If you notice weight gain in your face characterized by unusually large cheeks, your body fat percentage may be increasing. Medications can sometimes cause bloating throughout your body. However, if this isn't the case for you, consider following an aerobic exercise program coupled with a nutritious diet. Help your body shed fat by lowering your total caloric intake with lean protein, complex carbohydrates and minimal saturated fat.
Walking, Jogging and Running
Perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five days a week -- regular cardiovascular workouts will melt fat all over your body, including your face. Begin an aerobic exercise program that builds on your existing physical capabilities. If necessary, walk at a moderate speed five days a week for one week, then begin increase your speed every week until you are able to jog for most of the session. You may wish to alternate fast walking and jogging until you build up your strength and endurance. Eventually, you should be able to run at a moderate pace for 30 minutes or longer. A 160-lb. person running for an hour at a speed of 8 mph burns nearly 1,000 calories, making it one of the most effective fat-burning exercises.
Aerobics Classes
Traditional aerobics classes help burn calories as well. A 160-lb. person participating in an hour low-impact aerobics class burns 365 calories, while the same person burns 511 calories in a high-impact aerobics class. Water aerobics is an enjoyable, low-impact aerobic activity that is beneficial if you experience joint pain during or after exercise. A 160-lb. person participating in an hour water aerobics session burns 292 calories.
Strength Training
The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association suggest implementing a strength training regimen of at least eight different strengthening exercises twice a week. Lifting weights is an efficient method of burning calories while increasing lean body mass to boost your metabolism. A 160-lb. person lifting weights for an hour will burn approximately 219 calories. Try implementing an upper body workout once a week. Perform pushups, pullups, bicep curls, triceps extensions, bench presses, military presses and dumbbell rows. Also perform a lower body workout once a week in which you do squats, lunges, leg extensions, leg curls, leg presses and calf raises.
Playing Sports
Sports such as tennis, racquetball, basketball and football keep your body moving at a moderate pace. If a 160-lb. person plays tennis for one hour, he burns approximately 584 calories. The same person playing a game of racquetball burns 511 calories per hour. An hour game of basketball or football will burn approximately 584 calories. Signing up for sports team might help break up your normal workout routine, which will keep you motivated in your quest to slim down your big cheeks.
Facial Exercises
Just like any other body part that needs toning, chubby cheeks can be strengthened and toned through regular exercise. With your mouth closed, suck in your cheeks until you can feel them on top of your tongue. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Try performing three sets of 10 repetitions of this cheek exercise every other day.
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