VITABIOTICS

EDITOR’S LETTER

ISSUE 288 MAY 2024

Men's Fitness

EDITORIAL Editor Isaac Williams Art director Xavier Robleda

GENDER GAP

Bad news, chaps: you really do need to put the hours in to reap the rewards

MEDITATION IN MOTION

Walking is not only a joint-protecting way to

CONFUSION REIGNS

The foundation of continued physical progress? Keep your body guessing

“GETTING IN GREAT SHAPE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WAS ONE AREA I KNEW I COULD CONTROL”

With a relentless playing style that’s seen him become one of the best in the world, squash pro Joel Makin boasts a level of aerobic fitness most of us can only dream of. MF finds out the secrets to his next-level staying power

FITNESS RENAISSANCE

Can the Vitruvian Trainer+ help you sculpt a stronger physique from home? Kieran Alger puts it to the test

BUILDING BLOCK

If you’re looking to upgrade your home gym while saving space, this four-in-one kettlebell will tick all the right boxes for beginners but might fall slightly short for advanced lifters, writes Sam Rider

FORE THE RECORD

Is Garmin’s latest Forerunner the new benchmark for budget running watches? Kieran Alger strapped one on for marathon training

AT A STRETCH

Could daily mobility and recovery routines with the pliability app transform writer Sam Rider ’s rigid frame into a well-oiled machine?

FITNESS AND FORTITUDE IN ANCIENT ROME

A new exhibition at The British Museum shines a light on the level of physical conditioning and mental resilience required to be a life-long Roman legionary

“At my signal, unleash hell!”

When Russell Crowe, playing the Roman general Maximus

SHORT BUT SHARP

Legendary yet unconventional bodybuilder Mike Mentzer’s training philosophy emphasised brief but intensely focused workouts with ample time for recovery. But does such an approach work for the regular gym-goer?

DOG DAYS

Dominic Bliss reports from La Grande Odyssée, a brutal 400km sled-dog race across the French and Swiss Alps

FAT LOT OF GOOD

New research highlights the heavy toll of a high-fat diet

Shaking THINGS UP

A new study suggests we’ve been getting protein timing all wrong, writes nutritionist

ROOT POTENTIAL

‘Tongkat ali’ is among the most searched-for supplements of 2024. utritionist Rob Hobson explains what it is and whether you should use it

GO-FAR FUEL

Ride further, faster and happier with these recipes from ‘The Cycling Chef’

SNICKERISH SLICES

Time to play around with a classic flavour combo. When mixed with nut butter and chocolate, the Medjool dates really taste like toffee, but a healthier toffee. These slices are good for post-ride snackage too, and great with a dollop of full fat Greek yogurt.

CARBY CORN CAKES

These corn cakes are perfect on-the-road fare – if you can resist eating them straight out of the pan, that is. Just a few simple ingredients can be turned into a tasty and flexible base for many light meals. However, ifyou’re making these for the bike, it’s best to make them no bigger than 5cm across

GREG’S REVENGE SAUSAGE ROLLS

Tenuous title ahoy! Three times Tour de France winner Greg LeMond nearly died while shooting wild turkeys…

HIIT LIST

YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

ALL IN

Tackle this total-body test from The Movement Blueprint’s Harvey Lawton

PLAY BALL

Craft a core of steel with nothing but a bouncy ball and patch of floor

RAISE THE BAR

Add size and strength to your arms by utilising these barbell moves

RACE-READY CONDITIONING

Training for your first HYROX? Tackle this session from HYROX Master Trainer and Represent 247 athlete Jake Dearden

PULL THROUGH

With The Boat Race spoils going to Cambridge yet again, who better to deliver a lung-busting, VO2 Max-improving rowing workout than Chief Coach of the Cambridge Men’s Crew Rob Baker

Fitness Superstore

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American Pistachio Growers

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MEN'S FITNESS

MENSFITNESS.CO.UK/NEWSLETTER

VERTICA

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KELSEY

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FITSHOP

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SHOP KELSEY

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Kayakpro

www.kayakpro.com/swimfast/

SHOP KELSEY

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