My last two major flaws that are killing me.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Sounds like you want to lose weight and tone. I'd say that cardio and core and resistance exercises combined with diet are 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.)

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.

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

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..

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.

"skinny fat"?
DMAFF

Does this mean skinny and unhealthy/untoned? Or what?

Originally Posted by Britalian

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"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.

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

Originally Posted by dragon8

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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.

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.