1. LIGHTEN YOUR LID Getting your hair cut makes you look five years younger, and 10 pounds lighter.

2. WASH YOUR FACE At the risk of sounding like your Mom—on Father’s Day, no less—the importance of personal grooming cannot be overstated. Using a facial scrub at least twice a week will help keep your skin youthful and fresh-looking.

3. SCISSORS, SISTER No. Untrimmed. Nose. Or. Ear. Hair. Ever.

4. THE SHINING Now I sound like your Dad: Shine your shoes. Do it yourself for free.

5. “T” FOR TWO Although you may not have worn an undershirt since you were in short pants, now is the time to start again. It is easier on your dress shirts (“Look, ma—no sweat stains!”), and adds a touch of professional class to your style. Get a two-pack for less than twenty bucks.

6. MAN, YOU STINK This is a no-brainer. Regardless of how much or how little we sweat, men—from the burliest bear, to the most delicate twink—give off a “healthy” musk, and it needs to be combated with a deodorant that contains an ANTI-PERSPIRANT. At the old Stanley’s in Fort Lauderdale, the late Carlos nicknamed a dancer “Campbell’s Soup,” and it wasn’t because he knew his way around a ladle—his body stank! Deodorize, or risk never having sex again.

7. SOCK IT UP Throw out your socks that no longer have strong elastic, and make sure the ones you wear are always pulled up all the way—you’re a big boy now.

8. LOSE YOUR WALLET The fat wallet in your back pocket does nothing for either your fashion mark or your spinal alignment (and besides, you don’t need to carry around ten Post-It notes with random guys’ digits on them, anyway). Get rid of the thick wallet in favor of a slim-line option, or, better yet, a money clip.

9. WHITEN THOSE PEARLIES Yucky teeth are a deal-killer—or should be—both personally and professionally. A dental teeth-cleaning, followed by regular use of whitening toothpaste, and liberal application of breath freshener—now, even I want to plant a wet one on you.

10. SHADES OF CLASS Sunglasses add mystique to your manliness. (This is the secret of professional poker players: nobody knows what you’re really thinking if they can’t see your eyes.) Just don’t EVER wear them at night, or at the club.

Colognes that Every GUY Must Have To paraphrase Don Corleone in “The Godfather,” “a man who doesn’t wear cologne can never truly be a real man.” I don’t care how naturallypleasant your body odor, every man should compliment his God-given fragrance with something that comes from a bottle. The odoriferous compounds that comprise men’s perfume—a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents—give the human body a more pleasant scent than the one we give off, say, first thing in the morning, or after a strenuous workout.

Texts from antiquity and evidence unearthed at archaeological digs show that perfumes have existed since the earliest human civilizations. (For a literary example of the benefits of cleverly using perfumes, read the world’s first novel, the 11th Century Japanese classic, “The Tale of Genji.”)

For men’s fragrances, the year 2012 is one of intricate combinations and unusual pairings—for instance, basil and mint mixed with wood scents, and the distinct aromachemical fragrance of musk. The right cologne adds sophistication and style to your personal grooming strategy.XXX At Work There was a time when Grey Flannel was an acceptable choice before leaving for a hard day at the office—but that time was literally during the last century. For the decade of the Twenty-Tens, you want to distinguish yourself, and make every moment in your company—and AT your company—pleasing for all the senses.

F by Ferragamo tickles the olfactories, with the right suggestion of pepper and lavender, and a hint of Tonka bean that’s reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves. They combine to form the perfect—gay—marriage of sprezzatura and insouciance.

Being in a literary profession, I like a scent that evokes machismo—along with bookcases, single-malt Scotch, and the double-vented suits of old Fleet Street in Britain. Jack Black’s “JB” is fresh and crisp, like a Londonderry air (which smells much more pleasing than a London derriere). If you are employed in a professional office setting, give this one a splash.

Think: Casual, Sport So maybe you don’t wear cologne to go workout—but you should. Victorinox Swiss Army Unlimited, the manufacturer of apparel, pocket knives, and watches, brings you a fragrance that isn’t the usual lifestyle company fare. This is exactly how Swiss Army Knife cologne should smell, with the essence of Alpine fir trees evoking perfect wood notes, and absinthe and genepi liquor combine to pour masculinity over the whole affair.

Night Moves Ask yourself why you go out for a night of cocktails (and then take a moment to consider the word itself). You want to smell like THE MAN if you want to BE The Man. Gucci Guilty Intense is everything the name says. Fragrances of lavender and lemon combine, and then retreat before the INTENSE, but complimentary, mélange of cedar, coriander, neroli, and patchouli. The bottle itself embodies Guilty—and raw—sexuality, like a pair of hypercarnal gender symbols. If you are the right man, this scent will set your night into motion.

Combining notes of musk, sandalwood, and vanilla bean that provide foundation for breezes of citrus, jasmine, and patchouli, and a crescendo of bergamot and cypress leaves, Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol is as multifaceted and many layered as its namesake: mercurial, complex, and irresistible.

Mr. & Mr. Danny and Donnie Jones Request the Pleasure… There was a time when a man wore a tuxedo just to have dinner on Saturday night.

Those days may be over, but there are still events that call for you to wear your suited—or tux’ed— best, and on those occasions, use a scent that combines delicious and distinctive bergamot with cedar and woodsy floral fragrances that manage to support a manly vibe. Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot will do for you what Pippa’s dress did for her ass, but without the need to deal with all those big-eared, buck-teethed in-laws afterwards.

You’ve been pumping away in the gym for over a month now since making tthose New Year’s resolutions, and you can see and feel the difference. Even that jealous co-worker has noticed your bigger arms and harder pecs and you are delighted. So why all of a sudden are you feeling a little bored and burnt out with your exercise program?

This isn’t at all uncommon, no matter how determined you are or how dynamic your routine may be. It is important to understand what’s going on in your mind and with your body so that you can continue on that upward scale toward peak success. Here are my favorite tips that will help you keep that killer mindset as you hit the gym, track, or ring, etc. and continue your training with the same hungry animal intensity!

First, emphasize good form in all your exercises. If you’re lifting weights make sure to maintain perfect form for each repetition of each set. Avoid swinging and throwing large amounts of weight around. Use supersets and compound sets to vary your routines and make them more effective. Try a yoga or kick-boxing class to help your flexibility and improve your cardio-vascular strength. Variety is the spice of life!

Secondly, remember for the most part, quality is better than quantity… even as far as training is concerned. A half hour of intense weight lifting targeting two muscle groups is preferable to two hours of socializing and cruising with some weight training thrown in. If you’re doing cardio, try to get your heart rate into the target heart rate zone and keep it there rather than plodding through an hour on a stationary bike reading Glamour.

Thirdly, skip the competition. Sure, a little eye candy can be inspiring, uplifting, to say the least. Just don’t start comparing yourself to the 23 year old with the smoking abs or the hot daddy with the 20 inch guns. Stay focused upon yourself and your own goals. Chart your progress in a journal and keep track of your measurements. Compete only with yourself and try to become the best that you can be. Don’t be too hard on yourself, but don’t pamper yourself either.

Fourthly, think about progress. Watch yourself, your form, and your muscles as they work in the mirror. Listen to inspiring music and uplifting motivational CD’s. Studies have proven that visualizing success can increase the intensity and the positive results of your workouts by as much as fifty percent.

Finally, work the right muscles. If you don’t have a trainer, then keep track of which muscles you work on which days. Bigger thicker muscle groups like back and legs demand more exercise and more work than smaller muscles like biceps. Make sure to give each muscle group 48-72 hours of rest, depending upon the intensity of your workouts, before pounding them again. Overtraining can cause injury and even set you back further than not training at all.

Make your training sessions an integral part of your day, week, life, etc. and learn to enjoy them. Stay pumped, healthy and fit and take advantage of this great South Florida weather. For more motivational tips contact TrainerTomB@aol.com!

Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Email: TrainerTomB@aol.com
Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com

By Tom Bonati

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy…” so said Gershwin in that famous ballad, but nowhere is the season hotter and more eventful than in tropical South Florida. Remember this summer to relax, take some time for yourself, pack your sunscreen and a good book and  ponder these fitness tidbits as you crank up your workouts. Here are my top 20 summer fitness facts, simple, easy and to the point!

1. A 10-15 minute warm-up consisting of light cardio and stretching before working out warms up your muscles and joints and prevents injuries.
2. A cocktail or glass of wine are a delight, but overdoing it can pack on the pounds, deplete your energy and prove fatal to your workouts.
3. Modalities like hydro-therapy, massage and acupuncture, etc., can aid your fitness lifestyle by relieving pain, speeding recovery and adding to your overall well-being.
4. A professional massage can relax sore tight muscles, lower blood pressure, increase circulation and moisturize your skin.
5. Summer colds are a bitch. Never work out with a fever – it’s counter-productive – stay home and get well.
6. Music can rev you up and motivate your workouts – if your gym is playing tired tunes, then bring your own.
7. Carry a clean towel with you to the gym and a few antibacterial wipes so that you can keep equipment clean for yourself and others.
8. Stay hydrated throughout the day and during your workouts. Chug water regularly and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
9. Beginning at age 25, most people begin to lose about a half a pound of muscle per year. Regular and progressive weight training helps maintain and build lean muscle.
10. Consistency and regularity at the gym add up to success at achieving your goals.
11. To jump start your fat-burning, try 20 minutes of cardio (i.e., treadmill, elliptical) on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. But make sure to eat breakfast soon after and before your major workout.
12. Before trying any new supplement, make sure you research it and check with your physician before trying it.
13. Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and yogurt for a substantial breakfast that will energize you and keep you going throughout the day.
14. A workout partner can be a real asset provided you are both on the same page as far as fitness goals are concerned.
15. Good nutrition, weight training and cardio are the three elements of any sound program.
16. Do some core training at work by replacing your regular office chair with an exercise ball as you attend to the days chores.
17. Steer clear of 2 or 3 filling meals and eat 5 or 6 smaller meals more frequently throughout the day to stay lean and energized. Never eat before going to bed and make sure to eat a healthy breakfast
18.

The warmer weather is better for joints and muscles while exercising – just don’t overdo it. Use sunscreen and chug water.
19. Omega-3 fatty acids found in cold water fish and almonds are heart healthy good fats.
20. Enjoy your summer and stay fit and happy! Use down time to get an extra pump in the gym!

Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at  1271 NE 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com

By Tom Bonati

Every time I hit the gym, I see certain things that really bug me. I’m basically a patient guy, but a few of these items need to be mentioned from time to time because they are mistakes that could affect you and your workouts.

Don’t ditch free weights for machines. Sure, there are pros and cons for each. Machines are easy to adjust, you can’t drop them and, for the most part, you can zip from station to station quickly. But free weights give you more freedom and versatility. You can work more muscle groups, burn more calories and increase flexibility with free weights more than with variable resistance machines. Make free weights the center of your workouts and add machines to isolate those areas which need a little extra attention. Free weights require more exertion and planning, but isn’t that why it’s called ‘working out’?

Don’t jerk the weights. Using proper form for each rep of each set is much more important than trying to break weight lifting records every time you lift. If you increase your weights by 3 to 5 percent every two to three months or so, you are doing fine and making progress.

Don’t hurry through your sets, and take your time and make each rep count. Paying attention to good form allows you to feel your muscle fibers contracting and stretching as they work. Jerking weights and hurrying through sets is a recipe for injury and injuries mean set backs and unwanted time off.

Don’t gobble protein bars and guzzle sports drinks during your workouts. Most guys aren’t running a marathon or working out intensely for more than two hours. These are the situations where you need some extra calories during exercise. Save your bars for before – or especially after – workouts. As a rule, sports drinks contain far more sugar than you need; water is your best bet before, during and after gym time.

Don’t put off your workouts. Your sessions – which should include cardiovascular training, weights and stretching – are important preventative measures you are taking today to avoid health problems and expensive health care costs in the future. Be consistent with your work- outs and you will see and feel results as quickly as today! Don’t cancel workouts because you are too busy, too tired or lack motivation. The old saying, “I’ll think about it tomorrow!” may have suited lovely Scarlett O’Hara, but it won’t work for a big strong girl like you! Get your ass into the gym.

No excuses. Don’t multi-task at the gym. When you work out, make sure to give it your all. Know what you intend to accomplish before you go through the front door. Keep track of your progress in a notebook. Pay attention to the tasks at hand – doing your cardio, lifting weights and stretching. Texting, talking on the phone and cruising all have their place, but when you’re at the gym, workout! Remember also that the gym is a public place – you don’t own it, so be considerate and don’t hog up machines or hover at stations just so that you can text or take a call. Your workouts are an important investment in yourself. Make each moment productive. Here’s to a happier, healthier, hunkier you!

Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, Facebook: TrainerTomB. www.pumpnincgym.com

1. Take your loved one on a replica of your first date.

2. Don’t go straight for the obvious. This is a holiday to show your partner you know and love them; don’t give them chocolates if they are off carbs or flowers if they are allergic or the worst – jewellery if they don’t even wear watch!

3. Leave little love post it notes over the house for them to find, in the bathroom, on the coffee filter and on their windscreen. Use pet names or just tell them why you love them.

4. A single red rose speaks volumes over the screaming of your Amex bill for 200. Remember it’s not what you spend, it’s what it means. The best gift I ever got was a chocolate egg!

5. Make a reservation! Don’t leave it to the last minute and hope for the best – check out OpenTable.com.

6. Stay in, cook a meal, get the wine flowing and snuggle up, the quality time will be appreciated.

Making the effort will speak volumes about your love.

7. With a black marker pen write love messages along the length of a kitchen roll. Unroll it along the floor from the door they will enter to where you are. It’s a treasure trail and the treasure is you.

8. Get them a gift they wouldn’t get themselves. It shows you know what they need. E.g. a set of wine glasses if they drink wine out of a cup. Or a smart drink stirrer if they always mix drinks with the back end of a knife!

9. Go away for the night; there are plenty of amazing hotels in Florida or places to visit. Take the night and go to a hotel and be on vacation for the one night. 1

0. MY Favourite which I did once, is arrange to meet your partner at a bar and pretend you don’t know each other, either role play with your fantasy characters or just have a first date without the pressure.

Valentine’s day is named after early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD. Its association with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, began when the tradition of courtly love flourished. It’s a precarious holiday; if you are single you either revel in the hope or the hate of the holiday of love. If you are partnered this one day of the whole year could make or break your relationship. Don’t worry we have you covered whatever your situation with a selection of our ‘Top 10’s’ to enjoy or to smugly resent those ‘sucked into a hallmark holiday’! Enjoy!

Good

My Top 10 Valentine’s Day movies to sob to or snuggle with your loved one.

1 Pretty Woman
2 Notting Hill
3 Gone with the Wind
4 Casablanca
5 Titanic
6 Sleepless in Seattle
7 The Wedding Planner
8 P.S. I love You
9 The Notebook
10 When Harry Met Sally

Top 10 pick up lines: to make you howl or cringe because you used them!!

‘You don’t need to text me,
I am already here’

‘If this bar is a meat market,
you must be the prime rib.’

‘Do you come here often?’

‘If I followed you home,
would you keep me?’

‘Hi. You’ll do.’

‘Let’s go to my place and do the things
I’ll tell everyone we did anyway.’

‘Unlock please.’

‘Can I buy you a drink
or do you just want the money?’

‘What’s a slut like you doing in a
classy joint like this??’

‘That’s a nice shirt;
it would go great with my floor.’

Top 10 Love Songs for the hopeful, the loved up and the soppy!

1 Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
2 My Funny Valentine – Ella Fitzgerald
3 I will always love you – Dolly Parton
4 Stand By Your Man – Tammy Wynette
5 Everything I do (I do it for you) – Bryan Adams
6 Hopelessly Devoted To You – Olivia Newton John
7 The Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
8 It Must Have Been Love – Roxette
9 How Do I Live – LeAnn Rimes
10 Save the Best For Last – Vanessa Williams

Bad

My Top 10 Anti Valentine’s Day Movies to revel in the horror of love!

1 Sleeping With the Enemy
2 War of the Roses
3 Fatal Attraction
4 The First Wives Club
5 The Break Up
6 The Valentine’s Day Massacre
7 American Beauty
8 Enough
9 Basic Instinct
10 Ruthless People

The Top 10 Anti Valentine’s songs the soundtrack to a proud singleton shunning the hallmar holiday

1 D.I.V.O.R.C.E – Dolly Parton
2 Your Cheating Heart – Hank Williams
3 Your Lying Eyes – The Eagles
4 Love Hurts – Cher
5 Single Ladies – Beyonce
6 I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
7 I’ll never fall in love again – Dionne Warwick
8 I Who Have Nothing – Shirley Bassey
9 Only Fools Rush in – Elvis
10 Till Death Do Us Part – Madonna