickly, which reduces the effectiveness of the gentle stretch
Muscles worked
Primary: facial muscles. Secondary: neck, jaw.
Suggested sets & reps
Get fitter
3 sets × 5 reps, hold for 5s, rest 30s
Lose weight
3 sets × 5 reps, hold for 5s, rest 30s
Build muscle
3 sets × 5 reps, hold for 5s, rest 30s
Easier, harder & alternatives
Make it harder
Take care if…
- If you have jaw pain or TMJ-related discomfort, ease off and consult with a professional.
General educational guidance, not medical advice. Stop on sharp pain and check with a qualified professional if unsure.
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Start free →Frequently asked questions
How often should I do this stretch?
You can perform this stretch daily, ideally when you feel tension in your face or neck.
What if I feel pain while stretching?
Stop immediately. Stretching should feel like a gentle release, not sharp pain or discomfort.
Do I need any equipment?
No, this is a bodyweight movement that can be done anywhere.