Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2019 i Men's Health South Africa

CHANGE IT UP Learn these variations to ensure there’s no sticking point in your movement and deliver smooth reps every time SIDE PLANK WITH PIKE ROTATION 3 sets of 10 reps on each side Target your love handles by lying sideways on the anchor point, both feet in the cradles and your elbow under your shoulder. Lift your hips and reach your arm under your torso then up to the sky. Reverse the move to start rep two. SINGLE-ARM INVERTED ROW 3 sets of 10 reps on each arm Sculpt your abs by positioning yourself under the anchor, holding a single handle. Point your other hand up. Extend your hips so your back is straight and row your body up. Lower down. Too hard? Keep your feet flat and knees…

THE MH VERDICT PLANK WINS! And it wasn’t even close. All the science points to the surprising reality that the crunch’s status as the six-pack go-to is unearned. The plank is not only safer, but with the help of a few smart variations, it’s actually a more effective muscle-builder, too. Update your training plans accordingly.…

SET SIMPLE GOALS. “My year of sobriety was a long-term goal. My main focus was just going Monday to Friday without a drink. My daily task was just to avoid having a beer after work.” DON’T KEEP QUIET. “Find someone to talk to – whether it’s someone you trust or a professional. It helps.” FIND YOUR MOTIVATION . “Find something or someone you love. Something to hold on to. Even the smallest thing.” DON’T GIVE UP. “One of my goals was to be in Men’s Health, not even on the front page, but just to be able to share my story. Hopefully this will help others and motivate whoever reads this. I want people to know that it can be done.”…

When Ryan Lewis won a bespoke suit, master tailor Grant van den Berg jumped at the chance to give him the full tailored experience: “In layman’s terms, ‘bespoke’ means something made exclusively for you using high-quality materials and top craftsmanship,” says Grant. It’s an essential investment that will have your back at weddings, job interviews and any other smart occasion. Creative License “Anything that is custom made for you will be built specific to your measurements. That’s something store-bought threads can’t compete with,” says Grant. “Especially for muscular guys with bigger necks, chests and biceps – like Ryan – going the custom route is best,” he adds. Besides the fit and fabric, you can customise every detail of your suit from the buttons to the collar and cuffs. When choosing…

HENK BRAND, the chief adventurer at The Secret Adventurer, and mates Mark Tuna and Justin Bakerman, spent three days hiking and sleeping in the caves of the Drakensberg mountains. Starting from Cathederal Peak Hotel they covered 42kms. Their careful planning lead to a guy trip with far more highs than lows. 1 PLAN YOUR ROUTE. Then identify where you’re going to sleep. Henk allocated GPS points to the caves they had to find. And always finish during the day. They planned a starting time to ensure they had enough time to reach their caves by sunset. “If it’s your first time, never go alone. Hike with a local guide,” says Henk. 2 PLAN YOUR WATER SUPPLY Take a bottle of water and an empty 3L water bladder to…

One ordinary morning in 2005, Paulo de Valdoleiros woke up with a single thought: the time had come to pursue his dream. All his life Paulo had wanted to be a doctor. But he never had access to the money necessary, and it looked like that dream wouldn’t become a reality. At 45, Paulo realised time was running out for him to fulfil what he believed was his life’s purpose. With renewed vigour, he decided he would do everything he could to give his dream a fighting chance. But while he believed in himself, not everyone thought it would be possible. “People thought I was crazy,” he says. And when he tried to apply to study medicine he got the same response from universities: “Your matric is too old,” they…

You’re seeing a lot more bourbon on liquor-store shelves. And it’s probably all imported or small batch or both, with a R900-plus price tag to match. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook the lower end. The low(ish) price is a result of production volume, and volume can be a good thing. The kinks in distilling and aging that newer brands are still trying to fix were worked out of the process years ago by the big guys. So a bourbon in the R300 to R600 range will taste, if not mind-blowing, highly drinkable. Our tasting team tested 20 blind. Try all six of these. They’re cheap!…

“I’m sorry to hear that, Matt.” The therapy chatbot Woebot, whose smiling avatar resembles the alien in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, had just asked me about my feelings. Scrolling through a list of emotions, I’d landed on “anxious,” since I’d been stressed by a few deadlines. It continued,“But I’m glad you reached out and I’ve got tools to work together on this.” I was hoping I’d be glad I reached out, too. I was curious just how good a therapy bot might be in a world that often seems anxious, angry and confused. I tend to be skeptical of AI, especially considering the music that certain algorithms think I might like. Would it know how to help with things that actually matter? Some people think so. So far, so-called therapy apps…

UP GOOD VIBRATIONS The goose bumps, or “aesthetic chills”, you feel listening to music are a bona fide mood-booster. There’s a genre devoted to inducing the feeling – search it on Spotify and listen up. PLOS One DOWN OUTSIDE VIEW The happiest people dwell in areas with populations eight times lower than where the unhappiest live. Head out of the city – and Fourways doesn’t count. University of British Columbia DOWN #FOODPORN There’s more to life than taking photos of your plate. A study revealed you’ll enjoy experiences such as dinner with friends more when your phone is switched off. They probably will, too. University of Virginia UP RESET BUTTON Reboot after a sleep-deprived week with a 30-minute snooze. Power naps can make you 10% happier, while also renewing your…

GROUP FITNESS TRAINER MNQOBI KUNENE AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 187CM | WEIGHT: 88KG FAVOURITE MOVE: MUSCLE UPS OBSTACLE COURSE PLACEMENT: 1 Determination runs through Mnqobi's veins. The group fitness trainer knows what he wants out of life and isn’t afraid to go for it, however long it takes. Mnqobi has entered the Cover Guy competition three times. In his first year, he didn’t make the cut. In his second, he surged through to the top five. Now, he’s standing strong on the cover of this very magazine, and he couldn’t be happier. Us? We've found the perfect role model. The Durban native doesn’t just preach self-improvement but has also made it his mission to help others reach their full potential. Last year, Mnqobi and his friends started a boot camp for…

SPEAKERS SCREENS REVELRY Anker Nebula Capsule Projector This Coke can-sized projector displays up to 254cm in high contrast for up to four hours on a single charge via WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-connected streaming sticks or HDMI, AirPlay or Miracastconnected laptops and smartphones. In other words: everything! Use it in your garage to stream workouts, in your kitchen for recipes or in your lounge for movie night. R9 600 wantitall.co.za Logitech G903 Gamers will love the G903’s instantaneous button responsiveness and crisp rebound, as well as its precision sensor and 11 programmable buttons. Non-gamers? They’ll dig the same things. The mouse is nimble whether you’re surfing or, um, spreadsheeting. It’s also compatible with Logitech’s G PowerPlay charging pad. R2 599, evetech.co.za iLife A8 Robot Vaccum Contrary to popular belief, robot vacuums are…

Sharp Focusing The Canon EOS R will make sure that everything you want to be in focus will be, courtesy of its incredible 5 655 autofocus points, compared with 693 in the Sony and 273 in the Nikon. From R32 490; takealot.com Fast Shooter Nikon’s Z6 will shoot up to 12 frames per second, so you can nail any great action moment. An adapter connects your existing Nikon lenses. From R40 995; ormsdirect.co.za Longer Life The Sony A7III will crank out 710 shots on a single charge – way more than the other cameras. And its sensor snaps high-contrast 24-megapixel images. From R37 290; takealot.com…

Apple Watch Series 5 It’s an incremental upgrade over the 4th generation of Apple watches, but at the same price point it’s worth taking the leap. Featuring an always-on display, medical-grade health tracking and a built-in tip calculator to spare you the after-dinner maths, the Series 5 is the best all-purpose smart watch for your money. From R7 999, myistore.co.za Suunto 9 G1 Baro Building on the brand’s adventure heritage, this Suunto thrives off-road – hiking, running, climbing, exploring – where its new GPS algorithm works efficiently while you enjoy extended battery power, ensuring you won’t get lost, even on a 120-hour expedition. R10 999, Sportsmans Warehouse Garmin Fenix 6 A hybrid of the Apple and the Suunto, this watch lets you track endurance on runs and hikes, and even…

What you’re doing right now is impressive. No, we’re serious – finding even five spare minutes during your day to sit down and flip through this magazine is no mean feat. Because we’d hazard a guess that you’re a busy guy. We all are, aren’t we? Research consistently shows we're now working longer hours, making our free time an increasingly rare and precious commodity. Yet, despite these earnest intentions, it seems we have a productivity problem. When ranked on our gross domestic product (GDP) per hour worked, we're way behind most of the world's economies, including the United States, Europe, South America and Central America. In other words, we’re spending more and more time at our desks – and have less to show for it by the time we clock…

0-3min: Warm Up Pound for pound, skipping is the champ. “It doesn’t take up much space, it boosts your heart rate and requires focus,” says Frew. “It’s also fun.” 3-6min: Mobility Frew’s go-tos are shin boxes and squat drills for lower body, plus shoulder dislocates and overhead presses for upper. After three minutes, move on. 6-24min: Weights As many reps as possible in 15min of 20 kettlebell swings, 10 goblet lunges, 10 push-ups and five pull-ups to target your major muscles. Rest for three minutes. 24-42min: Cardio Run as far and fast as you can in 15min, then rest for three. If your gains slow, adjust the ratio of lifting to running or swap steady state for sprints. 42-45min: Cool Down The scientific jury is out on static stretching, but…

It’s the festive season, and I’m tempted to kick back, relax and wolf down anything within arm’s reach. Problem is, I run the risk of tanking my hard work at the dinner table – one roast potato at a time. But big feasts and the Sunday carvery don’t have to spell the end of big biceps and carved abs. Warmer climes are a chance to dial up the heat on your workouts by taking them outside. Seriously, you can maintain (or even add) muscle and ramp up your endurance, all while torching the calorie bomb that was last night’s greasy supper. This summer, that’s exactly what I’m going to do – and you can, too. Whether you’re at home, on the beach or between flights, we’ve got plans designed to…

1. THE PLANK In a push-up position with your hands beyond shoulder width, make sure your head and spine align. Brace your core. Hold for five breaths. 2. THE BRIDGE Raise your hips as high as you can and lift your chin a little off your chest. Hold the pose for five breaths. 3. THE TREE Slowly raise your right foot to the inside of your thigh. Put your palms together and gaze at a fixed point. Hold for 10 slow breaths; work up to 20. Instagram @menshealthza Twitter @MensHealthZA Facebook MensHealthSA See all moves explained by scanning the QR code below.…

STRENGTH, SPEED, FLEXIBILITY – you get those ideas. But few fitness terms are as misunderstood as mobility. That’s why Mike Fitch, the 39-year-old trainer who created the Animal Flow bodyweight training method eight years ago, isn’t surprised when people ask what it is. And he knows how to answer. “Mobility is flexibility with stability,” he says. Flexibility, Fitch explains, is passive. Stretch your arm behind your head to show flexibility. But can you stretch your arm behind your head and push against or pull something? “That’s creating tension while being flexible – that’s mobility,” he says. “That makes your tissues resilient from any angle.” You build it with disciplines like Animal Flow, which challenges you to move fluidly on all fours in a variety of positions. “The goal is to…

No one wants to be that guy. You know the one, he’s the guy wheeling around a giant suitcase for two days on the coast. Wherever you’re headed this summer, pack light (and pack smart) with our holiday style guide. This is your new itinerary. BOARDING SCHOOL Billabong is known for making functional boardshorts. But surfing attire has switched gears in recent years, which means non-surfers can enjoy the benefits of owning a comfy, wave-ready pair, too. Their shorts are colourful, seamless and fit better. Plus, they’re made from recycled bottles – so you can save the environment while you save on space in your carry-on. Chromance sunglasses R2 990 Rayban at Luxottica, Sergio shorts R699 Billabong TRACK RECORD Once reserved for the gym or the couch, the new generation…

From the endless queues to dealing with airport security, traveling can be a stressful experience. The last thing you need is a pair of overpacked suitcases weighing you down. Your play: travel light (and in style). Montblanc’s #MY4810 travel bag is a cabin companion that merges German design, Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering to help you roll past travel turbulence. For the Dubai-based, globe-trotting DJ Karrouhat, the carry-on is his dependable wingman. “It’s got a modern vibe. It’s stylish, unique and functional – more elevated,” he says. Featuring a set of Japanese-made ball-bearing wheels that turn smoothly, even at pace, the trolley bag is always ready for action, whether it’s catching a last-minute connection in SA or traversing Dubai’s giant airport. “I’m a fan of luxury goods, especially those that…

BUNGEE JUMP Get an Adrenaline Rush Why not take a leap of faith with friends? 68kms from Knysna, Bloukrans bridge is the home of the world’s highest bungee jump. It’s 216m of sheer adrenaline. CRUISE See Knysna’s Estuary Want to enjoy the scenery without having to cook? Go on a lunch time cruise that includes a Mediterranean platter. HIKE Get Active The easy 8km Giant Kingfisher Trail in Wilderness takes around three hours and reaches a waterfall and pools.…

EVERY TRIP to Cape Town should begin with laughs, so head over to Cape Town Comedy Club the night you get in. The venue features the best local talent. Spend the early part of your next day kayaking on the Atlantic Ocean with Kaskazi Kayaks & Adventures. To eat one of the best steaks, try The Butcher Shop & Grill. Later, check out Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe & Bar, a hip hangout in Camp’s Bay with cocktails and unmatched views. Or head to the city’s oldest pub (est. 1808) and catch a game at Perseverance Tavern. Join a brewery tour at SAB in Newlands. Then it’s back to town for the nightlife on Long Street. On the way out, stop by Oranjezicht Market for local food and goods.…

THIS PAST WINTER, everyone I know watched a show called You. You is a sexy, murdery thriller about a stalker named Joe (Penn Badgley) who uses social media to burrow into the lives of women he’s obsessed with. That the show became a Netflix phenomenon is not especially surprising, given the aforementioned sex and murder. But You also jolted some viewers into an introspective spiral over their social-media use. Joe’s behaviour crosses the line from innocuous research to stalking pretty quickly – about 15 minutes into the show’s pilot, he masturbates in the bushes outside his stalkee’s apartment – but at times the way Joe gathers data on his targets is unsettlingly relatable. After watching the show, one friend admitted that he was wondering whether his own social-media use crossed…

01 Your Repair Kit Stop. Please. Put down last night’s Styrofoam box of shame. To undo the damage of the previous evening’s excesses you need to look to your kitchen, not Uber Eats. “Cupboards filled with the right ingredients can rectify any hangover emergency as well as prime you for an update of your eating habits,” says restaurant owner Miles Kirby. Let’s start with your shopping list. Just keep it down, okay? A EGG Whether boiled or fried, eggs are rich in the amino acid cysteine, which breaks down a compound called acetaldehyde, a toxin responsible for particularly brutal hangover headaches. It’s worth shelling out for a box of free-range. B AVOCADO The Insta-brunch staple is full of fatty acids (you need them right now), plus the…

JIM BEAM BLACK, R385 If regular ol’ Beam is too one-note for you, drink this. It’s been aged eight years, and that kind of time makes it smooth, mellow and intriguing. ELIJAH CRAIG SMALL BATCH, R599 They used to call this Elijah Craig Small Batch 12, but the distiller dropped the age statement so that it could blend batches from different years. And that’s not a bad thing. This blend is spicy like rye, and the finish stays with you a looooooong time. BUFFALO TRACE, R289 “If you wanted to introduce someone to bourbon, this is what you’d give them,” one seasoned taster said about this whiskey, which is as smoky as it is sweet. That balance makes it approachable, not boring. KNOB CREEK KENTUCKY STRAIGHT,…

THE FOUR popular therapy apps we tested – all free – offer programmed responses that have been vetted by humans. That’s good: Unvetted bots are too easy to manipulate. All the apps are based on chatting, but each approaches it differently: Replika Replika is unusually chummy, at least as chummy as a nonsentient algorithm can be. The bot is designed for casual conversation, a different approach from the other apps, which mostly only allow you to choose responses from a menu. Wysa The chat function often brings up a range of solutions to your problems; you get to click on the path you’d like to follow. With an additional subscription (from R225 a month), you can get access to a human coach and extra tools, like yoga stretches and mental…

To all the people who’ve ever cancelled on me at the last minute... thank you from the bottom of my soul. We’ve had a lunch on the books for weeks and you email me an hour before and say, “Hey, I’m really sorry, but–” Well, I’m spinning around in my office chair pumping my fists in triumph. You tell me you have a family emergency and you can’t have a drink tonight after all? There’s a 20 percent chance you’re making it up, but I don’t care. Thank you, thank you, thank you for such sweet relief. It’s not that I don’t want to meet up. I do. And we have things to discuss. But my excitement for meeting up is always dwarfed by the excitement I feel when we…

Waterpik Cordless A minute a day of blasting your pearly whites with this way-more-comfortable floss alternative will help keep plaque at bay with minimal effort. Snap on the Plaque Seeker tip to sniff out and snuff out problems in hard-to-reach spots. R1 299, takealot.com Sonicare DiamondClean Smart With five modes to fit your need (e.g., whiten at night, deep-clean in the morning), this brush saves you some elbow grease. The app monitors how well you do, noting where you neglect, like the backs of your front bottom teeth! One wish: a screen on the handle so you don’t need to rely on the app to see if you’re hitting your goals. R3 330, Clicks…

PACKS TENTS PARTYSTARTERS BioLite CampStove 2 Glampers, rejoice: This hybrid is a stove and a charger! Light kindling via an easy-start chimney and use that energy to charge your devices. It weighs less than a meager 1kg, and BioLite enhanced the power output and air controls so you can adjust the heat depending on what you’re cooking. A display monitors fire strength, fan speed, and electric charge. R2 550, takealot.com Thule Subterra Travel Backpack Basic and tough, this pack is suited for men on the go, whether it’s a multi-day adventure or a tough commute. The wide rolltop means you can quick-grab your stuff. A padded sleeve protects electronics, and breathable, padded shoulder straps ensure all day comfort. R3 499, capeunionmart.co.za GoPro Max The GoPro Max has three cameras in…

Behind on your deadlines? Blame everyone within earshot: the Sound Agency reports noisy open-plan offices cut your work output by 66%. But fear not – we’ve found your block button. Not only are Bose’s headphones engineered with noise-cancelling tech, the Google Assistant function means you won’t miss any calls. Unless you want to. QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones II R7 990 takealot.com…

6:20  WHEN SOUTH AFRICANS TYPICALLY WAKE UP. WE’RE AMONG THE EARLIEST RISERS GLOBALLY. WAKE UP LIKE A BILLIONAIRE MORNING HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL MEN Elon Musk CEO, Tesla & SpaceX: 7am. Responds to email, drinks coffee. Jack Dorsey CEO & founder, Twitter: 5am. Meditates, exercises. Warren Buffet CEO,BerkshireHathaway: 6:45am. Reads newspapers. Jeff Bezos CEO,Amazon: No alarm. Holds important meetings at 10am. PILLOW TIME TRUMPS PILLS If you average less than seven hours’ sleep, you increase your risk of developing . . . major depression by 22% coronary artery disease by 73% type 2 diabetes by up to 18% and colorectal cancer by 50% Source: Charles King research SEVEN HOURS On average, South Africans spend seven hours in bed per day, according to a survey by global app Sleep Cycle. 23…

1 Scap Roll Why? Ever deal with a sore back? This is your answer to that, a move that relaxes and loosens the length of your spine, and improves your posture, too. Directions: Sit with your shins on the ground, hands on your knees. Hollow out your torso and hunch your chest forward, shifting your chin to your chest (a). Now tighten your shoulder blades and arch your spine, pulling your head upward. Squeeze your shoulder blades hard at the top (b). 2 Beast Reach Why? Remember: mobility is more than flexibility. You’re forcing your shoulders to stabilise your weight, and your core and hips are getting work. Directions: Start with your hips pressed back toward your heels, knees 2cm from the ground and arms extended (a). Now…

01. REST Battling the elements – either in the saddle of a mountain bike or laced up in trail shoes – will test your energy systems far better than any boutique gym class, according to multiple studies in the Journal of Sports Sciences. Outdoor training stresses different muscle groups, taxes your cardio system for extra endurance and earns you a higher kilojoule burn per minute. 02. HIGH FLIERS Another study in the same journal found that climbers who ventured above 3km experienced a mental boost following their ascent. So, adventure beyond rolling hills and aim really high: you’ll be rewarded with a flood of feel-good hormone dopamine and memory-boosting noradrenaline, sharpening your mind while leaving your anxieties at the top of the mountain. Just don’t look down. 03. TAKE THE…

At every party, there’s that one guy. You know the one: he’s calling for more tequila shots and making sure everyone’s drinks are topped up. He’s a bit too loud and can get unruly, but the vibe wouldn’t be the same without him. For the longest time, David Mitchley was that guy: the life of the party. With a drink in one hand and a joint in the other, the man from Amanzimtoti was living the high life. As he got older, recreational drugs and alcohol became a way to escape the stress of the real world. Painkillers and sleeping pills joined the rotation. David was self-medicating, but each high felt a little lower than the last. He kept upping the dosage. He was going to crash. Then, in November…

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On the go? Here’s how to pack lighter (and smarter): 1/ KEEP IT SIMPLE You only need one, well-tailored suit for your business trip. Pack a few different shirts to keep your look fresh. On casual getaways, grab a single pair of black, grey or blue jeans (we like stretch denim) and chino shorts to cover all temps. 2/ FORGET THE FOLD Folding clothes creates wrinkles and eats up precious case real estate. Roll up for ready-to-wear layers straight out of the bag. 3/ GRAB AND GO Keep outfits stashed together for a grab-and-go approach to getting dressed. That means less time spent working out what to wear and more time at the beachfront bar. 4/ FILL YOUR BOOTS Stuff smaller items of clothing – socks, belts, ties – into…

OF COURSE, budgets get tight, and time gets limited, and getting out of town with your buddies becomes a logistical implausibility. So try cramming all the benefits and hallmarks of a guy trip into a single day with your local friends. Send a text a month or two in advance, and clear the proposed date with respective partners who won’t be attending. Loosely frame the day around an event, like a Premier League match or a rugby tourney. Pick your starting location, and have a place in mind where you’re going to end up. Doesn’t matter that they might be just three kms apart – this is a trip of the soul. Open up the invite for partners to join in later in the day; they’re nearby, after all.…

Eating Before Bed A kebab may seem smart, but by then it’s too late. Food is best eaten beforehand as it slows alcohol’s rate of absorption. Hair Of The Dog You wish. All that another pint will do is prolong the process of recovery. Fun on Sunday – much, much worse come Monday. Pickle Juice The least appetising option is, sadly, the most effective. Vinegar stimulates your liver to process booze more quickly, easing symptoms.…

1 TRUTH ABOUT AVO TOAST Millennials have been chastised for blowing their cash on avo and toast, 75-word coffee orders and collector sneakers. But, let’s be fair, what’s an R80 sandwich here and there in the pursuit of happiness? Well, as it turns out, not a whole lot. This spending could be costing you more than a few of those warm, fuzzy feelings later down the line. A new study from researchers at the University of Arizona looked at the spending (and saving) habits of 968 adults (born between 1981 and 1996). The participants were also quizzed on their mental health at different stages of their lives. The findings? Those who spent less money (and stashed more) were less stressed, depressed and anxious than those making it rain. Your…

1 BRASSICAS Like cabbage and kale. They have sulforaphane, a compound Korean scientists say can clear brain gunk (technical term). This gunk, called beta-amyloid and tau proteins, may lead to Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. EAT IT: Next time you stir-fry, replace half the rice with a bag of precut cabbage. Bonus: you save about 620 kJs in carbs. 2 TEMPEH New protein alert! A 113 gram serving of this fermented soybean cake (tastier than it sounds, promise) has 23 grams of protein as well as bacteria that may improve how your brain handles anxiety, a 2017 Chinese study found. EAT IT: Try tossing cubes of tempeh into a salad with ginger dressing at lunch or stirring them into a spicy vegetable curry. 3 CHICKPEAS The main ingredient in…

FOR TIME-MANAGEMENT guru Julie Morgenstern, who regularly coaches executives, the chronic cancelling of plans is hierarchical. “If it happens to you frequently, you kind of know that you’re the bottom of the heap, right?” she says. A lot of her clients don’t see the damage they cause because an assistant does the work. “When you reschedule a lot, you seem not in command and unreliable. Do you really want to communicate that?” According to Morgenstern, both sides suffer reputational damage. So don’t say yes to meetings you don’t really want to have. For the purely elective appointments, schedule with intent. This lunch that’s being proposed, either by you or the other party, if it were to happen now, would you want to do it? Because your desire to have the…

Bodum Bistro Nouveau This teapot is clear, so you can monitor the darkness of your green tea. You’re drinking your antioxidant-loaded afternoon cuppa, not a two-litre, right? R400, mantality.co.za Joseph Joseph Cut and Carve Carving Board This double-sided carving board is angled to help collect and drain liqiuds. Plus, it has a meat grip on one side to help with sturdy carving. R529, yuppiechef.com Tefal OptiGrill Plus Time and temperature are automatically adjusted to the thickness and number of items placed on the grill, based on six cooking programs and a frozen food mode. R3 999, takealot.com Meater Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer Insert the probe into your meat and set up your cook in the app (protein type, how you like it cooked etc.). The app will estimate your cooking…

EARBUDS CAMERAS TRICKERY Samsung Galaxy Buds With an hour more battery life than the AirPods, and featuring wireless charging and intuitive touch controls (you can switch songs and answer calls with just a tap), these buds are an office favourite. R2 399; takealot.com JBL Charge 4 At just 965g, this tiny speaker gets loud, and we mean really, really loud. Featuring rich, bone-rattling bass – this is a portable party starter that will give you 13 hours of playback (or more) on a single charge. R2 999, superbalist.com Petcube Bites A wide-angle camera lets you keep an eye on your pooch while you’re out. The treat dispenser (read: food cannon) will reward the pup when he’s being a good boy. All this from your phone. R6 999; takealot.com Oculus GO…

SNEAKERS TRACKERS FATBURNERS Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit By combining the responsive carbon-fibre plate that’s in its marathon race shoe with a plush foam, Nike created a durable shoe for all runners looking to add speed to their stride. R2 699, nike.com/za/ Cannondale SystemSix Hi-Mod Ultegra Di2 This Tour-de-France-worthy bike has an aerodynamic frame, electronic-assisted shifting, and deep-dish rims that roll more efficiently than regular wheels. So you go faster with less effort. Disc brakes ensure that you can slow down rapidly, too! R121 880, za.ciclimattio.com Lululemon Zoned In Tights With varying body-mapped levels of breathability and support seamlessly knitted into the fabric, these exercise tights support your muscles while allowing your joints full range of motion. Additional features: a back pocket and reflective details. From R2 600 (with shipping), shop.lululemon.com…

Rasher Decisions There are few combos so blissfully effective as the quickly assimilated, 2:1 carbs-to-protein delivery system that is the bacon sarmie. First, the cut… 01 \ Salt-cured meat such as bacon has benefits beyond its mouth-watering taste. Eaten after a workout, its sodium helps to draw extra fluids into your muscles to add size and aid repair, according to a report in Nutrition journal 02 \ Back This is one of the most popular cuts, with a large, lean medallion and a fatty strip on the side. With 10g of protein per rasher, two pieces give you 25% of your RDA of the holy macro. 03 \ Smoked For the porcine purist. The application of smoke further preserves the meat and gives it a stronger flavour.…

MH Hi there, Greg. How’s it going? Great. Look, I know you’re busy, but can you take this project on? McKeown No. MH Excuse me? McKeown What I mean is I’d love to help you. Can you tell me a bit more about it? MH It’s a big job for a big client. And I need it done by the end of the week. McKeown OK. But I have to deliver on this other piece of work from the CEO. It’s critical. MH This is critical as well. McKeown I’m happy to tell the CEO that I need to reschedule, but I think we can find a better way of approaching this. MH Well, can’t you come in early for the rest of the week and get both done? McKeown…

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“Weekend lie-ins, afternoon naps, waking up 30 minutes before your train is due – whenever you catch your shuteye, a few extra hours of sleep can be even more beneficial to your productivity than early starts. “Not all of us are built for mornings. The circadian body clock varies from person to person, with variations in the timing of its daily peaks and troughs. As such, some of us are ‘larks’ and at our best in the AM, and plenty of others are ‘owls’, who don’t peak until much later 1 . What’s more, these late sleepers are often better able to adapt to changes in the timing of their sleep, as happens with shift work and jet lag, putting them at a natural advantage 2 . “We’re told the…

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