Glamour gurus

Toning up

How do I build upper body strength? I really would like nicely toned arms and shoulders so I can wear sleeveless T-shirts.

Armless

Rob Devereux says: If you struggle with push-ups you could try a table dip. Sit on the edge of a low coffee table with the palms of your hands beside your hips and fingers off the edge of the table. Place your feet flat on the floor with knees bent. From this starting position, move your hips just off the edge of the table and lower them down towards the floor, using your arms, chest and shoulder muscles to control your descent. Once you feel a slight stretch across the front of the shoulders stop and push up again to the starting position. Try to build up to 15 repetitions without resting, then do three sets with a minute's rest between each set.

Speedy swimwear

I'm entering a swimming contest and I'm not sure what kind of swimsuit to wear. I usually wear solar suits and trunks, but my aunt says if I wear a one-piece swimsuit, I will be able to swim faster. What do you recommend?

Prize seeker

Eve Roth Lindsay says: Wearing slimline swimsuits will definitely help you win! It's very important to get the sizing and fit, correct as well as the fabric. Look for brand names such as Tyr, Speedo and Jantzen. As you are looking for speed, keep your suit as simple as possible. Pay attention to the fabric - look for Lycra or spandex materials that are chlorine resistant. This will help keep your suit looking good longer. Adidas (Shop L2-11, Level 2, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, 2328-6328) has many options, and you can also find brand names in department stores Wing On or Jusco. If you want a similar look for less money, go to Stanley Main Street in Stanley. For more trendy looks, go to Surfer Girl (1/Fl, 10 Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay, 2836-6073).

Blotchy back

I have patches of uneven skin tone on my lower back. I think it might be caused by sweat. The contrast between the spots and my natural colour is more obvious in the summer, though I still have it in the winter. Is there any way to remove it?

Troubled in summer

Dr Leung Sze-kee says: The patches are the result of a fungal infection called 'tinea versicolor', which is very common for people who sweat a lot, often because of sports. This is why the condition is worse in summer and sometimes disappears in winter. You need a course of antifungal medication, available only on prescription. The discoloration may take a few months to disappear, but the rash should stop spreading soon after you start the treatment.