Can You Slim Down Your Upper Body in Two Weeks?

Can You Slim Down Your Upper Body in Two Weeks?
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Slimming your upper body in two weeks can be done by executing an all-inclusive fitness plan that includes a healthy diet and cardiovascular and strength training exercises. While you are able to spot tone specific muscle groups, you cannot reduce fat from just one area of your body. Therefore, focusing on losing weight in general can help you slim down your upper body.

Daily Calories

Reducing your caloric intake by 500 every day can allow you to lose 2 lbs. within two weeks, as 1 lb. of body weight is equal to 3,500 calories. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends keeping weight loss to 1 to 2 lbs. per week in order to keep your regimen safe, as well as increase your chance of staying slim in the long term. Losing weight at a faster pace is often the result of unsafe methods such as fad diets or a severe reduction in calories, and will likely be regained once normal eating habits are re-established.

Diet

Eating foods that are low in calories yet high in nutritional value can help you meet your daily caloric goals and slim down your upper body. Eliminate foods that contain high amounts of empty calories such as cookies, cupcakes, hotdogs, French fries and pizza -- and replace them with foods that are full of vitamins and minerals. Examples include brown rice, whole-wheat bread, sweet potatoes, apples, oranges, skinless chicken, lean turkey, fish and low-fat dairy products.

Cardiovascular Exercise

Along with reducing your caloric intake, burning an additional 500 calories every day through exercise can increase your weight loss to 2 to 4 lbs. in two weeks. Plus, regular cardio can increase your energy levels, relieve stress and allow you to sleep better at night. A 60-minute indoor cycling class can burn more than 800 calories, according to "Fitness Magazine." Jumping rope for 40 minutes can burn 540 calories and working out on the elliptical trainer for an hour will net you almost 600 calories lost.

Pushups

Pushups are an effective exercise to help slim down your upper body since they tone, sculpt and strengthen your back, chest, shoulders and arms. To execute a pushup properly, start by placing your body on your hands and knees, with your hands slightly wider than your shoulders. Tuck your toes under and bring your body into a straight plank position. Bend your elbows and lower your body down until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Push through your hands to return to the start position. Make sure to keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout the exercise.

References

Article reviewed by RandyS Last updated on: Feb 8, 2012

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