How to Look Like a World Cup Player Without Really Playing

The  L. A. Times’s Janet Cromley takes note of the remarkable physiques of World Cup soccer players and wonders if there is some way, any way, for the rest of us to look like that. The best answer, predictably, is to play soccer several hours a day, preferably with other World Cup players.  For those who lack that opportunity, Cromley’s chosen experts suggest that for a quickie soccer body, think legs, abs, back and arms.
•
For glutes, quads and calves — try squats with barbells on the
shoulder. Set the weight so you can do 15 to 20 repetitions. You may
wish to supplement that with lunges while holding dumbbells.
•
For abs — try the "front plank." This exercise is performed lying on
the stomach, with arms bent at the elbow. Raise up onto the elbows,
keeping elbows shoulder width, and straighten the body, toes pointed
downward, to look like what the exercise is called, a plank.
•
For the back — do the "bird dog." Start on all fours, extend the right
hand straight in front, extend the left leg straight behind, then bring
both down to the original position. Repeat 15 to 20 times, then switch
to the other side.
•  For arms — try machine chest presses or
bench presses with dumbbells. The key is to get toned without bulking
up, a hallmark of elite soccer players.

But sadly, Cromley concludes, capturing
the soccer player’s broad appeal may take more than a proportioned body
and toned physique. Some say part of it boils down to something
simpler: skimpy uniforms and good hair.
Read more from Cromley in the L.A. Times.