Jason Aaron Baca, 41, knows about being shirtless — he’s posed for 403 romance novel covers, many of them exposing his chiseled chest. (A Bay Area desk worker by day, he’s closing in on Fabio’s record 450 covers.) Who better to give advice about looking hunky sans shirt?
Tighten up
First, the obvious: “You gotta hit the weights and start making muscles,” Baca says. But if you only have 60 seconds before showtime, he recommends dropping to the floor and getting in as many pushups as possible. “It gets blood pumping in the upper chest, and along the triceps and arms — everything firms up in a matter of moments.”
Keep it smooth
Baca likes Olay body wash for keeping skin supple. After a shower, he applies Brickell’s “Deep Moisture” body lotion. When it comes to removing chest fuzz, he steers clear of razors, which can cause ingrown hairs.“I buzz my arms, legs and chest every month with a body trimmer.”
Know your good side
He also suggests snapping selfies in various poses to see what looks hot.
“We take about 500 to 1,000 photos to try to get it right,” Baca says of his cover shoots.“Find that one pose that works for you, and show it off to all the ladies!”