Looking Good

For many of us, looking good is one of our motivations for working out. That's why gyms sign up new members in massive numbers every spring--people want to work off the holiday fat and get in shape for summer.

Here are some tips on how to look good, no matter what your genetics are:

• Stand up straight. Less than 3% of people have good posture. If you walk into a room full of people and notice someone just seems to have a commanding presence, look at that person's posture. Chest out, shoulders back, chin up. This posture maximizes the strength of the spine, and it just plain looks good.
  
• Build those muscles. Most folks neglect their rear deltoids, so their shoulders look small. Don't just do curls and presses. Do a program that works each body part--on separate days.
  
• Do front squats. This exercise builds the abdominals quite well. I have a six-pack, and when I do these squats I can feel those babies contract hard. Squats also work the rump--which is what both men and women "check out" on each other. Squats actually cause all off your muscles to grow, due to hormonal changes they create. In fact, if you do only squats, your arms will be larger than those of another person who does only curls.
  
• Eat six small meals a day. Watch your portion size. Eating small meals maximizes nutritional absorption while keeping you from taking in too many calories.
  
• Drink plenty of water. It nourishes the skin.
  
• Get enough of the essential fatty acids. These nourish the skin, hair, and nervous system.
  
• Steer clear of cigarette smoke, alcohol, and sugary snacks. The smoke ages your skin, alcohol dehydrates your cells, and the sugar just goes to your waistline.
  
• Match your wardrobe colors to your skin and hair colors. Some people are "fall" people and look better in greens and browns. Others look better in blue, and so on.
  
• Smile. This is the best thing you can possibly wear, if you really want to look good.
  
• Stay active. This keeps your energy levels high.