Beat Your 5 Workout Woes With These Easy Tips

Being an active girl isn't always as glamorous as it sounds. Athlete's foot, bruised toe nails and frayed hair never go good with that little black dress. That's why Shape Magazine has the best pro pointers and products to beat your workout woes.

BEAT THE BACK-NE
Acne on your back, chest, and butt is often caused by sweaty clothing rubbing against your skin and if you carry a golf bag or wear padded shorts on a bike, you're almost sure to trigger a flare-up.
Treat It - One of the best remedies for a body breakout is a daily vinegar rinse. The acetic acid in vinegar helps kill off blemish-producing bacteria. Add one tablespoon of white table vinegar to a quart of warm water, sponge down the affected area, and rinse in the shower. At night, apply a benzoyl peroxide cream. If you don't see an improvement within three weeks, see your dermatologist.
Prevent It - Showering after exercising is the key to fending off breakouts. Waiting too long after a workout gives bacteria a chance to grow. Try lathering up with an antimicrobial cleanser, such as Hibiclens Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser ($13; drugstore.com). Washes with pore-unclogging salicylic acid, such as Murad Acne Body Wash ($40; sephora.com), are also effective.

BYE-BYE BRUISED TOENAILS
"Tennis toe" -- the bruising and thickening of your big toenail-is the result of sports that involve quick stops and turns, which cause your foot to bang into the front of your shoe.
Treat It - If the bruise is just at the nail's tip (not under the matrix, where nail growth starts), it will eventually clear. But to keep a bruised tip from getting worse (and possibly snapping off), cut the nail short and apply a thick balm, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($8; at drugstores.com), so it stays supple. If the nail is bruised at the matrix, follow the same regimen and bandage it (the nail will still likely fall off within a few weeks). If the nail's already off, apply an antibacterial ointment, like Rite Aid Bacitracin ($4; drugstore.com), daily for a week and keep it covered while the new nail grows.
Prevent It - Shoes that fit well will minimize toenail bruises. If you're not sure that yours do, consult an expert; one's usually on hand at a runner's shop. If the
problem persists, consider seeing a podiatrist or an orthopedist; you may need customized inserts.

FLIP-FLOP FRIENDLY
Athlete's foot is characterized by redness, itching, and burning- not exactly the best condition for your favorite summer sandals! The fungus grows in damp places, which is why it's often picked up when you go barefoot in locker rooms. Although experts aren't sure why, being afflicted once means you're more prone to pick up the fungus again.
Treat It - Over-the-counter Lamisil AT Cream ($16; drugstore.com) can reduce the symptoms within several days.
Prevent It - Wearing flip-flops in gym showers or at the pool will help you steer clear of infection. Havaianas Slim Animals flip-flops ($24; havaianasus.com) are durable-and chic. For extra insurance, spray your soles and the insides of your gym shoes with antifungal Tinactin ($8; at drugstores.com).

FIXING FRAYED HAIR
Although a ponytail is the most practical workout do, it comes with a price: The elastic slides against your strands, causing tearing.
Treat It - A hair oil or protein mask can help put an end to breakage. Smooth a tiny bit of either product under your elastic to keep your ponytail holder from rubbing. Our experts love Phyto Phytonectar Ultra Nourishing Oil Treatment ($30; beauty.com), with hydrating sunflower extract.
Prevent It - A fabric-covered scrunchie abrades hair less than anelastic. Try L. Erickson Ponies ($12 each; franceluxe.com).

NOT-SO-CUTE CALLUSES
Toughened areas of skin on your feet and hands are usually produced by repeated rubbing.
Treat It - Though calluses are nature's way of protecting your skin, most of us would still prefer to be baby-smooth. To achieve this without sacrificing your skin's health soaking your feet in warm water for 15 minutes before bed, then using a pumice stone-we like the Tweezerman Pedro Callus Stone ($20; tweezerman.com)-to exfoliate. Next, apply a thick cream, like Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Foot Cream ($5; at drugstores.com). Finally, slip on cotton socks to help the ingredients penetrate better.
Prevent It - Apply a thin layer of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly ($3; at drugstores.com) before putting on your workout socks. By creating more slip, you'll reduce the friction that's causing the callus. And if you lift weights, fish, or golf, slip on gloves to steer clear of callused hands.

For more suggestions on how to fight off the workout woes, check out the latest issue of Shape Magazine or visit www.shape.com.