If you’re afraid to show your shoulders because you think they’re too broad or too big, there are a number of ways you can physically and optically sharpen them. Through diet and exercise, you’ll lose shoulder fat and build muscle, while certain clothes will minimize your appearance. Learn some methods to slim your shoulders so you can stop worrying.
Regimen and physical conditioning
Step 1
Start a cardiovascular workout such as cycling, jogging, swimming, or using machines such as the elliptical that help you lose fat in all areas of the body. If you have broad, fat shoulders, training is the first step. Plan to take 30 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week, to start weight loss and reduce your shoulders.
Step 2
Lift weights two to three times a week, with exercises focused on the shoulders, something essential to losing fat in the area. A simple activity is to hold a four to four-kilogram weight in each hand and lift your shoulders up to your ears, then slowly release them. Do this 15 times, rest for a minute and repeat 15 more times. Slowly set weights and higher reps, but remember that you can pack more muscle than you want by getting very chunky.
Step 3
Do push-ups daily, which will also burn fat and increase muscle mass in your shoulders and arms. Make a minimum of ten a day and go up to 30 a day. If you need to, start with your knees, and as your strength builds, work your way up until you can fully flex.
Step 4
Eat a healthy diet, low in fatty or processed foods, and opt for vegetables, fruits, and proteins such as chicken, meat, or fish. Fiber is also important, and you’ll find it in wheat bread and pasta. Also, drink eight to ten glasses of water daily for food digestion and general health.
Fashion
Step 1
Wear dark colors that slim any area of your body. To reduce the shoulders, go for black, navy blue, red or another dark color in blouses. Dark prints work too.
Step 2
Wear loose-fitting sleeves, where the shoulder seam is lower on the sleeve than traditional sleeves. This type of cut disguises large shoulders. Avoid clothes with thin straps or halter tops if you’re trying to minimize them.
Step 3
Wear V-necks or draped blouses, but avoid blouses with round or square necklines — the larger the cut in the collar, the more your shoulders will stand out.
Step 4
Do not use shoulder pads as they add volume. Also avoid jackets and shirts with hard sleeves, as this creates a boxy shape and emphasizes broad shoulders.