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My last two major flaws that are killing me.

post #1 of 18
5/23/07 at 10:21pm
Thread Starter 
Over the last year or so, I've tried to develop myself into an overall better person. I've gotten better work and study habits, became (I believe) a more casual, fun guy, and I think I've developed my intellect quite a bit by taking harder classes and reading more.

This last summer before college I'm focusing on the superficial things. Here's the two things killing me:

1. Body acne. My chest has quite a bit of acne on it. It's quite annoying, since in summer it's tough to take my shirt off without getting some comments. I tried over-the-counter stuff that never worked, and I'm currently on Tazorac (a topical cream) from the dermatologist. It seems to be working well, but even when the acne is gone I can tell I'll have a lot of red marks from the previous acne. Anyone have experience with this?

2. My upper body. I'm a skinny fat person, basically. I have bit of flabb around my stomach, I have tiny (but noticable) manboobs, and I have no muscle whatsoever. I'm 6'1, 165 lbs. For this, I know I need a better diet, but what do I do about running/weightlifting? Any suggestions? I don't want to bulk up, I just want to be toned and confident when I'm wearing more fitted shirts and also when I'm playing tennis I'd like to be a little faster/stronger/better.

Thanks for the suggestions in advance.
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post #2 of 18
5/23/07 at 11:39pm
for the first---dermatologist for the second---get a membership at a local club and use the cardio machines there, or start running/biking a lot...
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post #3 of 18
5/24/07 at 12:46am
To get in shape find a program and stay with it. You can find numerous ones by searching around the net at sites like www.bodybuilding.com or www.menshealth.com . I'm following one from menshealth that seems to be working decent enough for me, but I've always been skinny enough from running 4 years of cross/track.
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post #4 of 18
5/24/07 at 1:02am
Ugh, cardio will not prevent you from being skinny fat. Read one of the workout threads (there's dozens on them in this forum) and follow a basic one.
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post #5 of 18
5/24/07 at 1:21am
For the body acne, you could ask the dermatologist about an oral antiobitic. It's a once-a-day pill that targets the body in general so it's a bit easier than hunting down all the trouble spots on your chest and back. If it's serious, Accutane is pretty full proof but that's a last resort kind of thing.
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post #6 of 18
5/24/07 at 8:50pm
Sounds like you want to lose weight and tone. I'd say that cardio and core and resistance exercises combined with diet are [i]probably[/b] the way you want to go. Try 5x10 sets of pullups, 5x20 pushups, and and 5x10 dips immediately following cardio. It's a pretty simple, old school routine that will not make you into a beast, but will give you some tone. You may also consider Pilates (for the record, I hate Pilates, but have seen other guys get great results from them.)
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post #7 of 18
5/24/07 at 10:45pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the suggestions on the workout.

I'm actually on a cream+pill right now for the acne. I think its just going to take time to kill the acne though.
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post #8 of 18
5/24/07 at 10:49pm
I actually took a pilates class this past quarter in college. It was pretty good workout though it was only once a week and needs to be done more often. Plus it's one of the only classes where the ratio will be 20female: you
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post #9 of 18
5/25/07 at 2:32pm
i have some mild body acne myself.

i found a 'regimen' of skincare that has worked for me so far on my face - basically a gentle cleanser, clean towels, benzol peroxide solution and moisturizer twice daily.

im going to expand it to my upper body and see if it works

found it here - www.acne.org

benzol peroxide is expensive (about $9 for a small tube of Neutrogena On-the-Spot) but they sell one on this site for the same price but you get about 10 times as much. i plan to buy it soon and try it out on my chest and shoulders

as far as getting fit - i would also recommend www.bodybuilding.com as a place to start - the articles are decent and ive just started lurking on the forum - just dont be tempted by all the supplements

- in general to cut weight:
low carb diet
eat 5-6 small meals of lean protein and green veggies/salads
high intensity cardio few times a week

- gaining muscle is a different story - i lost 12 lbs in the past 3 months now i am focusing on building muscle - much different process.

good luck..
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post #10 of 18
5/25/07 at 8:52pm
The two problems likely are linked. "Skinny fat" points to diet (as well as exercise habits), and body acne seems more linked to nutrition than facial acne.

Acne research - diet and lifestyle

The vitamin A and zinc connections the most credible, though zinc probably won't be a great help. A multi-vitamin/multi-mineral and adequate Omega-3 in the diet are worth trying, on top of whatever you are already doing.
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post #11 of 18
5/26/07 at 10:36am
"skinny fat"?
DMAFF

Does this mean skinny and unhealthy/untoned? Or what?
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post #12 of 18
5/26/07 at 4:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britalian View Post
"skinny fat"? DMAFF Does this mean skinny and unhealthy/untoned? Or what?
Pretty much. I have this same shape, except I don't have a gut at all, just a bit of pudge.
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post #13 of 18
5/26/07 at 9:54pm
dermatologist for he acne

and a gym membership for he man-boobs and make sure you do NO regular chest presses but DO plenty of incline presses
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post #14 of 18
5/27/07 at 12:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dragon8 View Post
dermatologist for he acne

and a gym membership for he man-boobs and make sure you do NO regular chest presses but DO plenty of incline presses

Umm, flat bench is just fine for developing your chest muscles.
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post #15 of 18
6/2/07 at 4:22am
Pull ups and shoulder workouts. Especially since you're playing tennis.

I also second pilates or yoga. No motivation to look good like being surround by a bunch of hot female bodies. Just be prepared to look stupid; the women will actually find this ballsy and sexy, though.
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