Intrigued by research spotlighting eccentric training as one of the most effective ways to get firm, we asked fitness expert Chris Freytag to create a superfast shape-up exercise routine using this unique technique. When we put a group of readers on the plan, the results were eye-popping: Testers had an average weight loss of 6 pounds and 10 inches in 14 days, with the most successful volunteers losing up to 12 pounds and more than 22 inches all over.

Losing weight can be a challenge, especially if you have a specific occasion in mind and have to get in shape to fit into your favorite festive clothing. If you put aside the notion that weight loss equates to a smaller size, you can reach your goal of losing weight quickly in 14 days. Muscle weighs more than fat, so toning up while burning off excess weight will make you look like you've been dieting for months. In order to succeed in achieving this task, you have to commit to making fundamental changes to your diet and level of physical activity.