Innholdsfortegnelse for Jan/Feb 2023 i Men's Health South Africa

The latest weird wellness trend? An increasing number of people are taping up their mouths before bed. But it’s nothing to do with embarrassing sleep-talk. An estimated 30% to 50% of us default to mouth-breathing during sleep, especially in the early hours, meaning the air we breathe is of poorer quality; it’s the nose’s job to warm, moisten and filter air. Nasal breathing improves the quality of our rest, says Leo Oppenheim, a breathwork coach and head of yoga at Blok gym. It also creates nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and boosts oxygen circulation in your body. For this reason, it might improve overnight recovery from exercise. Oppenheim suggests trying it for a week to see if you benefit. Just don’t rip the tape off too quickly……

AGE: 32 | WEIGHT: 92KG | HEIGHT: 182CM AS A PROPERTY development manager, Christiaan Bester spends his day turning square metres into covetable abodes. He knows that transforming an empty space into something worthy of taking up space requires vision and microscopic attention to detail. In work—and life—the 32-year-old has found his own kind of synthesis, leveraging that developer’s mindset to squeeze the most out of empty plots and his powerful physique. The secret: keeping fastidious records of his exercises and measuring progress (constantly). “I find that doing these two things prevents complacency from creeping in,” he says. And he’s anything but complacent. Bester wakes up at 5am without fail, sneaking in breakfast before slamming out a session at the gym. By 8am, he’s at work, and close of business…

AMIDST THE CLASSIC NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS—lose weight, change jobs, you don’t need to upgrade your TV… again—many of us start to scope out new whips that’ll take us across the proverbial finish line quickly, safely and in style. While it’s tempting to snag keys to one of last year’s proven entities, this year is set to be a bumper one for the motoring industry AKA a treasure trove for anyone looking to upgrade their drive time. Bonus: you’ll have access to a range of hybrid models that’ll save you a small fortune on petrol, a definite perk in a modern era where oil prices can be more volatile than family dinners during the festive season. THE FAMILY MAN TOYOTA CROWN CROSSOVER WHAT IS IT? Luxury and comfort converge effortlessly in…

IPAS, TRY: Bavaria’s 0.0% IPA Crisp and sweet, with a slight haze, and packing the same background bitterness of your favourite brewski. LAGERS, TRY: Castle Free Its alcoholic counterpart is a gameday staple, and now you can enjoy the same refreshment without the follow-up head fog. CIDERS, TRY: Everson’s Original Super sweet but delivering enough tartness to keep you sipping, this teetotaller-approved beverage is the perfect summer cooler. GIN, TRY: Seedlip Spice 94 This twist on a classic London Dry leverages allspice berries and cardamom to seriously ramp up the flavour. Mix with your preferred tonic for a gin fix that’s actually dry. WINE, TRY: Woolworths DE-ALC Chenin Blanc You don’t have to nix the vino if you’re going alcohol-free. This one is crisp, fruity and moreish.…

1 AVIATOR This classic pair has made a triumphant return, riding the wings of Top Gun’s recent revival. Pilots relied (and still do) on these shades to combat glare up in the sky, but modern versions have grounded these benefits in the form of contemporary silhouettes that will work with most face shapes. 2 GEOMETRIC The jagged and angular nature of these frames will add angles to your face, giving your features more definition. While most are round or square, hexagonal versions are a new twist that work with most face shapes. 3 CLEAR FRAMES Transparent frames have been steadily rising in popularity, but this year they’re a clear favourite. They’re simple, yet different; plain, yet incredibly striking and a great way of transporting classic silhouettes into the new age.…

SAMPLE FIRST Many sites offer sample vials that cost less. Or go with only tester bottles. Browse to see which brands offer discovery sample collections. Bonus: samples are also great for travel. READ THE REVIEWS. (REALLY.) Hardcore fragrance fans post detailed reviews on sites like the unbiased fragrantica.com. It’s a good place to go for a pre-purchase double check. FIND THE RETURN POLICY Some stores, will let you return a fragrance, even if the package is opened, within 60 days of purchase. But it’s not too common, so do your research.…

YOU’RE NOT GOING to be part of the Great Resignation. You just aren’t. Yes, work has been overwhelming lately, and you’ve lost touch with why you’re doing what you’re doing. But you can’t quit, right? You have a couple kids, or 17 years left on the home loan. Or you just fundamentally like what you do, but it’s a slog to actually get it done. And maybe the changes you’ve made to your life since the pandemic have been, as weird as it feels to admit, pretty positive. You might be working from home more. Perhaps you stopped drinking (at least Monday through Wednesday) or you took up trail running (300m of elevation this morning!). But even thinking about work leaves you exhausted. Unenthusiastic. You’re crispy around the edges. What to…

6:30 A.M. GET UP AND ABOUT If Mandal isn’t woken up by his alarm, he’s woken up by his kids, aged one and four. He brings them in for some quality family time first thing in the morning. “It’s a little bit of chaos to start every day,” he says. “A time I can really lean into and enjoy.” 8:00 A.M. WALK AND TALK The rest of his morning, he’s on autopilot, starting with coffee (an Ethiopian blend) and a veggie breakfast burrito like clockwork. His first phone meeting of the day, often with Future’s chief operating officer, is always a walking one, no video required. “Getting moving and thinking kinda sets the tone for my day,” he says. 9:00 A.M. TRACK RANDOM THOUGHTS Mandal doesn’t get many meeting gaps…

WHEN YOU CUT the distance between you and a solid workout down from kilometres to mere millimeters, you’ll have a hard time skipping your morning or evening sweat sessions. This next-level fitness gear carries a hefty price tag, but it’s an investment that will pay serious dividends for your health, strength and psychological well-being. Best Upper Body Workout Concept2 SkiErg R21 495, rebelstore.co.za Best Stationary Bike Technogym Ride POR, technogym.com Best Weighted Vest Skelcore 5kg Weighted Vest R370, skelcore.com…

Best Electric Toothbrush Sleek and simple, the Philips One by Sonicare has all the power you want in an electric toothbrush but in a small package. Micro vibrations gently clean teeth better than your manual brush does. One battery lasts three months and the new rechargeable version gives you 30 days of brushing on a single charge. R299, Dis-Chem Best Shaver If you want a zero-fuss, super effective way to shred through fuzz, the Braun Series 9 Pro is a rock-solid investment that will take the stress out of shaving. Even seven days of growth is no match for the innovative shaving head that cuts through hairs gently. Bonus: it also has a handy trimmer for lining up your foliage. R8 999, braunshavers.co.za Best Massage Ball Ease tension and ward…

Although study results vary, men who are sedentary or overweight can get a 10 to 30 percent lift in total T by making lifestyle changes, says Dr. Bradley Anawalt, an endocrinologist and professor at the University of Washington Medical Centre in Seattle. Some people may see even greater gains. Stress is especially detrimental to T, so emphasise activities that help you relax. Think meditation and yoga. (Both have separately been shown to boost T in the short term.) If you exercise to reduce stress, that’s a bonus. Working out regularly—combined with eating better, good sleep hygiene and losing weight if you need to—almost always raises your T level significantly.…

INGREDIENTS SERVES 8-10 FRESH CRANBERRIES, 1KGROSEMARY, 15G, LEAVES ONLYMAPLE SYRUP, 100-150ML METHOD Stick everything in a saucepan, stir well and bring it to the boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fresh cranberries are packed with vitamin E, which strengthens your body’s immune system and combats the damaging effects of sleep loss, while maple syrup and rosemary contain brain-protective antioxidants. Handy if you’ve been boozing since 10am.…

A bottle of red 630kcal = Weighted sled drags in five bursts of 10 minutes Christmas roast dinner 1 450kcal = Two Barry’s Bootcamp classes A handful of Chuckles 270kcal = 15 minutes on the Airdyne Your Christmas Day total 5 905kcal* = A 10K run, every other day, for a fortnight Festive Spirit #3 The Night Cap Good if you’re… Ready to sleep it off before starting again on Boxing Day The mix: Strawberry jam, 1tsp + smooth peanut butter, 1tsp + lime juice, 20ml + your favourite rum, 50ml + strawberry syrup, 5ml + an egg white + Angostura bitters, a dash. The method: Mix the jam, peanut butter and lime to form a paste. Add the rest, shake with ice. Strain, discard ice, then shake again until…

What’s the best way to build up to a push-up? Not the way you think. Plenty of trainers suggest that novice gymgoers start with push-ups on their knees. But that’s not ideal, says Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist David Otey. “Push-ups from the knee limit the stress on the anterior core and shoulders,” he says. That means your core doesn’t learn to stabilise you in standard reps. Your better option: Start by placing your hands on a chair or box. Doing so will lighten the amount of bodyweight you have to press upward. But you’ll still get to tighten your abs and glutes, forming a straight line from shoulders through feet, just as you would during a traditional push-up. As you improve, use shorter boxes and chairs until eventually you’re…

DIRECTIONS: Do this workout 3 to 5 times a week. All other days, go for a 10-minute walk or run. WARMUP SPIDERMAN TO CAT COW ■ Start in push-up position, then shift your right foot to alongside your right hand. Return to push-up position, squeeze your abs and glutes and repeat on the other side. Bend your knees, lowering your shins to the floor. Squeeze your shoulder blades and arch your back slowly. Then round your back and spread your shoulder blades. Return to pushup position. That’s 1 rep; do 4. CIRCUIT 1 DIRECTIONS: Do each move for 30 seconds, then do a 30-second high-knee sprint. Rest 1 minute. Do 3 rounds. 1A YOGA PUSH-UP ■ Get in push-up position, abs and glutes tight. Keeping your legs straight, raise your butt…

THE FORMAT Row as many metres as you can in 30 seconds. Then, with your hands on the rower seat (maybe give it a quick wipe-down before you start), perform as many push-ups as possible to failure in the same amount of time. Repeat this formidable combination for 15 minutes. Your score is the metres you have rowed multiplied by your total number of push-ups. Aim for 225 000 (1.5K row times 150 push-ups). Strap in. START HERE 01 TIMING THE PULL “Don’t pull too early with your arms,” advises MH UK Fitness Editor Andrew Tracey. Think of them as hooks for the first part of the move: your legs are far stronger, so let them take most of the load. When your legs are almost straight, pull the handle hard…

THE SHIRT “No one wants to feel like a sweaty mess. Opt for a moisture-wicking top made with stretch fabric and enough room to cover your stomach. If you don’t feel comfortable in form-hugging activewear, look for a more relaxed fit.” The Nike Dri-Fit training tee (R450, nike.com) checks all these boxes, and it’s roomy enough to fit multiple body types.” THE JOGGERS “Sweatpants have come a long way since those shapeless bottoms you used to wear in school. Modern cuts mean the best can be worn casually as well. Look for those made with moisture-wicking materials that can stretch to fit a bigger gent’s thicker thighs.” We like UA’s Rival Fleece pair that look good on most body types. (R999, underarmour.co.za) THE SHORTS “When the weather’s warm, keeping cool…

01 TOP DOGS You could fill Ellis Park Stadium with all the over-processed, flaccid and sodium-clogged hot dogs you’ll find at the supermarket. Raise your game by shopping for quality. Pork hot dogs can be—provided you’re handpicking the best—a post-workout boon. The meat is rich in protein, vitamins and vital minerals that your body craves. Studies have shown that carnosine, a beta-alanine protein compound found in pork, may also improve muscle performance by battling fatigue and ramping up fitness. Time to pig out. 02 LOW’N’SLOW Searing heat will burn and split the skin of your hot dogs before they can warm through. Avoid this error by waiting until your braai simmers down to a medium heat. Turn them every minute until they’re plump and browned—this should take between five to seven minutes.…

1 STICK WITH SIMPLE Hold the celery—and while you’re at it, the bacon, shrimp and cheeseburger sliders, too. Under the ruse of “brunch,” some restaurants junk up the drink to jack up the cost. The original, recipe uses just tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Yes, that’s all. 2 BUT THEN UPGRADE Instead of a vegetable blend, go with 100 percent tomato juice for a balanced base. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to avoid the chemical tang of shop-bought concentrates. And splurge for quality vodka if you can. (Some of our favourites, like Smirnoff and Belvedere work, but Absolut’s Elyx is bright, clean and superb.) 3 MEASURE AND MIX In a cocktail shaker, shake or roll (i.e., swirl the shaker around in small circles) the following ingredients with ice: 120ml tomato…

PLANNING A SEXATHON on an anniversary or a birthday may seem cliché — “Dick in a Box” came out, what, more than a decade ago? But that just means you have to be more creative, because a memorable sex session makes for one of the best gifts of all. (Hold the wrapping paper, please.) “Especially in long-time relationships, things can get really monotonous, and having sex around special occasions spices things up,” says sex therapist Dr. Kristie Overstreet. “And there can be a really big payoff.” As in, stronger orgasms (for you both!) and increased bonding. But amping up your game for a special occasion can also add pressure. How far do you have to go—in terms of both adventurousness and budget—to give them an unforgettable experience? Relax. You don’t…

BLAME IT ON FETISH CLUBS, swimming caps or mud-splattered gumboots. But rubber (and its ilk), it’s fair to say, hasn’t always enjoyed the most debonair of reputations. And, for many years, that bothered luxury watch brands, whose livelihoods depend on creating products that convey a sense of tangible opulence. More specifically, this mindset influenced their choice of watch straps, encouraging them to stick with the gentlemanly associations of leather, the utilitarian sheen of the metal bracelet or the old-school military vibe of the trusty old NATO strap. The fearless disruptor in this space was the Swiss watch brand Hublot that launched in 1980 with an attention-grabbing product. Founder Carlo Crocco unveiled a watch that melded two materials in an unlikely combination. The case of the Hublot Classic Fusion ticked all…

01 APPLY THIS BEFORE BED I use a product with retinol at night; no skincare ingredient has more science behind it. It’s an exfoliant, so you don’t get acne or dull skin, and it stimulates collagen, which helps keep fine lines away. I use an exfoliating cleanser, then a prescription retinol and a hydrating cream to help the retinol penetrate and reduce irritation. 02 SHIELD YOUR SKIN As I’m black, the melanin in my skin gives me a certain amount of SPF. But the SPF that’s effective against skin cancer—which people with any skin colour can get—is higher than what I naturally have, so I wear sunscreen every day. I use an emulsion called Isdin Eryfotona Actinica, which absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a chalky film. 03 CHANGE YOUR SPOTS…

2.5K The suggested average daily intake for adult men. Muscular or very active guys might need closer to 3 500, though. 10% The minimum amount of your calories that should come from protein (10% to 35%), with 40% to 60% coming from carbs. WHAT ARE THEY? Calories are units of energy derived from food, powering everything from workouts to your body’s basic functions. Your intake vs output dictates weight loss and gain. Carbs, fats and proteins are the three macronutrients that provide those calories. Tweaking the ratios between these energy sources helps you to focus on specific goals. BURNING FAT A kilogram of body fat contains roughly 7 700 calories. Cut 370 a day (two bags of chips), and you could lose that kilo in three weeks, without feeling the…

WITH EVERYBODY you’ve ever followed on social media doing Dry January or some kind of cleanse, how is it that up to 46 percent of the general adult population has some degree of a dangerous liver disease? Sure, your liver appreciates the break. But alcohol is not the only thing hurting it, says Dr. Michael D. Leise, a Mayo Clinic transplant hepatologist. “I don’t drink much” needs to be retired from the “my liver’s fine” canon, because if you carry extra weight, get minimal exercise or have bouts of overeating, your liver’s probably not fine. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that’s exactly what it sounds like: unhealthy amounts of fat build up in your liver. Over time, this can cause that organ to swell, scar and eventually fail…

Best Stroller If you’re a new dad, you shouldn’t be skimping on your stroller. A cheap set of wheels will only limit your options, confining you and your tyke to that short stretch of tarmac outside of your home. The Thule Urban Glide 2 pushes bonding time into new areas, giving you the wheel power to explore almost any terrain. Plus, it’s comfy—to push and to ride. R16 999, thulestore.co.za Best Dog Harness Your pup is a great motivator to head for the great outdoors. But a cheap collar isn’t repaying the favour. The Rogz AirTech Sports Harness is a quick fit that nixes the song-and-dance usually associated with equipping your mutt for a stroll. Plus it’s spun from engineered fabric that’s super soft, keeping your canine cozy even on…

REGULAR BLACKOUTS have become a tradition in SA, and—unfortunately—they aren’t going anywhere. Rather than throwing a tantrum every time the lights go out, it’s time to build your own load shedding survival kit. With the right items even two-and-half hours sans electricity will fly by… we promise. Best Torch Maglite Solitaire (R508, loot.co.za) Best Board Game Pandemic (R745, takealot.com) Best Dad Time Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron Sports Car (R7 499, takealot.com) Best Read Kindle Paperwhite Gen 10 (R2 999, incredible.co.za)…

WHEN I WAS 23, I had pretty bad depression. After I’d done a couple years of serious weightlifting, I checked my T. The doctor said my numbers—about 320—were normal. In my own research, I found that they were roughly the levels of a 70-year-old. Finding a doctor to help you when you’re that young is challenging. A year ago, I came across Primebody in the US, where I now get everything—100mg of testosterone cypionate, plus 1mg of Arimidex [lowers estrogen] and 50mg of clomiphene [Clomid]—delivered to my door. My body composition and muscular mass have gotten better, but most importantly, I don’t get anxious over things that would have really hampered my day before.…

Be a family guy Eating dinner with your loved ones helps to shield you from work-related anxieties, according to researchers at Brigham Young University. Stay in tune Here’s the perfect excuse to do your best Elvis impression: Dutch and Swedish researchers have linked singing to good heart health. Laughing matters Have you heard the one about post-dinner blood sugar spikes? A Japanese study found that laughter releases hormones that level them out. Heated debate Venting your anger can help you maintain healthy blood pressure, reports Health Psychology. Face it: someone will mention load shedding. Trivial matters Taking part and winning in a competition delivers a boost in testosterone. Even if you were googling the answers under the table.…

Dice a butternut into cubes and roast at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. Fry 200g of onions, lower the heat and add 2tbsp of maple syrup to caramelise. Add the zest of half an orange and six sage leaves. Tip your onions and squash into a bowl with 250g of cooked chestnuts and a punnet of redcurrants. Finally, add a pinch each of nutmeg and cinnamon, 2tbsp of parsley and 100g of breadcrumbs. Hand-mix to form a loose clump. Bake in an oiled dish for 20-30 minutes until golden. 10 portions of heart-protecting stuffing…

01 REVERSE LUNGE Do 20 reps on each leg before progressing Step one leg back until your knee touches the ground, keeping your torso upright and core braced. Push your weight through your front foot to stand and repeat. Do 20 before switching legs. 02 NO-TOE REVERSE LUNGE Do 10 reps on each leg before progressing Follow the same lunge strategy as above, but as your knee hits the ground, lift your toes before you stand. Mitigating any drive from the rear foot will focus your efforts on to your front leg. 03 BAND-ASSISTED PISTOL Use higher/lighter bands until you’ve unlocked the full move Secure a band on an anchor point. Hold the end and step back until you feel tension. Bend your knee and push your hips back. Keep…

Box Push-up Can’t do push-ups yet? Here’s the best way to start. Complete 3 sets of 12 reps, then move on. Hand-Release Push-up Lower to the floor, lift your hands, then press up. Do 3 sets of 10 to 12. Clapping Push-up Power out of the bottom with explosion, clapping your hands at the top. Do 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps. Archer Push-up Set your hands up wider than usual. Keep your right arm straight as you lower to the left; do 3 sets of 8 to 10. Typewriter Push-up Lower into a left-arm archer. Slide your chest across to the right arm, straightening your left. Press up. Do 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps.…

Remote working might have a positive impact on your commuting costs, but it’s decidedly less beneficial for your spine. Spending hours hunched over your laptop only to throw yourself into ambitious workouts at the end of the day is a sure path to back pain. Strengthening your back and core can help to protect your shoulders and spine—but if you’re serious about easing aches and reducing your risk of mishap, you also need that muscle to be mobile. “Your torso is always changing positions, twisting and turning and shifting,” says trainer and MH US fitness director Ebenezer Samuel. “You need to train your back and ab muscles to be ready for all that movement.” That’s where the bear-gorilla flow can help. Most row exercises force your torso to maintain a…

WE’RE NOT SURE which way you were betting, but in a word: yes—if you’re smart about it. “In health and fitness, there’s often an obsession with hard rules,” says Laura Hoggins, a personal trainer, brand and marketing director at The Foundry gyms and Fiit app coach. “But few things are black and white. If any PT tells you there is only one right way of doing something, I suggest you get a new one because there are many routes to every goal.” When it comes to building muscle, she says, there are some basic principles: you need to create an adequate stimulus through training to stress the muscles, fuel your body properly to ensure it rebuilds stronger and allow for sufficient recovery. As for the lifting part? Gym lore has…

Today 5:17pm I worry I’m only going to make it worse. Don’t throw in the sweat towel. Exercise is good for back pain. Backs like movement and variety. That’s my excuse blown. What’s best? Core work? Contrary to what you might have heard, there’s no convincing evidence to support focusing on specific muscle groups. But there is good evidence that those who exercise regularly have less back pain than those who don’t. Do what you enjoy. A bit of cardio, a bit of dumbbell stuff normally. Anything I should avoid? Only “sudden overload” — that is, going too hard too soon. Stick to your usual weights and build up gradually if you need to. What if it gets worse? If your pain continues over time — or intensifies—seek the advice…

KNOCKING BACK AN OYSTER IS A PRACTICE that dates back further than the porcelain platters of fancy 1950s eateries. Archaeologists have unearthed evidence that the Romans were already cultivating and consuming this fast snack as early as the first century BC. However, the mollusc hasn’t become a relic; instead, is a staple on the types of menu’s where mentioning a price point is considered a faux pas. But this sea creature wasn’t always considered a fabled favourite of the elite. In the not-so-distant past, the wealthy would’ve categorised it amongst the endless debris churning up from the ocean. Simply put, these shells are fast-food containers. Though today thought of as a luxury, the oyster (or the “foul oyster”, as Shakespeare put it) was long viewed with suspicion. Which is, perhaps,…

01 THE SHOWSTOPPER BIRD OF PARADISE This huge tropical plant pulls a room om together, even if it requires es near-daily attention. A space with lots of light and humidity is key. 02 WINDOWSILL WONDER PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS If you travel frequently or forget to water plants, go with a low-maintenance one. Pop your cactus next to a window; it needs at least six hours of sun-light daily. 03 BATHROOM COMPANION POTHOS Also known as devil’s ivy, this plant grows in low light. Put one near a windowsill in your bathroom—the steam will help it thrive, even if you fail to water it. 04 TOUGH GUY CHINESE EVERGREEN Don’t let its delicate look fool you: this flowering plant is durable. Place it in direct to low light and fertilise it once or twice a…

▸ BLOMUS ROSE & WHITE MUSK Yup, women are into those musky scents. R699; takealot.com ▸ RC FRENCH LAVENDER Freshen up the room with something fruity or floral. R390; raincandleco.co.za ▸ EXOTIQ MASSAGE OIL Touch her body for an hour—if she makes it that long. R399; passionfruit.co.za ▸ DAME FIN This finger vibe creates tingly sensations. R1 345; matildas.co.za ▸ THE LELO TOR 2 This vibrating ring gives your power tool a boost during sex. R2 520; luvland.co.za ▸ WE-VIBE UNITE It’s clitoral and vaginal stimulation all in one toy. R1 899; desir.co.za…

SUMMER TREND #1 LIGHTWEIGHT KNITS During summer, you’re just as likely to find yourself at the beach, a windy rooftop bar or both. Fortunately, you won’t have to pack a change of clothes—lightweight knits are breathable layers that’ll still keep you warm when the mercury dips. SUMMER TREND #2 MATCHING SETS Twin sets, like this combo right here, will help you coordinate a new holiday uniform that doesn’t look regimented. We like bold Hawaiian prints that’ll make you feel like you’re beachside even when you’re off to the shops. Best part? These items can be sliced and diced to create multiple looks. SUMMER TREND #3 SOLID-COLOUR BOARDIES Face it: your go-to shorts—way too baggy and sporting wrinkled pockets—aren’t going to take you further than the lounge. Instead, go for a…

TREAT IT! Step 1: Don’t pick or pop back acne. You’ll cause longterm scarring. Step 2: Using a washcloth or long-handled body brush, gently clean every day with an antibacterial wash, like Dettol’s range of body wash (R70), “to limit the amount of bacteria on the skin,” says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman. Continue until the breakout subsides. Or, if your back gets real sweaty during workouts, you may need to treat bacne-causing yeast, which thrives in moist environments. In that case, use a dandruff shampoo, like Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo (R105), as a bodywash, says Engelman. Step 3: Follow your wash with a lightweight gel moisturising lotion, like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream (R250), to help avoid over-drying your skin.. Step 4: When the active breakout is gone,…

MAKE WORKING, PLAYING, and chillaxing—whether you’re WFH or going into an office—more fun and exciting with these cutting-edge tools, toys and gadgets. Best Laptop A powerful laptop? Practically mandatory. However, this streamlined tech is anything but standard-issue. Powered by a 12th generation Intel i5 processor, super-fast solid-state drive and packing enough memory to support even the most zealous Chrome tab (mis)user, the HP Envy 16 is a WFH investment that will pay off for years to come. R37 999, hpshop.co.za Best Standing Desk If you’re hunkered over a desk all day, your back is taking a beating. The TekDesk v2.0 lets you automatically adjust its height, letting you transition from the saddle to upright with the flick of a button. (You can save up to three preset heights.) R12 999,…

THE NEW fitness trackers do way more than count steps. They have built-in trainers, access to workouts and maps, and much more, so you’re never sweating completely solo. You can also get health tools that can read your heart rate, track your sleep and even measure your blood-oxygen level. Pick the right specialised tracker and it can help you better understand your body and achieve your goals for fitness, health and running. Best Undercover Fitness Tracker HUAWEI Watch GT 3 Pro (from R10 999, consumer.huawei.com) Best All-Round Fitness Tracker Galaxy Watch5 Pro (R11 999, samsung.com) Best Running Fitness Tracker Garmin Venu 2 (R6 799, garmin.com)…

1 INFERTILITY Within months, T suppresses sperm production. In most men, it falls very low. In about half of men, it goes to zero. While most return to their pre-T baseline when they stop taking it, some men will never produce sperm again. 2 IRREVERSIBILITY Coming off T can be rough or impossible. “You should be thinking of this as an irreversible choice,” says Dr. Alukal. He sees guys who try to get off it and feel terrible and test low; they may have lost the ability to produce T on their own. 3 GYNECOMASTIA Also known as man boobs. An enzyme in fatty tissue converts testosterone to estrogen, which can trigger their growth. Even if your body fat is low, juice too much and you’ll have so much T that some winds…

01\Lovage Pesto Carrots Quick to prepare but nutrient-dense, these will pep up your plate. INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 BABY CARROTS, 600GA GARLIC CLOVECELERY LEAVES, A BUNCHBRAZIL NUTS, 100GCANOLA OIL, 200MLPECORINO, 100G, FINELY GRATED METHOD Roast the carrots for 20-30 minutes at 180°C with a little oil and sea salt. Meanwhile, blitz together the garlic, herbs, nuts and 200ml of oil. The good plant fats in nuts and canola make it easier to absorb the carrots’ antioxidant nutrients. Add the cheese and mix well. A single Brazil nut contains your RDA of selenium, too, for healthy metabolism. You’ll make faster work of that turkey. 02\Parsnip Boulangère Add this deceptively light dish to the mix and smash your RDA of fibre. INGREDIENTS SERVES 4 ONIONS, 2, THINLY SLICEDA GARLIC CLOVE, SLICEDTHYME, A FEW…

Week 1 Pick 5 days. Each day, do 25 perfect push-ups, following the chart below for reps and rest periods. Week 2 Train 5 days again, doing 2 sets of 20 push-ups each day. Follow the chart below for rest periods. Week 3 Train 5 days. On days 1, 3 and 5, do paused reps. Days 2 and 4, do regular reps. Follow the chart below. Week 4 Train 5 days. Do 30 push-ups the first day. Each day, add 2 push-ups, until the final day, when you do 40.…

GET UP TO SPEED The burpee may be the single most functional movement of all time: what could be more important than the ability to get back on your feet as quickly as possible? However, imperfect reps are the surest path to dysfunction. Practise these three moves to refine your form. 01 FOUR TO THE FLOOR Stand tall and take a long step backward with your left leg, keeping your torso upright. Bend at your right knee and squat until both hands hit the ground. Plant them and step back with your right leg, assuming a strong plank. Reverse to a standing position and repeat with the opposite leg. Work 60 seconds on, 60 seconds off. 02 FIRE UP YOUR THRUSTERS Step back and down into a strong, straight-armed plank…

When Ahmed Hansa was searching for a new spot for his gym 1st Fitness, the Berea Presbyterian church may have seemed like an unlikely candidate. But this massive monument had huge potential; we’re talking vaulted ceilings, serious workout real estate and large windows that bathe every square metre in blessed morning rays. Interior designer Craig Bennett was tasked with revamping the interior to accommodate future gymgoers, and instead of ditching the church’s architectural origins, he leaned into the theme. Stroll through these doors and you’ll be greeted by a workout space like no other. While it may have old-world roots, the tools inside are cutting edge. From the latest gym equipment to quality of life upgrades—a coffee shop, luxe members lounge and a range of studios—no expense has been spared…