THE COLD EMBRACE

APRIL 2025

How 2020 changed us Five years on from

How 2020 changed us

Five years ago this month, Britain entered its first lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic, upending our workplace dynamics, family structures and our sense of purpose. Half a decade on, Men’s Health explores its legacy – and asks whether the global shake-up has fundamentally reshaped our priorities

Make waves

You don’t need splashy kit, but a few choice buys can help your next swim go smoothly

A true global icon

Cover star David Beckham turns 50 this year

Start walking

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS MONTH PHOTOGRAPHY:

News you can use

We’ve combed through the latest science journals so you don’t have to

Are protein bars and shakes actually good for me?

Bars, shakes, bites and balls: protein supplements really

See the light

Endorsed by athletes and examined by a growing body of research, red light therapy is going mainstream. But does it really work?

James Collier

The Huel co-founder and former bodybuilder explains why you should eat a bit less meat and a few more plants

Suits of armour

Don’t let the British weather put a damper on your training. Our experts tested the best jackets for all of your outdoor endeavours

I get a prostate exam?

It might not be something you’re eager to discuss, but it’s a crucial part of staying on top of your health. Here’s what to know before you go

‘I was 15 when I came to understand that my sight would never get better’

A rare eye disease and the gradual loss of his vision haven’t stopped Jesse Dufton from tackling some of the world’s most revered climbs

Is NAD+ a fad?

The coenzyme involved in cellular metabolism and energy production is the latest trend in longevity. But can it really slow the ageing process?

An uppercut above

JAB Boxing Club’s luxury setting and elite coaching are a formidable combo – one that will get you into fighting condition and build a mindset that can take the hits, too

GOLDEN TOUCH

FOOTBALL ICON AND GLOBAL SUPERSTAR DAVID BECKHAM

The agony and the ecstasy

From sports to music and politics, fandom can bring us purpose and belonging. But it has a dark side, too. One writer – a self-professed former football addict – explores the line between passion and obsession

Are you a sports addict?

The Psychological Continuum Model tracks the different stages

SWING TIME

This isn’t your average weekend workout. Kettlebell sport is a gruelling, hours-long test of strength and grit –and Wolfpack Fitness is where champions are forged. Our writer gets to grips with it

7 THINGSTHEY DON’T TELL YOU ABOUT MIDLIFE FITNESS

Your glory days aren’t behind you. It’s possible to build stamina and strength in your forties, fifties and beyond. It just takes a bit of know-how –and fighting spirit. Here’s your guide to growing older, gainfully

GEN MAXX

Chewing-gum workouts for sharper jawlines. Speciality products for feathered fringes. So. Much. Cologne. This is one man’s exploration of the aura-enhancing self-care trends shaping an entire generation of young men

The new rules of sound sleep

Low-cost and WADA-approved, a good night’s rest is the ultimate performance and recovery tool. Still finding it elusive? Here’s how to make it work for you

CRACK ONE OPEN

Once an austere pantry staple, tinned fish has rightly been reclaimed as a flavourful, omega-3-rich superfood. These six recipes give it star billing. Get yourself hooked

BUILD A BETTER OFFICE LUNCH

Quit forking out for high-street grain bowls and take the (cheaper, more nutritious) DIY approach instead

Is it time we got off the couch?

Once viewed as the marker of emotional maturity, therapy is currently being talked about for all the wrong reasons – with formerly fringe mental health modalities gaining credence. Is this the beginning of the end for the talking cure?

‘I took a gamble on my life. Hope kept me going’

Yasser Kebbeh, a law student from Syria, swam for 12 hours overnight to reach safety in Europe . Now settled in the UK, he’s a certified lifeguard – and wants to protect others risking their lives at sea

How to build your self-awareness

When you find out what’s really going on in your mind, you can shake unhealthy habits, step out of your own way and get what you really want out of life

THE ART OF BODY RECOMPOSITION

Yes, you can lose fat and build muscle at the same time. The key: a fresh approach that leverages the latest science to build you up without burning you out

How to FUEL UP

Six food-focused tips to help you chase your goals when you’re not pumping iron

POWER PLAY

Give your powerlifting efforts some extra edge: this coach-approved toolkit can help you push a plate further

MANE PLAYER

Lion’s mane –a gourmet mushroom hailed as a ‘miracle supplement’ –is rising in popularity for its brain- and body-boosting benefits. But are its effects overhyped?

SNATCH AND RUN

Taking a weight from the ground and explosively pulling it skywards switches on nearly every muscle in your body. If you could only perform one movement, the dumbbell snatch might be the one

Elevate your kicks

On and Loewe’s new Cloudtilt 2.0 trainers are leading the race for comfort-first fashion

The expert guide to a near-flawless smile

A-list gnashers may be out of your budget – and frankly a little creepy – but you don’t need to remortgage the house in the pursuit of brighter, whiter teeth. These pro pointers will make all the difference. Now that’s something to grin about

Time moves fast

From sailing and skiing to motorsport, racing has long captivated the watch industry. These six timepieces set the pace as true frontrunners

Hot spots

Legally, virtually all of the UK’s coastline is open for swimming. With rivers, as a general rule, if they are navigable, you’re allowed to swim unless there are specific restrictions – around locks, for example. With lakes, the rules aren’t clear-cut, but if you access them from public land or you have the landowner’s permission, you should be okay. In Scotland, the right to roam makes river and lake access more straightforward. There is good advice here: outdoorswimmingsociety.com/is-it-legal

THE LONG MARCH HOME

Only 2,661 parkruns to go... one man’s 518-day mission to run from Cape Town to London, following in the footsteps of early human migration

Ben Carpenter

The coach, author and social media star on building healthy habits that last –and why willpower isn’t always the answer

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