Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i Men's Fitness UK

Despite my Grinch-like hairdo, I'm going to let you into a secret: I bloody love Christmas. It’s almost a religious experience for me, which is ironic as I'm not the least bit religious. Like Jeremy in Peep Show concurs, "I'm a Christmasist." And, like the manchild that is Jeremy Usborne, I am unusually enthusiastic about all the Christmas festivities, from the poorly-shaped cracker hats down to the turkey trimmings that I'll never eat: oh, bring it on all ye faithful, is my mantra. My most recent Christmas tradition is the local parkrun: starting the day with a muddy 5k dressed in a Santa hat really sets the festive mood. You can fall over a submerged tree root and still come up smiling, knowing that there’s a mince pie waiting for…

Myelin is a tissue that is wrapped around nerve fibres to act as an insulator, like rubber coating on an electrical wire. This insulation speeds up the transfer of messages from one nerve cell to the next which is crucial for healthy brain function. For many years the myelin sheath was thought to be an inert structure that doesn’t change much over time, but there’s now a growing school of thought proposing that it could be a dynamic presence, constantly shrinking and growing. MRI scans show that 1-2 days following a marathon, there appears to be a significant reduction in the amount of myelin in the runners’ brains, but 2 weeks later, pre-race levels had returned and the myelin was markedly thicker. This is important as breaking down the myelin…

A magazine subscription is the perfect gift: • Personal, thoughtful and fuels their passion • Provides enjoyment all year round • And saves you money on the shop price! GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM £22.99 OVER 45 TITLES TO CHOOSE FROM VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS25P OR CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE ‘XMAS25P’ Lines are open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5pm. Calls are charged at your standard network rate UK customers only. Offers end 31st January 2026…

When the doomed Everest mountaineer George Mallory was asked in the 1920s why he wanted to climb the world’s highest mountain, he famously replied, “Because it’s there”. Four decades later, US President John F. Kennedy evoked the memory of Mallory when he encouraged American astronauts to explore space and visit the Moon. In a famous speech, he said: “‘But why,’ some say, ‘the Moon?’ Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask: ‘Why climb the highest mountain? Why fly the Atlantic?’ Well, space is there, and we’re going to climb it.” This spirit of adventure and the notion of embarking on challenges simply because they exist is at the core of Guinness World Records, the famous London-based book, TV and museum franchise. The first edition of the…

"When you meditate, you open a door to a world of infinite possibilities." That’s one of Dr. Joe Dispenza’s most shared quotes, and with more than four million followers, it’s clear that modern men are tuning in. And really, why wouldn’t they? In today’s ‘always-on’ world, men are under more pressure than ever - grinding through work, showing up at home, chasing PBs in the gym, not to mention tracking everything from macros to HRV. “It’s exhausting,” says Adam Tallamy, life purpose, manifestation and meditation Coach (adamtallamy.com). “Not only has social media turned ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ into an extreme sport, but deep down, many men just don’t feel good enough. They’re constantly comparing and pushing - and it’s taking a toll.” If there’s one powerful tool that can…

New research reveals that walking in longer, uninterrupted bouts of 10–15 minutes significantly lowers cardiovascular disease risk—by up to two-thirds compared to shorter strolls. Scientists from the University of Sydney and Universidad Europea found that even people who walk less than 8,000 steps daily can see major heart health benefits simply by changing how they walk. Even when covering the same total number of steps, longer, uninterrupted walks appear to provide greater benefits for the heart than short, scattered strolls throughout the day. Those who took their steps in one or two continuous sessions had lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Co-lead author Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, Deputy Director of the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub and member of the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, explained: "For…

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Alarmingly, around 16 million adults in the UK suffer some form of insomnia, be that difficulty falling asleep, staying out for the count or suffering early morning wake ups. Whilst the following day may become a problem due to lack of concentration, physical fatigue and problems with work, the longer-term concerns are more serious, including risk of depression and cardiovascular disease. Drug treatment and cognitive behaviour therapy are both proven to work but carry challenges in the form of possible side effects and a lack of qualified therapists. A recent study published in the journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine, set out to analyse the emerging body of research pointing towards exercise being a potentially powerful remedy, but more importantly, with the aim of specifying which types of exercise might be…

Shopping at Christmas can be a minefield. We’ve all been there – that last-minute panic, the half-hearted dash for socks, or the fallback gift card. But before you give up, let us save you the trip. The Men’s Fitness gift guide delivers inspiration for every man on your list. Whether it’s your dad, son, best mate, gym buddy or even your own wishlist, we’ve scoured the web, tested the gear, and picked gifts that will actually be used – and maybe even bragged about. Nutrition Because the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – and his macros. These picks hit the sweet spot between indulgence and performance: protein-packed treats, small-batch coffee and kitchen kit that fuels body and mind without sacrificing flavour. Organic Whey Protein – Cookies…

Over 30,000 people have completed a Battle Cancer event, which now takes place in nine different countries including Spain, Singapore, Germany and the UK where it all started. The format has changed since the first event in Manchester in 2017-incidentally, the same year the first Hyrox event was held. Participants no longer arrive en masse, with staggered times now introduced along with the option to choose a heat time. Then you or your team of four have 90 minutes to complete the nine strength and fitness exercises. It’s not about times like Hyrox. This is about maximum reps. Whether that’s box step ups, kettlebell swings or deadlifts. You’ve got five minutes to go hell for leather. Then it’s four minutes to recover before heading to the next station. People do…

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Low-carb diets have become almost synonymous with ‘getting lean’, and for men trying to build muscle while keeping body fat in check, carbs are often the first nutrient put on the chopping block. But here’s the truth: for active men who train hard, carbohydrates aren’t just a guilty pleasure – they can in fact support fat loss while providing a vital source of fuel for peak performance, as well as being a key player in recovery and a cornerstone of long-term health. In this article, we’ll debunk common carb myths, explain why all carbs aren’t created equal, and show you exactly how to use carbs to support muscle growth, fat loss, and perform at your best. All carbs are not created equal At their core, carbohydrates are simple molecules made…

When it comes to just about everything these days, we’re always looking for the biggest and quickest bang for our buck. Workout shopping is no exception: the quicker you can achieve results, the better. Research shows that HIIT and weightlifting are two of the quickest ways to torch fat and pack on muscle, respectively. But while most training programmes separate them into different workouts, if you can merge them into the same training session – as with Beachbody’s LIIFT4 – you can potentially achieve even more dramatic results. For this workout, Beachbody Super Trainer – and the man on the cover – Joel Freeman combines two of his most popular programmes, LIIFT4 and 10 ROUNDS, to help you incinerate fat, build muscle and get fighting fit. LIFT 1a. DECLINE PRESS…

It has long been established that exercise is a key factor in maintaining health as we rack up the years but new research from Tohoku University in Japan suggests it might actually be possible to wind the clock backwards. Changes in the body’s DNA, known as epigenetic ageing, reveal the rate of ageing at the molecular level, calculated by analysing methylation, a process whereby genes are effectively switched off. This can result in reduced cognitive ability, impaired organ function and increased risk of disease. Unlike chronological age, which simply counts your number of laps around the sun, epigenetic ageing gives a much more accurate indication of how well your body is functioning, at a cellular level. The white coats found that older men with higher VO2 scores, the ultimate measure…

ONE FOR THE ROAD Spicy drinks, such as bloody Mary, won't stimulate your appetite nearly as much as sweet drinks. Another sound tactic is to alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water (your skin, kidneys and abs will thank you for this one). If there’s really too much peer pressure then try the socially acceptable method of dilution, the spritzer. Also, seasonal protocol is on your side with sherry ranking lower in the calorie count table than wine, beer and spirits. THE GIFT OF FITNESS Ensure your Christmas wishlist includes some workout hardware. From a muscle cut top to a massage gun and from a techie tracker to training shoes, you might find yourself so inspired you’ll be banging on the gym door on Boxing Day morning. THE…

Having trained Louis Alexander for an acclimatisation session at the Body Lab in London, Men’s Fitness was keen to follow the adventurer as he attempted a world-first: running eight marathons in eight consecutive days across Australia’s eight state and territory capitals. Louis carried not only his running shoes but also the hopes of inspiring others through the challenge’s alignment with Dementia Action Week. Now, with the dust settled and his feet somewhat healed, we caught up with him again to hear how it all unfolded. Men’s Fitness: How are you feeling now that you’re back? Louis Alexander: Physically, I’m feeling great - no illness, no injuries, which is honestly remarkable given what my body went through. I recovered faster than I expected. Mentally, though, I’m still pretty drained. I was…

A study into New Zealand blackcurrant extract revealed that subjects ran further in trials, with increases in average running distance of 16.7% - or 328m - compared to a placebo. The research, published in the Nutrients Journal, shows that by taking CurraNZ, recreational athletes can respond highly and repeatedly, by running several hundred metres further in high-intensity efforts. British performance nutritionist Kate Shilland described the findings as “incredible”. The UK-based advisor to athletes of all levels says CurraNZ can provide a competitive advantage for the largest group of sports participants in the population. The advisor to Crystal Palace Football Club’s Academy added: “People often talk about searching for the 1% gains because they really do make a difference. “This study showed that blackcurrant extract can provide an 8%-16.7% improvement in…

Do you prioritise over-the-counter products or on-the-plate goodness? If you’re opting for beauty products and wellness supplements, you’re not alone. New research reveals that nearly half of the UK population admits it chooses supplements as a quick-fix over a healthy, balanced diet. Indeed, data shows that leafy greens (containing folates for hair growth) and protein-rich oily fish (which can support muscle repair) are missing from a third of British diets. That’s why Strictly star Oti Mabuse was first to be served at Green Chef’s first Wellness Counter at Battersea Power Station this summer. ‘I’m a sucker for a trend, but over the years I’ve discovered how I fuel my body is the secret to feeling good,’ she says. ‘With a busy schedule, I’m always looking for ways that I can…

F.I.T: Frequency, Intensity, Time. These are the three variables you need to take into account in order to get permanent results as a busy dad. Train with the right frequency, with increasing intensity and consistently, over a period of time. “Diego, I would love to have the time to eat healthy and train hard at the gym.” That’s what an old mate told me when I bumped into him last week on the street. “Life is just so busy, between family, work deadlines and life… I barely get time to exercise.” He had gained over 18kg since we last saw each other at uni, and none of that was muscle. New dad, new home, new car, and also new body – but not for the better. He kept asking me…

It’s all well and good going to the gym for hours and hours but how do you know if you are actually getting any stronger or fitter? What are you aspiring to work towards? You have probably heard of many fitness tests which provide standards for you to work towards. But often they are just a bar to pass - and that’s it. Below I have outlined four stages of fitness testing that should give you something to aim towards - and set your own standards against. It is a mixture of bodyweight strength and running because I believe these are the fundamentals of building a fit, strong and robust body. Plus you can do them (and for that matter train for them!) anywhere and without any kit. If you…