Indholdsfortegnelse for Nov/Dec 2024 i Men's Health South Africa

This is a big moment. First, and foremost, for our cover guy Zacko Smit, whose high energy, optimistic attitude and tireless commitment to health and fitness helped him clinch top honours amongst hundreds of seriously fit guys to earn a coveted spot on our front page. But his achievement also marks a massive milestone for this mag. This was the 10th edition of our Cover Guy competition, this year presented by Trojan, an annual search that has routinely turned up the best of the best (see below) in the country. And our finalists this year were the strongest cohort we’ve had yet. Each of them personifies the core pillars of our brand; each—in their own right—deserving of cover glory. Turn to p.50 and you’ll understand exactly what we mean. By…

QUESTION WHICH BAR-FRIENDLY PASTIME CAN HELP YOU BREAK STRESS AND SINK BLACK MOODS? ANSWER Pool PERMIT US TO GUESS two things about you. First, you’ve had a pop at meditation. Second, it’s been, erm, a little while since you last meditated. We sympathise. While zen practices might be popular, they’re not everyone’s cup of jasmine tea, and easily slip off the to-do list. Clearly, our minds are in need of calm: rates of depression and anxiety among SA workers have soared in the past decade. But for every man able to find hush in the company of a meditation app, there’s another who’d rather seek solace set against a less reconstructed backdrop. Which is now all the more possible thanks to an Anglia Ruskin University survey of more than 1…

APPROACH THE WATCH-MAKING INDUSTRY WITH an open mind, and you’ll find that “anything relevant happening in the chronograph arena from the 1890s onwards, actually was either initiated by Breitling or that Breitling played a major part in that development,” says Fred Mandelbaum. He’s not only the watchmaker’s de facto historian but also a board advisor, author and avid watch collector. Bottom line: he knows everything there is to know about wrist-worn chronographs. I’ve just asked him “Why Breitling?”—a familiar question, I’m sure—and his answer is succinct. Cataloguing the pertinent role the company has played throughout history, from popularising the chronograph to its agile adaptation to changing social and economic conditions, there’s only one appropriate response: “My answer would be, who else?” says Mandelbaum. We spoke during Geneva Watch Days, an annual…

AS FAR AS SEX POSITIONS GO, missionary sometimes gets a bad rap (the word “vanilla” comes to mind)—but we say it’s highly underrated. Here’s proof. A 2024 survey by Superdrug Online Doctor found that missionary is actually one of the top five favourite sex positions for both men and women. It holds the number 2 slot for men and number 3 for women, with 24% of men and 20% of women citing it as their go-to. Men reported that missionary allows them to easily control how deep they’re thrusting while also offering amazing eye contact. Women, meanwhile, claim that being able to make out during sex is a huge bonus. Missionary was also ranked as one of the top 3 positions for both men and women when it came to…

MEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE Delivered straight to your door Receive Men’s Health print magazine featuring all the tips, tools and tricks you need to upgrade your health and fitness. Every issue is guaranteed to enrich both mind and body. 1 YEAR FOR ONLY (6 ISSUES) R430 Simply email subs@mh.co.za MEN’S HEALTH DIGITAL MAGAZINE Start reading wherever you are, whenever you want Get the Men’s Health print mag in a made-for-mobile digital format, available to read anytime, anywhere on your phone, tablet and other devices. 1 YEAR FOR ONLY (6 ISSUES) R270 Simply scan the QR code SCAN HERE for your digital subscription and claim your discount!…

DIRECTIONS: Do the exercises in order. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and moves. Do this workout 3 times a week, resting at least 1 day between sessions. On non-training days, aim to go for a 20-minute run or walk. WARMUP CAT-COW TO BEAR PLANK ▶ Start on all fours, hands directly below shoulders, knees below hips. Round your back. Then slowly arch your back (A). Now tighten your abs and flatten your back, then raise your knees an inch from the floor (B). Hold for 3 seconds, then lower. That’s 1 rep; do 2 sets of 6 to 8. WORKOUT 1 PLYO PUSH-UP ▶ Get in push-up position, hands on a bench or step, abs and glutes tight. Bend at the elbows and shoulders, lowering until your chest nearly hits…

Cover guys finalists wear HUAWEI WATCH GT 5, R4 999 consumer.huawei.com Fitness Fusion shorts, R550 fitnessfusionlifestyle.co.za Zacko wears HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate Green Edition, R17 999 ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY BYRON KEULEMANS Reebok sweater, R1 199; Reebok shorts, R999; Reebok socks (3 pairs), R299 Reebok Club C 85 trainers, R1 799 reebok.co.za HUAWEI WATCH GT 5 Pro, R6 999 “It’s a difficult mental barrier to overcome. But looking back throughout my journey, I’d say my failed attempts turned me into the successful person I am today.”ZACKO SMIT, see page 50…

i_17% 󿿼 According to research in the British Journal Of Sports Medicine, a good level of cardiorespiratory fitness (your ability to run, cycle or swim for a long time) reduces your risk of death from any cause by up to 17%. “The message is quite simple: if you do a lot of ‘huff and puff’ exercise, then your risk of dying early or developing diseases in the future is reduced,” said Grant Tomkinson, a professor at the University of South Australia and the study’s senior author. Unfortunately, doing a triathlon won’t deliver triple the benefits. ii_Sprint Finish 󿿼 Japan’s Waseda University may have hit upon a more effective way of interval training*. They found that two 20-second sprint intervals with 160-second recovery outperformed four 10-second sprints with 80-second recovery. “The…

It’s a frenetic feed of jumps and leaps and explosive moves that might make you wonder if your own workout needs revving up. And the truth is, this time the fit-fluencers are actually onto something. All those viral posts have reintroduced a classic kind of movement called plyometrics, a specialised training modality that pushes your body to essentially jump, land and then immediately jump again. These high-speed training moves are usually reserved for pro athletes, because the exercises can be very technical (and when performed incorrectly can increase your risk of injury) and sports scientists have long felt there were only marginal benefits for civilians. But new research reveals that injecting a few plyometric drills into your regular routine can enhance your overall athleticism. “Whether you’re hoping to play pickup…

IF TIMOTHY FAIRWEATHER had one serious hobby when he was younger: eating. “I loved food,” he says. “But things escalated and I started to associate eating with happiness and became an emotional eater.” At just 13, he was packing on weight at an alarming pace, eventually tipping the scales at 112kg. That sudden weight gain sunk his confidence, creating a vicious cycle wherein he’d eat to cope with his insecurities. THE WAKE-UP CALL Fairweather’s life isn’t marked by just one transformation, but a series of crucial changes. In his teens, he remembers climbing a flight of stairs with his brothers and feeling like he’d “run a marathon”. “I was completely out of breath,” he says. He reflected on the pain and struck on a realisation: that horrible feeling far outweighed…

WHAT KIND OF THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU? The Right-Now Answer Try: A (helpful) bot. ■ Most genres of therapy rely on pattern recognition in yourself and others, so it makes sense that AI would inevitably come for mental health. Text-based chatbot apps, such as Wysa and Woebot, help you work things out with rudimentary behavioural therapy. Apps such as Earkick help by tracking your mood. What to expect: Often for free, a chatty human-ish texter can provide instant advice that, though useful, can sometimes sound a little like HAL 9000. The Support System Try: Peer support groups. ■ Ranging in formality and focus, these are mostly led by trained facilitators but tend to rely more on the communal support structure to give guidance and solace. Many, such as the…

Chargrilled Hispi Cabbage Once you’ve tried braaied cabbage, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating it that way for years. We’ve paired it with a nutty tahini dressing, but it would also be delicious drizzled while hot with a tangy vinaigrette. Hands-on time 20min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 8 WHAT YOU NEED 2 HEADS OF CABBAGES1 SMALL GARLIC CLOVE, CRUSHED3 TBSP TAHINI1 TBSP MAPLE SYRUPFINELY GRATED ZEST 1 LEMON AND JUICE OF ½2 TBSP EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, PLUS 1 TBSP TO BRUSH30G BLANCHED HAZELNUTS, ROUGHLY CHOPPED HOW TO 1. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Prep a bowl of iced water. Discard any discoloured outer leaves from your veg, then cut cabbages into quarters lengthways. 2. Submerse the wedges in boiling water for 1½ min.…

THE 24/7’S Elastane waistband, relaxed seat, roomy thighs—this is the holy trinity for jeans that are smart enough for the office but versatile enough for weekend errands. An indigo wash like this works with most casual gear. Polo Ralph Lauren tank and jeans; Pony sneakers; Tudor watch. THE JETSETTERS A pair of extra-stretchy cotton travel pants don’t slip or crumple, so you’ll look pulled together even after a flight from hell. Try them with a technical windbreaker to fend off unpredictable SA summer weather—or airport drafts. Sandro jacket; Bonobos jeans; Nike sneakers; Seiko watch. THE “JUST IN CASE” JACKET SHARP The classic slim fit cut and timeless indigo colour mean that you can dress it up or down. Guess Dillon Denim Jacket, R1 699, woolworths.co.za TOUGH This is built with…

ARE YOU SEEING A THERAPIST? YES: 25% NO: 34% IT’S ON MY TO-DO LIST: 32% I DON’T NEED THERAPY: 9% Good help starts up top. Head to page 39 to find out what kind of therapy is right for you. Did you let your diet & workouts slip this winter? I’VE BEEN HIBERNATING: 7 % A LITTLE BIT: 54% NOPE NOT AT ALL #WINTERWARRIOR: 39% It’s crunch time! Secure last-minute summer muscle on page 88. KEEN TO SIGN UP FOR A FITNESS COMP? ALREADY COMPETING: 9% INTERESTED: 51% INTIMIDATED: 14% NOT MY THING: 26% One study* found that competition is — hands down—the best workout motivation. Hyrox is calling your name. HOW ARE YOU TRACKING YOUR RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE? No DNA, just RSA… and maybe a little RDA, too. Page 78 gives you…

WHAT IS IT? Anti-inflammatory diets target chronic inflammation in your body, a state that has been linked to joint pain, heart disease and mental-health issues. These diets usually focus on eating plants, which contain inflammation-fighting antioxidants and fish, for their omega-3 fatty acids. But a new version from integrative-medicine guru Dr. Andrew Weil, takes the diet’s prescriptions a step further. Here’s his breakdown of its daily calories into nutrient targets. THE PROMISE Eat Dr. Weil’s way and you’ll reduce long-term disease risks, according to his website. The diet isn’t tied specifically to weight loss or intended as a short-term fix. This is how you eat healthier for life. THE GOOD “Eating real food and fewer processed foods will benefit anyone,” says dietician Su-Nui Escobar. And research does back up the…

“AS MUCH AS SA IS A BEER-DRINKING COUNTRY,” says JV Ridon, “the majority of drinkers are brand-loyal towards their preferred domestic lager.” There’s nothing wrong with that, he adds: “As great and well-made as these beers are, however, there’s a much broader beer culture to explore; and plenty of ways to pair beer—much like wine—with what you’re serving from the grill.” Ridon was crowned the Best Sommelier of South Africa last year and manages the Sommeliers Academy. But his expertise isn’t just limited to vino: the taster is the founder of the National Beer Trophy, an annual event that brings together judges, sommeliers and beer enjoyers from across the country to spotlight the most talented local brewers. Use his easy pairing guide to serve up S-tier feasts. 1. LAGERS “Lager is an…

Free weights at my gym are always busy. Can I get as effective a workout using machines? Despite most “functional” gyms being on their third or fourth generation of rowing, skiing or biking apparatus, the pro free-weights war cry of “we don’t use machines, we build them!” still rings loud in most CrossFit boxes and it’s trickled down to the masses. The idea that using free weights such as barbells, kettlebells and dumbbells is inherently better than using purpose-built machines has largely gone unchecked, but the real question is “better for what?” Ask most coaches in favour of free weights to explain their reasoning and you’ll hear party lines such as “free weights require more stabilisation”, “free weights better replicate real-world challenges” or “free weights create a more natural range…