All Exercises
Lips & MouthBeginner2-3 min·15 reps x 2 sets

Fish Face Exercise

The Fish Face exercise is a time-tested face yoga move that simultaneously engages the buccinator, orbicularis oris, and zygomaticus muscles. By sucking in your cheeks and pursing your lips, you create resistance that strengthens the muscles responsible for cheek definition and lip tone. This exercise is popular because it's simple enough to do anywhere — at your desk, in the car, or while watching TV — yet delivers real results when practiced consistently. It's especially effective for reducing cheek fat, defining cheekbones, and smoothing fine lines around the mouth.

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Benefits

  • Tones and firms cheek muscles
  • Defines cheekbones for a sculpted look
  • Strengthens orbicularis oris around the lips
  • Reduces puffiness in the lower face
  • Smooths fine lines around the mouth
  • Easy to perform anywhere, anytime

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Suck in your cheeks and lips to make a fish face.

  2. 2

    Hold this position and try to smile while maintaining the fish face.

  3. 3

    Feel the burn in your cheeks and jaw — that means the muscles are working.

  4. 4

    Hold for 10 seconds.

  5. 5

    Release and relax your face completely for 5 seconds.

  6. 6

    Repeat 15 times for one full set.

  7. 7

    Do 2 sets daily for best results.

Pro Tips from Abi

The more you suck in your cheeks, the greater the muscle engagement

Try to hold the smile component — it makes the exercise much more effective

Breathe through your nose throughout the hold

This pairs well with the Cheek Puffer for a complete cheek workout

Do this exercise in front of a mirror until you master the form

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not sucking cheeks in far enough — go for maximum contraction

Holding your breath instead of breathing through the nose

Releasing too quickly without holding the full 10 seconds

Tensing the forehead or neck instead of isolating the cheeks

Exercise Details

Duration
2-3 min
Repetitions
15 reps x 2 sets
Difficulty
Beginner
Target Muscles
BuccinatorOrbicularis OrisZygomaticus Major
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