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By Rick
Freedom
While personality certainly reigns over looks
when it comes to attracting a mate, there is
much to be said for appearances. How you look
on the outside reflect how you feel on the
inside, and it’s always the first impression
people get about you. While you don’t have to
be drop-dead gorgeous to attract others, you do
have to show that you like to take care of
yourself.
Everyone is expected to maintain a certain
level of personal hygiene. If you dress in rags
and reek of body odor, no man or woman is going
to want to get near you, let alone snuggle with
you. But more important than snagging a mate is
the dose of self confidence looking good
provides. When your hair is combed and your
shoes are shined, you walk differently, and it
shows.
In this article, we’re going to cover the
basics of outward appearance. Everything from
grooming to working out will be touched upon to
make sure you put your best foot forward in the
dating world, as well as everyday life. These
are all simple steps that you can begin
implementing as soon as you finish reading, so
let’s get started!
Skin
It is the largest organ on the human body, and
it’s also the foundation for attractiveness.
When you skin is healthy and clean, every other
effort put towards your appearance is
amplified. Skin care isn’t only for girls,
however; men everywhere are taking to proper
skin cleansing and moisturizing by following
these steps:
1. Know your skin type: Faces break down into
four basic types: oily (shiny all over); dry
(little to no shine whatsoever); normal (just
the right balance between moisture and
dryness); and combination (oily on the nose and
forehead, and dry everywhere else). Determine
your skin type to choose the perfect product
for your needs.
2. Clean your face: Throw out that bar of soap,
as the facial skin is delicate and requires
special treatment. Based on your skin type,
pick a product that tailors to your particular
skin type’s needs, and wash in the morning and
at night. Also, steer away from cleaning too
much, as you’ll run the risk of over-drying
your face, which (believe it or not) can cause
breakouts.
3. Use a toner: Toner is a liquid you rub on
your face after cleansing it that firms up
pores, making them appear smaller. Some toners
are even designed to fight acne, so look for
products like this if you’re on the pimply
side.
4. Don’t forget to moisturize: Lotion is not
only for girls. By moisturizing after cleansing
and toning, you’ll maintain a fresh and healthy
look. Just make sure to search for products
that cater to your specific skin
type.
5. Shave (carefully, that is): To avoid cuts or
rashes, don’t rush the shaving process.
Purchase a good shaving cream or gel to provide
you with a smooth shave, and always be sure to
splash on some aftershave to keep the skin
soft. Aftershave also helps in preventing and
healing rashes.
Clothing
Regardless of whether the date is formal or
casual, make sure your shirt is not baggy.
Ideally, the shirt will hug your frame, but not
be too tight. So many people who are
self-conscious about their bodies try to hide
underneath thick fabric. Contrary to what you
may think, wearing clothes that actually fit
your shape (rather than hide it) actually makes
you look thinner. It’s an optical illusion.
Another optical illusion involves stripes.
Horizontal stripes add bulk to the body,
whereas vertical stripes make the body look
leaner. Therefore, if you’re tall and thin,
stick with the tight-fit shirt with horizontal
stripes to add some bulk to your frame. Steer
away from horizontal stripes if you’re shorter
or heftier in appearance. Instead, opt for more
narrow clothes that pull your body inward.
Every guy should also have a suit for those
special occasions. When wearing a suit, have a
plain cotton shirt, cuff links, a dark jacket
and pants, and black leather, shined shoes.
Wear a nice silk tie in any design. You’d be
amazed at how a good suit can up the ego (and
the compliments!)
Work Out
Besides looking leaner, working out has many
other benefits. It not only increases your
confidence level, but being in shape also
impacts our sex lives. Regular physical
activity increases our immunity to diseases,
and it gives us that extra boost of energy to
make it through the day.
The following are strength-training exercises
that work multiple muscles at once, and they
are essential to any fitness regime. These
exercises are good for both men and women, as
they aim to tone the muscles instead of
building bulk. Make sure to start at a level of
intensity that you’re comfortable with, and
work your way up as you become stronger. Most
beginners start with three-pound weights.
Weekly Strength-Training
Plan
Monday
1. 10 minutes of stretching.
2. Three sets of squats: 20 repetitions, 15
repetitions, and 12 repetitions.
3. Three sets of leg lifts: 20 repetitions, 15
repetitions, and 12 repetitions.
4. Two sets of calf raises: 20 repetitions, 15
repetitions, and 12 repetitions.
5. Two sets of arm curls: 12 repetitions, and
10 repetitions.
6. 10 minutes of stretching.
Tuesday
Rest, or perform some
cardiovascular exercise.
Wednesday
1. 10 minutes of stretching.
2. Two set of weighted, forward-leaning dips:
12 repetitions, and 10 repetitions.
3. Two sets of incline dumbbell presses: 12
repetitions, and 10 repetitions.
4. Two sets of lateral raises: 12 repetitions,
and 10 repetitions.
5. Two sets of overhead dumbbell presses: 12
repetitions, and 10 repetitions.
6. Two sets of weighted sit-ups: 12
repetitions, and 15 repetitions.
7. 10 minutes of stretching.
Thursday
Rest, or do some cardiovascular exercise.
Friday
1. 10 minutes of
stretching.
2. Three sets of dead lifts: 12 repetitions, 10
repetitions, and 8 repetitions.
3. Two sets of weighted chin-ups: 12
repetitions, and 10 repetitions.
4. Two sets of weighted pull-ups: 12
repetitions, and 10 repetitions.
5. Two sets of dumbbell rows: 12 repetitions,
and 10 repetitions.
6. Two sets of bent-over lateral raises: 12
repetitions, and 10 repetitions.
7. 10 minutes of stretching.
Cardiovascular
Exercise
Studies have also shown that people who perform
cardio on a regular basis tend to live longer
than those who live idly. Whether or not you
need to lose fat, the benefits of
cardiovascular exercise are multiple. It burns
calories, keeps your circulatory and
respiratory systems in check, and tones the
body all over.
If you’re just starting out, cardio can be
quite the challenge, so set reachable
milestones, and stick to them. For example,
promise yourself that you’re going to take a
30-minute walk at least three days a week.
Gradually, you will become stronger, so
increase the amount of days you walk, or even
add a little jogging into the mix.
Cardiovascular exercise can be found all over
the place. Anything from a walk in the park to
touch football qualifies, so get out there and
have some fun! The key to sticking with an
exercise program is to keep things interesting
and exciting.
Diet
No exercise program would be complete with a
healthy, balanced diet. Eat healthier calories,
as the body can break these down faster.
“Healthy calories” are anything low in
saturated fats and oils, and you can usually
recognize them by just looking at them. If
faced with a greasy cheeseburger versus a
grilled-chicken salad, go with the salad. Limit
the amount of junk food you eat, but don’t
completely forbid yourself from eating it
either. Studies have shown that completely
depriving yourself from a craving often ends in
binge eating.
Finally, one very important tip to losing
weight is to watch what you drink! So many
times when dieting, people only focus on the
food they put in their mouths, all the while
throwing back sodas, juices, and Starbuck’s.
These drinks are loaded with empty calories.
Instead, drink nothing but water, throwing in a
little lemon or flavoring packet if the taste
is too dull for you. Also try to reduce the
amount of alcohol you consume.
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