Jawline Stretch
The jawline stretch is a bodyweight exercise targeting the neck and jaw muscles. It involves lateral head tilting combined with jaw protrusion to stretch and lengthen the muscles along the jawline.
How to do it
- Sit upright with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Tilt your head gently to the right side toward your shoulder.
- Move your lower jaw forward and slightly upward to feel a stretch along the left side of the jaw and neck.
- Hold the stretch for 10–15 seconds.
- Return to the neutral position and repeat on the opposite side.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Form cues
- Keep your shoulders down and relaxed.
- Maintain a tall, upright spine.
- Move your jaw slowly and with control.
- Breathe deeply throughout the hold.
- Stop if you feel any sharp pain.
Breathing: Inhale deeply before you begin, and exhale slowly as you tilt your head and move your jaw to help your muscles relax into the stretch.
Common mistakes
- Shrugging shoulders toward ears, which creates unnecessary neck tension.
- Tilting the head too far, which can strain the cervical spine.
- Holding your breath, which prevents muscles from fully relaxing.
- Moving too quickly, which reduces the effectiveness of the gentle stretch.
Muscles worked
Primary: neck. Secondary: platysma, masseter.
Suggested sets & reps
Get fitter
3 sets x 30 seconds per side, rest 30s
Lose weight
3 sets x 30 seconds per side, rest 30s
Build muscle
3 sets x 45 seconds per side, rest 45s
Easier, harder & alternatives
Make it easier
Make it harder
Take care if…
- If you have a history of neck injury or jaw pain, ease off and check with a professional before starting.
- If you feel sharp pain in your neck or jaw, stop the movement immediately.
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 as part of a gentle mobility or cool-down routine.
What if I feel pain in my jaw?
Ease off the movement immediately. The stretch should feel like a gentle lengthening, not a sharp or pinching sensation.
Do I need to warm up first?
Yes, it is best to do this after a light walk or some gentle shoulder rolls to ensure your neck muscles are warm.