We have guided you through the ultimate guide for the face and now it’s time to get your body grooming guide.
With superman still being our idol throughout this refresher course, bear in mind when we talk about muscle tone and bodybuilding we aren’t trying to shape you into The Hulk! It isn’t about getting as big as you can; it’s about toning up and becoming the best version of yourself.
Muscle Tone/Body Building
You may have a tendency to treat training for a ‘look’ differently than training for an athletic or a strength goal. The truth is, whatever your fitness goals, it is important to structure your programme in a way that allows you to meet these goals in the shortest time period possible.
If you are new to bodybuilding and muscle tone then a good place to start is corner stretches for your pecs, followed by sit-ups.
Do this for 5 sets of 5 reps before you train, and you will notice an improvement in your posture in no time.
Lift heavy at least 4 days a month
Training heavy doesn’t just make you strong; it makes you LOOK strong (think superman!). Training in low-rep ranges (3-5 reps) necessitates the use of near-maximal weight. In general, you would be working within 75% to 85% of your 1RM (rate per minute).
Have at least one day per week that is dedicated to lifting near maximal loads.
Mix your training
In order to create a body suited to a variety of physical tasks, you need to be changing your exercise routine quite frequently.
Training variety keeps you motivated and invariably leads to better results. In terms of helping you increase your superhero looks, the main benefits are from a fat-loss perspective.
Consistently changing will help improve muscle tone and it’s an excellent way to ramp up your metabolism as it increases the process by which fat loss is made possible. So make sure that you add in cardio so that you aren’t just weight training.
Fake it
Yes, we mean fake tan!
We aren’t suggesting that there is anything wrong with paler skin, but you may prefer to have a healthy ‘glow’.
We have put together a step by step to get you that healthy ‘glow’ without looking like an extra from The Only Way is Essex….
1. Exfoliate: a good exfoliator will remove dead skin cells and essentially prime your skin for the fake tan (make sure you pay particular attention to the drier parts of your body: elbows, knees and feet). Applying fake tan to healthy skin cells (as opposed to dry, dead ones) will ensure your tan lasts longer. Exfoliating applies to both the body and face.
RECOMMENDED: Sugar Scrub from Green People
2. Apply: it’s always best to use an applicator mitt or latex gloves when applying self-tan. The mitt will ensure the self-tanning product goes on to your skin easily and will help avoid it staying on your hands. The latex gloves can be used in a similar way.
The best option for men (with hairy arms, chests and legs) is a mousse fake tan. A mousse covers large areas of the body quickly and easily, and its lightweight formula will ensure that there is no clogging around your hairs.
Start at your feet and apply the self-tan to your mitt. Sweep up your legs in long, smooth motions: working on your body in sections. Ensure even coverage, and do not rub aggressively. Be careful not to miss anywhere as patches can develop.
If you have excessively dry elbows, knees and feet, you can apply moisturiser a few minutes before tanning to ensure no gathering of fake tan occurs.
3. Aftercare: most good self-tanning products (especially mousses) dry instantly or within 60 seconds. Before putting on your favourite white shirt, ensure the fake tan is touch dry to avoid any unwanted staining (it’s difficult to wash off of clothes!).
Body Odor
Now that we have spoken about the more interesting things such as bodybuilding and fake tan, it’s now time to talk about something a little less attractive: body odor.
Body odor is a combination of sweat and bacteria. Sweat is actually odorless: it is bacteria that live off perspiration on our body that creates the bad smell.
Humans (including superman of course!) sweat, but it’s keeping it under control that is most important.
What is causing my body odor?
– Hygiene: the main reason why people stink is that they aren’t washing enough! But good hygiene doesn’t stop at just washing your body; it includes also washing your clothes. Certain fabrics, like cotton, easily absorb bad odors.
– Sweating: some people smell because they perspire more, either because of stress, physical activity or because of a condition known as Hyperhidrosis, which causes excessive sweating
They all cause an unnatural amount of anxiety on the body, which causes perspiration and in turn, may make us smell.
– Diet: eating certain foods can also affect how you feel. If a food is poignant enough, its smell can make it all the way through your body and come out from your pores. Garlic, cumin and curry are believed to have such properties.
SEE ALSO: The grooming guide to becoming Superman: HAIR REMOVAL
How do I get rid of body odor?
Many deodorants only mask body odor, but some products actually fight bacteria. The most effective deodorants contain aluminum or zinc. Both elements are known to fight odor-causing bacteria. Antibacterial soaps also help kill off bacteria to help you smell fresher!
These top tips will help you get the ultimate body and you will be looking and feeling like superman in no time!
