Combating ‘Turkey Neck’: Seated Exercises to Tighten and Lift

As individuals age, natural physiological changes—including declining muscle mass and reduced collagen and elastin production—often contribute to visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin around the neck, commonly referred to as “turkey neck.” Even as preventing these changes entirely can be difficult, targeted exercises can help manage their appearance.

“Neck sag and double chins become common after 55 due to a combination of accelerated collagen loss, gravity-driven skin laxity, and weakening muscles,” explains Eric North, a wellness speaker and coach. “The thin skin of the neck loses elasticity, allowing fat to accumulate and the platysma muscle to loosen, forming vertical bands or ‘turkey neck.’ Structural changes include fat redistribution and muscle laxity.”

According to research from Lébo Aesthetics & Spa, collagen production decreases by 1–2% each year after age 25, and the neck is particularly vulnerable due to its thinner collagen structure compared to the face. Sun exposure as well plays a significant role, weakening collagen fibers and accelerating skin crepiness.

Seated neck and jawline workouts primarily engage the masseter (jaw muscle), platysma (neck skin-tightening muscle), digastric (under-chin muscle), and deep neck flexors. Strengthening these muscles can create a firmer foundation, reducing sagging skin and defining the jawline, North says.

Seated Chin Tucks

This exercise begins with sitting tall and maintaining a forward gaze. Place two fingers on the chin, then gently move the chin and head straight back, away from the fingers, creating a “double chin” effect. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds, completing 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

Jaw Juts (Head Tilt)

Begin by sitting tall. Tilt the head back, looking toward the ceiling. Press the lower jaw forward to feel a stretch under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then release. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

Tongue Stretch

While seated, extend the tongue as far as possible. Then, lift the tongue upward toward the nose, holding the stretch for 10 seconds before releasing. Complete 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

Kiss The Ceiling (Platysma Exercise)

Start by sitting tall and tilting the head back to appear at the ceiling. Tightly pucker the lips, as if kissing the ceiling, to stretch the area under the chin. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Perform 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.

Collagen and elastin, crucial proteins for skin firmness, naturally decline with age, contributing to sagging skin, according to SkinBase. The loss of these proteins leads to a loss of structure within the skin.