Participants get a workout at Mt. Nam in Seoul, Sunday. Exercise is a vital part of their beauty/health regime.

Contributing writer JR Breen contributed to this article -ED

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

Seventy-four men are vying to become ``the world’s most desirable man.’’ As Julia Morley, chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, said, the image Mr World strives for has shifted from the bulky Popeye to the more suave James Bond.

And in order to pull off a sleek look, flawless skin, toned limbs and a great smile are a must, and contestants shared some of their know-how on looking handsome.

Staying Toned

A good balance of weightlifting and cardiovascular workouts at the gym seemed to be the norm for contestants, combined with a variety of other workouts, ranging from dancing to yoga and boxing.

Alvin de Joya of the Philippines said he ``used to be fat,’’ and went from weighing 105 kilograms to 79 by exercising regularly at the gym. Now he stays fit by playing basketball. Spain’s Guillermo Garcia Becerril, a semi-professional footballer, also enjoys group sports.

Kendrick Kemp, representing the Bahamas, gained the nickname ``lightning legs’’ after showing his speed in a sprint race last week in Daegu. He jogs every morning and walks as much as possible. He also swims avidly ― ``I’m in the island of the Bahamas!’’

Costa Rica’s Eduardo Esqivel Cubero likes a bit of rhythm in his workout regime, with cheerleading, gymnastics and plenty of dancing on the side, from Latin to salsa.

Canada’s Ron Wear aims for ``body toning rather than body building’’ and keeps his trim physique with yoga and lots of swimming.

Hafiz Aghayev from Azerbaijan gets his exercise as a boxer while Belarus’ Mihail Baranov breaks a sweat as a judo coach.

Skincare Recipes

Most contestants said they regularly use cleansers and moisturizers, but some paid more heed to keeping pores clean and complexions smooth with spa sessions, cold teabags and even waxing.

Honza Filipi, representing the Netherlands, regularly uses a skin peeling scrub and never forgets hydrant cream afterward to prevent dryness. He also consumes vitamins A to Z as well as omega oil capsules, zinc and magnesium ― ``it’s very good for your skin.’’

Mr Ethiopia Matewos Jigsa gets a massage once a week and is also a fan of saunas and the Jacuzzi. Yoo Ji-kwang said he doesn’t do anything in particular to maintain his milky skin, but like your average Korean, frequents the sauna. ``I also make sure I get plenty of sleep and water, which is really important,’’ he said.

The fair-skinned Mr Canada uses tea tree oil on his face and sometimes places cold teabags under his eyes to get rid of dark circles and puffiness. He also waxes for hair removal. ``It’s painful and I deeply sympathize with women, who’ve been there,’’ he said.

Manuel Illich, who enjoys surfing back home in Peru, never leaves the house without sun block cream. ``I didn’t wear sun block before but I got sun spots and moles, so I started using formulas, usually SPF 30,’’ he said.

The baby-faced Filipino representative said he can do his own makeup for special occasions, when he must be in front of the camera. ``I know how to apply foundation and I apply petroleum jelly on my lips,’’ he said, explaining his secret to having a pouty smile.

Special Diets

A majority of the contestants said they followed a high protein, low carbohydrate diet, while cutting down on fat and sugar. Malaysia’s David Lian stays far away from fried foods while Korea’s representative has sworn off sweets.

Some revealed more particular eating regimes.

Mr Canada doesn’t eat three meals per day like most people. ``I eat six small meals a day, the size of my fist. It’s mostly chicken, brown rice, fish and fruit. I also have protein shakes in between,’’ he said.

Mr Ethiopia said he lost a considerable amount of weight for the competition. The tall, lanky young man said he shed 10 kilograms by eating only vegetables ― a diet he claims is ``appropriate for (his) blood group type.’’

Survival of Fittest

Others however suggested they were just well-endowed with a fit physique.

``I eat everything, I don't really think about it. I do eat healthy though,’’ said Mr Holland. The tall and lean Hareruya Konno, who models in Japan, also said he isn’t strict with the menu and eats everything, and particularly enjoys Chinese and Korean food.

Ukraine’s Iurii Bogish went as far to say that he ``eats anything’’ and that his ``young age and good genes’’ were some of the secrets to staying healthy.

Healthy Mind & Body

Some Mr World participants pointed to something more spiritual as health secrets.

``Smile always,’’ Mr Spain said, flashing a row of pearly white teeth. His two Spanish-speaking buddies, representatives of Costa Rica and Bolivia, agreed. ``You must be happy to be healthy, and be a better person every day,’’ said Bolivia’s Jonathan Fischer Vargas.

Mr Bahamas also said keeping busy with modeling and charity work are integral to his well being. ``I better myself by bettering others. It’s really about having a healthy mind and body,’’ he said.

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr