Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2018 i Men's Health South Africa

WHICH DEADLIFT IS BETTER: CLASSIC OR SUMO? Jonathan, Wynberg To build muscle fast, go with the classic, says David Otey, strength and condition coach at Equinox Fitness. It works your entire posterior chain – back, glutes, and hamstrings. The sumo version – done with a wide stance – focuses more on the glutes and hips. But if it’s functional strength you’re after, do the hex-bar deadlift. The high handles are designed to mimic the way you lift everyday things such as groceries or suitcases. Do 4 sets of 4 to 8 reps two or three days a week. HEALTH I often get a nasty headache when I lift. How come? Philip, Uvongo It could be an exertion headache – which shows up as a throbbing around your temples. Before your…

“The Jozi skyline was enveloped in a haze of cabbage fumes.” My editor handed me a piece of paper. “I want you to investigate this,” he said. I wanted to be a Woodward-and-Bernstein kind of journalist – toppling a corrupt president, infiltrating drug cartels and solving murders. This was my first journalism assignment. My hands trembled as I took the paper from him. It said: cabbages, olive oil, celery, onions, green bell peppers, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, spinach. “Um… I think you’ve given me your shopping list by mistake,” I said. My editor shook his head. “No, that’s your assignment.” I was looking at the Miracle Diet, which had taken Johannesburg’s trendy set by storm. The Miracle Diet promised that – in just seven days – it could make you half…

Bicycles have long been an underrated mode of transport. They allow you to travel further distances than your own two feet can take you. They’re more environmentally friendly than cars, and cost way less. For many, a bicycle is life-changing. Here are our favourite charities that gift bicycles to people in need. 1 / BICYCLE EMPOWERMENT NETWORK (BEN) BEN aims to give hope and freedom to previously disadvantaged people by giving them bicycles, providing them with access to basic services such as health care and education. You can get involved either by donating bicycles and equipment or by volunteering your time to repair and maintain bikes and help with fundraising. benbikes.org.za/contribute/ 2 / BUILD-A-BIKE SA Founded in August 2011, after a call for people to donate their unwanted bikes and…

1 DAY BEFORE Go shopping. Your list: 1 BABYMARROW 3 ORGANICTOMATOES 2 ONIONS 3 BELLPEPPERS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL; 1 BAG OF CHARCOAL BRIQUETTES 6 BEEF TENDERLOIN STEAKS (220G EACH) ALUMINIUM FOIL A BOTTLE OF YOUR FAVOURITE GIN 2 LITRES OF TONIC WATER 1 CUCUMBER A HANDFUL OF JUNIPER BERRIES (OPTIONAL) 10MEDIUM-THICK SLICES FONTINA/PROVOLONE/GOUDA/GRUYERE CHEESE 10 LARGE CRISPY ROLLS BASIL FOR GARNISH 1 HOUR TO GO Ignite the briquettes in a chimney starter. While you wait for red-hot coals, slice the baby marrow, tomatoes, and onions into one-centimetre-thick disks. Slice the peppers into thick strips. Toss them in a big bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Drink a beer while doing this. 45 MINUTES OUT Pour the coals on one side…

DECLINE WITH CLASS Don’t want to go? Respond as soon as the invitation arrives in the mail, says Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor-in-chief of The Knot. The couple is spending plenty of cash on you; the least you can do is not screw with their planning. Beyond the obvious exceptions (you’re immediate family or in the wedding party), it’s tacky to decline if you see them more than three times a month. Unless you love grudges. Secure a song request If you must approach with a request, says Los Angeles DJ David Krieger, do it at the start of a song when the DJ’s headphones are off. And never put your drink on the table. Turntables hate champagne. Step 1 Open with a compliment. Something simple like “Great set!” is fine.…

Mental game Tyson is highly motivated; once he has a goal or something to achieve, he stops at nothing to reach it – my best type of client! It makes my job easy. He’s self-driven; “no” and “too tired” aren’t in his vocabulary. Goals Tyson came to FS because he wanted to take his training to the next level. Taking the approach of being fit and strong at the same time opened up the world of CrossFit and obstacle-course racing for him. It gave him the ability to compete with the best in the country and really give them a run for their money. Knowledge is power! If you want to be (and compete with) the best, you need to know everything there is to know about this style of…

T MINUS 10 MINUTES Whew, I’m not the late one this time! Guess I’ll sit at the bar and wait. T PLUS 5 MINUTES (You text: 10 min late.) I’ll just order a drink and hope for the best. T PLUS 15 MINUTES This dude’s officially late. Ever heard of Google Maps? T PLUS 25 MINUTES He sucks. Clearly not excited for this. I’m so not sleeping with him. TIME OF DATE I hope he’s just around the corner, or else this could be embarrassing. T PLUS 10 MINUTES What if this guy’s a loser? What if he’s on another date? Am I too dressy? T PLUS 20 MINUTES (You text: Almost there.) Really? I wonder if the cute bartender is single. T PLUS 30 MINUTES (You arrive. Too bad…

He wakes up blurry-eyed, from another drug binge. His dogs are waiting for him, begging for breakfast. He eats two cheeseburgers and downs a cup of black coffee. He walks into work – late. He leaves – early. He scores two grams of cocaine. He takes a hit in the car, picks up a bottle of whisky from the bottle store on the way home. He walks through the front door and breathes a sigh of relief. No more pretending. Weed. Cocaine. Pills. Alcohol. Repeat. He is stuck in a never-ending loop of addiction. Before he found solace trekking through India, before he started his own travel company, before he discovered meaning beyond living between the last fix and the next one, Marc Schroeder’s life was spiralling out of control.…

Got a wedding date? If you’re the groom, you need to keep your look timeless; but when you’re a guest, your focus is on standing out (for good reason), and celebrating like a professional. While the promise of an open bar and a merry band of single bridesmaids is enough to rob you of that focus, don’t neglect your outfit plans: skip the ill-fitting polyester suits, and use our next eight pages for inspiration. ‘Best-Dressed Guest’ is the title you deserve to win. Rock the aisle. Upgrade your routine. Make a comeback.…

ALDO 011 555 2300 AMERICAN SWISS 021 938 7510 BEN SHERMAN 021 425 8996 BOLTON FOOTWEAR 021 590 7000 BREITLING 011 789 1131 CALVIN KLEIN 021 418 1185 EDGARS 0860 692 274 EUROPA ART 011 455 0917 EURO SUIT 021 555 3538 FABIANI 0860 576 576 FALKE 021 951 2137 G-STAR RAW 021 418 9000 H&M 021 826 7300 HUGO BOSS 021 421 3052 LACOSTE 021 421 8836 MARKHAM.CO.ZA MOSCON OPTICS 011 483 8001 MR PRICE 0800 212 535 POLO 011 258 7600 PRIME TIME 021 552 4902 PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND 011 444 2270 ROW G 011 345 8000 SCOTCH AND SODA 011 784 3233 SEXY SOCKS SA 021 813 5900 SPITZ 0860 109 321 SPREE.CO.ZA STERNS 021 938 1250 SUNGLASS HUT 086 100 0850 SWATCH GROUP 011 911 1200…

20S You can get away with a lot in your 20s. But don’t think there won’t be repercussions, especially in your appearance. SKIN Establish a daily routine. The first step is finding a cleanser – no harsh soap – to wash your face. You should also exfoliate daily. “That will help generate new skin cells. The more of those you have, the better you’ll look,” says dermatologist Dennis Gross. HAIR Nourish your scalp. “Make sure your scalp and hair stay moisturised,” says Kirk Riley of Otis & Finn Barbershop. “Consider using single-ingredient oils such as argan, tea tree, or jojoba.” That will ensure you have healthier hair into your 30s and beyond. SHAVE Do it in the shower. Shaving while you wash will speed up your routine and make the…

MOVE MAKE THE RIGHT START TO YOUR TRAINING, AND RAISE YOUR STANDARDS WITH THIS HIGH-PERFORMANCE GEAR BEST FOR COMFORT Under Armour MK-1 Terry Man, we love it when you get both comfort and performance in one item. French Terry is soft, warm, breathable, lightweight and comfortable – but it still offers excellent garment tech. It wicks away sweat quickly, and is fitted without being restrictive. The waistband panel is one of the most comfortable we’ve ever tried. We’re pretty confident you’ll be choosing these ones first in your wardrobe, and you’ll be putting them on outside the gym too. R899 Under Armour 021 201 1349 BEST FOR PERFORMANCE Reebok Epic 2-in-1 The tester’s take: “Snug compression tights and perforated, ultralight training boardshorts in one high-tech, stylish package. In terms of…

Running on the trails is extremely beneficial, both physically and psychologically. We use it as therapy. The running, the vastness of the mountains, the feeling of isolation and freedom in such peaceful scenery… it’s sublime. With the chaos of our cities, it’s so awesome to be able to escape into the wilder areas – we solve all our life problems on the mountain. And we get amazing benefits physically, strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the back-line (from your hips down to your ankles). It’s also much softer on the joints, which means you’re less likely to injure yourself, as the dynamic terrain is always changing and there isn’t really a chance to repetitively reinforce a bad habit, style, or pattern, which often causes us to injure ourselves. Once you…

If you’re an adult who was abused and need to unburden yourself, begin by speaking to a third party, such as a therapist, says Lindsey Pratt, a psychotherapist who specialises in sexual trauma. But when you talk to your partner or family, use this guide. Remember that you are in control. Ask the listener to withhold questions so that you can speak at your own pace, without interruption. Realise that disclosing abuse is a gradual process. Reading stories of abuse and disclosure can help you with the process. Whoever you’re talking to, prepare for all reactions. And have someone you trust on call in case you become upset. Doing this in the presence of a therapist may help. It’s normal to fear that your disclosure will change the relationship –…

Like everyone, I juggle a number of balls in my professional and personal life – which of course results in various over-commitments. So I’m keenly aware of stress and its effect on my physical and mental health. And having just returned from a family holiday, I know all about the benefits of rest and recovery. As a high-performance cycling coach, I structure and plan the complete season of every athlete I work with, to ensure that they reach peak performance – without over-training. This structured planning in sport is called ‘periodisation’; in a nutshell, it’s the systematic planning of intensity, volume and frequency of training to ensure optimal performance. When working with athletes, each training session and training week has a specific intensity and volume. As an important race approaches,…

THE MOVIE 14 SEP PREDATOR Decades after Arnie first squared off against the Predator, the universe’s “ugly mother&±@#%$“ alien assassins are making a stop in small-town suburbia. Only a ragtag crew of grizzled ex-soldiers and, er, a disgruntled school teacher can stop these extraterrestrial exterminators from wiping out the human race. It’s a tongue-in-cheek action movie with a budget every bit as big as its countless explosions. 7 SEP FEWER ALIENS, MORE NUNS A Catholic priest and a novice investigate a nun’s mysterious suicide as they explore the twists and turns of a brooding Romanian monastery. The Nun is a spin-off from The Conjuring series of films, and promises to be just as terrifying. 21 SEP LESS HORROR, MORE MYSTERY It’s a kid-friendly film that won’t bore you to tears.…

ZOKU STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLE You need to drink more water, and buy fewer plastic bottles, and we’ve got you covered on both. This 500ml double-walled canteen is leak-proof and keeps drinks hot for up to 12 hours, and cold for up to 40. It comes with a paracord, which means it can be easily attached to a backpack or gym bag. This Black Camo model will also improve the look of any desk. R499 home.co.za DJI RONIN S You want to create slick, professional movies to build your digital career? This smart, compact gizmo needs to be your filming partner. It combines advanced stabilisation wizadry with manual focus control. Its offset roll motor allows you to switch your camera from upright to an underslung position without compromising the stability of…

MEET MAHOMMED MOORAD ‘Mo Magic’is one of very few South African magicians to have had his own TV show. Follow his advice to trick your way to the top. I studied something practical, but I’m bored and want to follow my passion. How do I tell my friends and family? As a qualified electronic engineer turned entertainer, I found myself in this exact situation. There was the concern of leaving the stability of a lucrative position as a project manager for the uncertainty of showbiz. I was honest with my family, who were supportive and understanding of my desire to spread joy with the art of magic and my genuine passion for it. They also understood that with my degree, I could always return to the corporate world should I…

WARM-UP Perform 3 rounds of these two moves, which stretch and strengthen your lower back, readying your body to row. After each round, rest for 60 seconds. PVC Good Morning Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a PVC pipe or broomstick (overhand grip) across your upper back. Keeping your knees slightly bent and back naturally arched (no rounding), push your hips back and take 3 seconds to lower your torso. Stop when you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Pause, and stand back up. That’s 1 rep; do 10. Scorpion Lie face-down on the floor with your arms extended so your body forms a T; this is the starting position. Now bend your left knee, raising your left foot off the floor. Slowly bring your left foot across your…

01 When should you schedule your cardio workout for maximum fat-burning impact? A. Before breakfast B. After breakfast C. Whenever you want C. There’s just not a whole lot of good evidence in support of “fasted cardio”, like running on an empty stomach. While an older Belgian study found it could minimise weight gain, newer research has failed to see any benefits. So schedule your cardio session when you’re most likely to want to crush it – the best workout plan is the one you’ll stick to, right? (Right.) 02 An active sex life counts as a workout. A. Fact B. Fiction B. Unless you’re swapping dessert for – nudge, nudge – “dessert”, sex won’t affect your weight as much as you’d hope. The New England Journal of Medicine reports…

LOVE BOOST! Go slower That’s the big takeaway from the informal but revealing research of Emma Koenig, creator of the Tumblr “How to Make Me Come”, where women dish on their partners’ bedroom skills (or lack thereof). “Unless you’re trying to catch a plane, what’s the rush?” asks Koenig, who includes some of that material in her new book, Moan: Anonymous Essays on Female Orgasm. The blog gives women a place to open up about their sexual needs. The results are insightful, funny, and hot. One suggestion: “Explore me with your mouth, like I’m the best treat you’ve ever had.”…

* Jiminy,that’s good! ½ CUPCRUSHED ICE 1 ORANGE, SQUEEZED FOR JUICE 1 RIPEPEAR, CHOPPED 1 TABLESPOON 100% PURE CRICKET POWDER 1 CUPMANGO CHUNKS 1 CUPPINEAPPLE CHUNKS ½ LIME,SQUEEZED FOR JUICE -Water as needed -Core and chop the pear (no need to peel). -Put ice, OJ, pear, and cricket powder in a kitchen blender and blend until smooth. -Add mango, pineapple, and lime juice; blend until smooth again. -Dilute with water if desired. NEW PROTEIN SOURCE ADD BUGS TO THE MENU  Scientists at Rutgers have determined that we still have working versions of the gene needed to make the stomach enzyme that digests insect exoskeletons. Bugs were a diet staple for our ancestors. Crickets and pork, for example, contain about 20 grams of protein per 100 grams. Check out cricketflours.com and…

I VOW TO LOOK SLICKER City ceremonies are normally fancier, and wearing a full suit is a smarter choice. Our pick: a classic three-piece. The waistcoat provides some dapper uniqueness when the jacket comes off later. If you have a muscular build and want to pull off a three-piece suit, look for fabric that has two per cent elastane, which gives it a bit of stretch, so you won’t feel constrained. Then choose a shirt and tie with a pattern or colour, and complete the look with leather loafers or lace-ups. PLUS ONE STYLE Unless the invitation specifies otherwise, a country wedding requires a sartorial edge. Our advice? A double-breasted suit is always a winner. But the fit is crucial – this jacket doesn’t look good when it’s open. This…

Short History A short-sleeved shirt looks retro, it’s easy to wear on its own or under a jacket, and it’s flattering. Short Pick Slim, tailored chinos or chino shorts with a white linen shirt and loafers are also acceptable for a beach wedding. Now add a casual blazer, if you’re feeling daring – you’ll nail the casual-but-stylish combination. BEACH WEDDINGS ALLOW YOU TO TAKE MORE RISKS WITH YOUR STYLE. YOU DON’T NEED TO GO FULL MAGNUM PIOR MIAMI VICE, BUT IF YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIGNATURE ITEM, YOU’LL STAND OUT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. Summer Watch Choose accessories that speak to both uniqueness and practicality. Make a statement with your watch, if your outfit fails to. Slip-Ons Leather sandals or sneakers instead of brogues. If sandals are a step too…

SKINCEUTICALS GLYCOLIC 10 RENEW OVERNIGHT 50ML Look like a movie star overnight. This night cream has free glycolic acid for maximum efficacy, and is clinically proven to reduce skin ageing. It stimulates cell regeneration, improving skin texture and tone. R1 528 DERMASTORE DERMALOGICA CALM WATER GEL 50ML This water-gel moisturiser transforms into a dry-skin-quenching fluid. “Guys generally don’t like the feeling of facial products. This gel is unlike anything I’ve tried before… almost weightless, and it turns tough skin smooth immediately,” says MH Creative Director Rob Cilliers. R899 DERMALOGICA…

At the Performance Purist gym they do these two tests. They’re different, but they both test your character. See how you measure up: Kettlebell Snatch Test You have 5 minutes to do as many snatches as possible. The bell size for men is 20kg, 24kg or a mighty 32kg. “The minimum requirement I set in my gym is 100 reps in 5min for both men and women.” 60-Second Calorie Crusher This one is simple. Hop on the bike and go as hard as possible for 60 seconds to see how much energy you can get out. Men should aim for a minimum of 40 calories. Don’t have an assault bike? It can be done on the rower or ski-erg.…

1 K-WAY LITE 500 DOWN SLEEPING BAG It’s a compact summer sleeping bag weighing under 1kg, and scrunches down to the handy size of just half a loaf of bread. / R1 999 / capeunionmart.co.za 2 LEATHERMAN WAVE Remember to pack in your main luggage when flying – they’re not allowed in carry-on luggage. / R1 999 / duesouth.co.za 3 SALOMON SOFT SILICON CUP Small and lightweight, this is useful for scooping up water, which can usually be found on all the mountains described here, where snow or ice melts from winter whiteouts. / R150 /sportsmans warehouse.co.za…

If you suspect something is amiss – maybe your child is avoiding a certain person, location, or activity – it’s time to talk. Your job is to exude love and support without casting shame or accusations, says Professor Christopher Turner, PhD, who specialises in treating childhood trauma. “Child victims who feel believed and supported emotionally by their parents or caregivers do significantly better in their recovery than those who don’t,” Turner says. If your partner comes to you to disclose abuse, listen attentively. Be supportive and stress that he or she can trust you with the information. Don’t overreact; assure your partner that you can and will be there for support. Then follow through. Many people have a history of abuse. If you’re among them and your partner is disclosing…

1/ BONE BROTH: Not to be confused with normal stock or broth found in cooking, a bone broth is typically simmered for a very long time (sometimes, more than 24 hours) to ensure that all the minerals and nutrients are extracted from the bones. Some of the health benefits of a good bone broth may include improved gut health and joint support, among several others. 2/ STRYD RUNNING POWER METER: In cycling, power meters have revolutionised the science and the coaching of the sport, so I’m very excited to see the use of these devices becoming more widespread in other areas. Recently, Stryd developed the first running power meter. It assists runners to perform more structured workouts, as well as allowing more objective and valid measures of performance.…

The Upgrade GPOD MEDIUM CERAMIC OUTDOOR OVEN Kamado-style grills originated in China. A good kamado grill has a heavy, heat-retaining ceramic insert that makes it equally good at searing (burgers and hot dogs) and slow-smoking (brisket and ribs). This beast can hold 1 pizza; 2 mid-size chickens; 2kg chops; 20 chicken wigs; or 2kg beef fillet. Bonus? It’s on wheels. Roll out! R12 569, yuppiechef.com The Splurge BIG GREEN EGG XLARGE With 24 more centimetres of grate space than the gPod, the BGE XL gives you enough room to roast 14 racks of ribs, 24 burgers, 11 whole chickens, a 12kg turkey, or several pizzas. Big Green Egg fanboys drool over the grill’s ability to heat to 370°C and up, flash-searing steaks in minutes. R21 199,…

1. Pick up the coin with your right hand. Place it between the thumb and fingertips of your left hand. Your left hand is palm up towards your audience. 2. Reach for the coin with your right hand so that the fingertips of your right hand obscure the coin. Then touch the front of the coin while the thumb of your right hand touches the back of the coin. Take the coin into you right hand and display it. 3. Place the coin between your left fingertips and thumb again. Say, “Watch carefully,” as you pretend to take the coin with your right hand as before. It should look like you are taking the coin with your right hand. But as your fingers cover the coin, let…

EXPERT Sports physio Tim Maynard has kept pro players pitch ready. Use his ankle drills to score a stronger squat in no time puresports med.com DYNAMIC POWER 01 Soleus Stretch 3 reps of 30-60sec Stretching and lengthening the soleus muscles in your calves increases your ankles’ ability to flex when lowering into a squat. With both hands pressed against a wall, stand with one foot in front of the other, roughly half a metre apart (A).Slightly bend both knees, heels on the floor, and lean into your ankles to hold the stretch (B). Switch legs and repeat to complete the rep. BIGGER NUMBERS 02 Calf Foam Rolling 2 sets of 30sec Foamrolling releases tight soft tissue in your calves to boost circulation for squats. With a straight leg…

Every day is a new challenge, and whether you choose to face it head-on or run away depends on how much steel you have in your mental armoury. Tyson Brinkley thought he’d lost his fighting spirit after his rugby days were over. But after completely devoting himself to a new, fit and healthy lifestyle, he is now equipped with the confidence and the muscle power to take on life’s obstacles. This is his story. TYSON BRINKLEY LOCATION Richwood, Milnerton OCCUPATION Surgical sales executive AGE 31 HEIGHT 1.66m WEIGHT BEFORE 70kg WEIGHT AFTER 61.7kg TIME TO GOAL 9 months 1 THE PROBLEM “I’ve been a rugby player all my life; my training was largely power-based, and related to rugby and performance on the field. However, after hanging up my boots I…

Slim Down, Style Up Invest in a pair of black trousers with a slim fit and smart tailoring. They’ll come in handy for any formal event, and pair well with a tuxedo jacket in any colour. WEARING A TUXEDO DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T ADD A LITTLE STYLE FLAIR: JUST FOCUS ON THE DETAILS Dress Right Skip the button-down collars – they’re too casual. A wingtip or spread-collar shirt will set the right tone. Cuff Up Quirky cufflinks can add a subtle dash of flair to your look, without you having to go over-the-top. Step With Confidence Here are three pairs of formal shoes that will complement your look when wearing a tux. And they don’t have to be patent leather – it’s 2018. Some style rules are meant to be…

Every guy should look their best on their wedding day, but too often it’s a sea of ill-fitting suits. Take a cue from Olympian Cameron: he donned a made-to-measure wedding suit, and rocked his big day. Here’s how to crush your next wedding – even if it isn’t yours. Made-to-measure suit A three-piece suit is timeless and elegant. If bespoke is out of your price range, made-to-measure is a good alternative and it will fit your body type perfectly. Navy is very versatile, and flatters all complexions. When you remove the blazer you’ll still look sharp, and won’t feel restricted on the dance floor. And Cameron’s single flower bud works well on the shawl collar of the blazer. Fitted Dress Shirt Your shirt needs to be plain white. A semi-cutaway…

ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA OUD EDC CONCENTRÉE 100ML Suffice to say this is not for those looking for something light. If you’re into the current craze for oud-led fragrances – complemented by leather and spices – this is definitely an investment. It goes on strong, but settles down to a fantastic complexity. R3 215 EDGARS CLARINS MEN UV PLUS SPF 50, 50ML Whether for sports or work, this portable, water-resistant product is a pure winner outdoors. “It’s a non-oily, quickly-absorbed layer – ideal for everyday use,” says MH Editor Arthur Jones. R355 CLARINS.CO.ZA…

Squats “These are by far the most common exercise that people think they do well, but don’t do well at all. They either don’t squat more than 7cm or when they do squat low they lose posture, their knees collapse, and they generally don’t get far with the exercise. Posture, position and depth just below 90 degrees is ideal.” Planks “This exercise is one of the best and most user-friendly ab exercises around, yet hardly anyone gets stronger from it. Why? Well, firstly the set-up and focus point is wrong. Set your elbows by aligning your thumb below your nose, feet slightly apart, keep your lower back slightly humped, not arched. Keep the glutes squeezed and abs pulled tightly by pulling your belly button up. Now squeeze your bum, abs…

These aren’t skiing trips, where gravity takes care of all the movement. You’re planning a running challenge in big mountains – the most primal, honest, and effective way to take you to exquisite locations that deliver incredible experiences. Make sure you get the most out of it by being prepared for the adventure. Endurance: Don’t be intimidated by the upcoming challenge. Even if you’re going to be doing big mileage, just make sure you do some solid back-to-back training days, get used to starting the day with already fatigued legs, and don’t leave things too late. Start your preparation early – at least three months before. Toes: Muscles often hog the attention of your training hours. Toe troubles can make things go horribly wrong though, and should be given due…

The problem with diets that answer to a name is that they tend to have rules. Rules mean denial, and at Men’s Health we don’t much like to be denied anything. Of course, diet is fundamentally important to any healthy lifestyle. But diets are invariably restrictive and unsustainable. That extra ‘S’ is significant. Flexitarianism – veganism or vegetarianism with unspecified cheat days – is a special case. Is it a diet? It’s certainly a fad. Either way, we like it. It’s the absence of structure or impractical rules that makes it so appealing, so let’s call it an ‘ethos’ instead. And it’s growing popular. According to a recent survey of us are making some atte to lower our meat consum and online searches for t ‘vegan’ have jumped 10 in…

THE FIRST TIME I WAS SEXUALLYABUSED by my stepmother, I was 12. She and my father weren’t married yet, but we were all staying together in a hotel that night. We’d just got home from dinner at a casino resort restaurant, where I’d earned the high score at the ring-toss game while my dad watched, drinking more light beers than usual. I knew it would be hard for him to drive home, so from the backseat of our SUV, I leaned forward to turn down the radio to help him focus on the road. As soon as we got home, my dad went upstairs, leaving me alone in the kitchen with her. We talked about my skills amd my win thta night; she was probably humouring me. Then in her…

Raymond Funnel looked down at a bruise on his right arm that just wouldn’t heal. It had been a couple weeks, and it still looked as though it had just happened. Confused and concerned, he took himself off to the doctor. Two tests and two days later, Ray was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer of the bone marrow. “As a result I was unable to produce normal blood including low platelets (hence the bruise) and low red cells, and had practically no immune system.” Without treatment he would only live a few more weeks. Ray was told he would need a blood stem-cell transplant if a donor match could be found. In the meantime he underwent induction chemo to get him back into remission and build his…