Home//Men's Health/May 2014/In This Issue
Men's Health|May 2014Your To-Do List23 FRI X-Men: Days of Future Past opens. It’s a mind-bending prequel-sequel mashup with time travel—in 3D. (Just roll with it.) Wolverine clearly plays a key role because Hugh Jackman’s body doesn’t age. See how he does it in our June issue, on sale May 20.3 SAT Use the Kentucky Derby as an excuse to revive the cocktail party—and to reassert a man’s right to look sharp. You’ll wear a summer suit (see page 58), and she’ll wear a dress. Later, she can leave the hat on.11 SUN Flowers make a woman truly smile, say scientists at the Human Emotions Laboratory at Rutgers University. That must mean they’ll work on moms too. It’s Mother’s Day, so we suggest you deliver those blooms to her in person.5 MON He’s been shot,…1 min
Men's Health|May 20142-SECOND LIFESAVERS1 DO THE NEW HEART MATH Knowing your max heart rate is critical for doing high-intensity training safely and efficiently, but the common formula, 220 minus your age, can be off by as much as 15 beats. Now scientists in Norway have come up with a formula that yields a much more accurate number: 211 -(your age × 0.64).Jordan Metzl, M.D., sports medicine physician, Hospital for Special Surgery, NYC; author, The Exercise Cure2 CELEBRATE GREEK WEEK Eating yogurt can cut your diabetes risk by up to 24 percent, a study from the University of Cambridge suggests. People who ate at least four and a half 4-ounce servings a week were least likely to develop the disease. The researchers say the probiotic and vitamin K content in yogurt may play a…1 min
Men's Health|May 2014Beer Goggles, Explained1 / BOTTOMS UP!Seconds after the mug touches your lips, alcohol molecules slide down your throat and into your stomach. From there they enter your duodenum—a section of your small intestine that’s the gateway to your bloodstream and, subsequently, your brain.2 / SIGNALS GO FUZZYWithin minutes of your first sip, alcohol molecules pass from your brain’s capillaries (tiny blood vessels) into surrounding cells. Levels of choline, a chemical that helps signals move around your brain, go down.3 / YOU FEEL A NICE BUZZAlcohol makes you take more risks by suppressing activity in your brain’s frontal cortex, its checksand-balances system. It also spikes dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and desire. You crave more booze and some booty.4 / YOU LOSE FOCUSAs the drinks are loosening your inhibitions, the alcohol is…1 min
Men's Health|May 2014Paging Dr. PepperGo ahead—pile on the jalapeños. Eating hot peppers may reduce your risk of diabetes, according to a Chinese study. After reviewing study participants’ pepper consumption and then measuring their insulin resistance in lab tests, the scientists found that people who reported eating the spiciest peppers had better insulin response than those who avoided the hot stuff. The vitamin C in the fiery peppers may boost a type of dietary iron that is key for insulin regulation, the researchers say. Per gram, raw green chiles have more vitamin C than oranges.16 Percentage of guys ages 20 to 39 who eat pizza on any given day. (People average 744 calories of pie on days they eat pizza.) Source: USDANet More NutrientsStarting in May, it’s wild salmon season. Here’s how the varieties you…1 min
Men's Health|May 2014Bulletins/Weight LossTHE TRUTH ABOUT DIETSSome slimdown plans shrink your belly; others will simply thin out your wallet. Start by filling up on the latest research.Blood Type DietsThese eating plans are prescribed based on whether you’re A, B, AB, or O. They don’t work, Canadian research con firms. Yes, different plans produced different results, but those results had nothing to do with blood type.Mediterranean DietA recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that people who spent 10 years on the diet—which is big on nuts, fish, and olive oil as well as fruits and vegetables—gained less belly fat than those who didn’t follow the plan.New Nordic DietIt emphasizes berries, root vegetables, herbs, cabbage, mushrooms, legumes, and potatoes, along with nuts, whole grains, meats, and fish. The result: an average…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014How to Build Monster Muscle“I weighed 175 pounds in Kick-Ass 2. For Godzilla, I was pushing 190.” Turn the page to learn how he added lizard-kicking muscle.AARON TAYLOR-JOHNSON LETS OUT A ROAR. It sounds like a cross between the growl of a bear protecting her cubs and a whale’s mating call. It’s loud and menacing, and just about everybody in this Japanese toy store turns to stare at him. Taylor-Johnson is trying to demonstrate how he manufactured genuine-looking terror for his role in Godzilla, a new big-budget take on the sci-fi classic, opening May 16. He plays a Navy lieutenant who’s trying to return home to his wife when his journey is cut short by a certain large, mutant lizard. During filming, Taylor-Johnson had no actual monster to react to—Godzilla was added later via…10 min
Men's Health|May 2014Fill Up Muscle Up Fire UpAFTER THREE YEARS IN THE NBA, Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert noticed a vexing trend. “Over the course of each season, my strength and energy would drop,” he says.So he called in a professional—nutritionist Mike Roussell, Ph.D., who’s also a Men’s Health advisor. Roussell’s first tip? Eat more. Hibbert was shocked. “Mike had me eating more food than I ever have in my life,” he says.In place of his usual two or three giant meals, Hibbert switched to six 800-calorie portions a day, focusing on lean protein (like skirt steak or chicken) with minimally processed carbs (like oatmeal) at breakfast and after training.You may not need as much food as a 7’2" professional athlete does, but you should still aim to take in 30 percent of your daily calories from…1 min
Men's Health|May 2014Lose It with GraceWHEN YOU HAD IT, YOU TOOK it for granted. But now that it’s gone, you want it back. (Typical guy thing, right?) That longing for the lush mane of youth leads many men to make a major mistake: They grow out what they have to compensate for what they’re lacking. “The shorter you crop the hair,” says Adam Marino, a barber at Mister Brown’s in San Diego, “the smaller the spotlight you put on your bald areas.” Trying to hide something comes off as desperate. You don’t see guys like Jason Statham or Matt Lauer with a comb-over, do you? The difference between them and, say, Donald Trump is that those strong, stylish men embrace their baldness and manage to focus your attention on their charisma, not their dome. And…3 min
Men's Health|May 2014Conquer Yard Work with BeerThe quicker your outdoor chores are finished, the sooner you can kick back and enjoy life. Here’s your guide to making short work of those household time sucks.Slugs and snails are chowing down on your garden.Buy ’em a beer. Bury a few empty jars or used cans so their tops are flush with the soil. Now fill them with beer—preferably not that rare ale you brought back from Belgium. See, like you, slugs find some of the compounds created during beer fermentation pretty great. And when they go for a sip, they’ll slip in and drown.You didn’t cover your grill, and now it’s rusted over.Don’t waste your hardearned dough on a new grill; you can refurbish yours in about 20 minutes. First, remove the handles and trim pieces. Then buff…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014Clean a Fish FastYou hooked a walloping walleye! (Okay, a passable perch. Okay, a tiny trout.) Now what? Hank Shaw, author of Hunt, Gather, Cook, helps you reel it into the kitchen in time for dinner.1 STRIP THE SCALESGrab a butter knife and cutting board and go outside. Flop the fish onto the board and hold its head steady with your nondominant hand. With your free hand, position the blade’s dull side perpendicular to the fish. Using firm strokes, scrape from tail to head. (Scales will fly!) Flip it and repeat.2 SLICE IT OPENGo back inside, rinse the fish, and grab a thin, flexible knife. Holding the fish the same way as before, insert the knife tip into the slit between the belly and rear fins. Work the blade toward the head until…4 min
Men's Health|May 2014LESS TEXT, MORE SEXMY FIANCÉE, MEGHAN, AND I USED TO CHEAT ON EACH OTHER ALL THE TIME. WHEN we were together, our eyes wandered. Couples around us were doing the same thing. Odds are, you’re also guilty. The other partner: that sexy, always-willing smartphone.Just how widespread is this epidemic of technological indiscretion? Nearly seven out of 10 people between the ages of 18 and 34 can’t go longer than an hour without checking their phones. And in many cases they’re sneaking that peek while they’re with other people, according to a 2012 survey by mobile device security company Lookout.Meghan and I were part of the problem. I’d check in to our favorite bar on Foursquare and use Untappd to rate the beer I bought—all before sliding into a booth to talk with her.…6 min
Men's Health|May 2014ZAP FAT FASTLearn to look past calorie counting and unleash the full fatburning potential of your metabolism.WHEN MOST OBESITY RESEARCHERS LOOK AT a plate of food, they see macronutrients—carbs, proteins, and fats. Not Randy Seeley, Ph.D., a professor of endocrinology at the University of Cincinnati and the director of the Cincinnati Diabetes and Obesity Center. Seeley sees something else: cocktails of hormones.“Food is more than just calories,” Seeley says. “It can also act like hormones, activating genetic switches that trigger bodywide reactions.” These reactions, in turn, can lead to metabolic upshifts and downshifts that affect fat burning and fat storage. Seeley’s recent article in the journal Science details some of these cascading effects, which can be set off by specific amino acids, fats, and fiber. The important question, he says, is this:…6 min
Men's Health|May 2014THE 2014 FITNESS AWARDSWHEN IT COMES TO GETTING IN SHAPE, Americans have plenty of options—countless fitness “geniuses,” hundreds of workout systems, and an endless array of exercise tools. Which ones deserve your attention? To find out, we can - vassed the experts and tested mountains of gear to come up with the 40 products, trainers, and trends that can improve your fitness right now.Best Fitness ChallengeOBSTACLE RACESParticipation in events like Urbanathlon, Tough Mudder, and Spartan has ballooned from 40,000 in 2010 to more than 1.5 million in 2012. The reason: Few other competitions embody a more perfect combination of endurance, strength, athleticism, and fun. And thanks to their grueling fitness obstacles, they’re also more demanding (and appealing) than the average 10K.Best Independent GymTYLER ENGLISH FITNESSTyler English is a champion bodybuilder, so you might…7 min
Men's Health|May 201412 Dreams You Can Actually Afford1/GREAT SEATS AT HOME GAMES“DURING COLLEGE, MY BUDDIES AND I USED TO watch Knicks games at local bars. After graduation, my friend Alex signed up for season tickets, and soon I went in with him and two other guys. These were the glory years of the ’90s. The four of us went to a lot of games—it was a big part of my social life.1 When you’re invested in the regular season, you see history being made, like Linsanity or Carmelo Anthony’s 62-point game. We’ve had so many memorable nights that will stay with us forever. Obviously we share a love for the Knicks, but our real commitment is to one another. Now we all have significant others, and most of us have kids. We still buy season tickets, but…11 min
Men's Health|May 2014THE SIX-PACK SANDBLASTERSure, there’s a chill in the air. But beach season is right around the corner. Shed fat, build strength, and sculpt a stomach you’re proud to show shirtless—fast!—with this fourweek, total-body muscle plan.POWER POINTS: FRONT SQUATMost guys avoid the front squat. “Holding a bar across the front of your shoulders is more difficult than holding it across your upper back,” says Todd Durkin, C.S.C.S. Here’s why you should do it anyway: You’ll put less stress on your spine and more emphasis on your quads. And since it’s harder than a regular barbell squat, you can achieve the same muscle-building results with less weight. “That will also allow you to focus more on proper form,” says Durkin. Here are four key steps to mastering it.Don’t Grip the BarThe bar should rest…6 min
Men's Health|May 2014MOM.DEAR MOM: FIRST OFF, I’M SORRY I HAVEN’T CALLED. YOU KNOW HOW IT IS WITH WORK AND THE KIDS’ schedules. Just know that I’ve been thinking about you a lot. And not just because I haven’t bought you a Mother’s Day card yet. I’ll remember a funny story, or your smile or scowl. It’s all good. And, of course, how you sacrificed your dreams—settling in a town you wanted to leave, running a business you despised—so that I could live mine.This makes me sad. And grateful. Every day. I also feel more than a little guilty, because I know I’m not great at keeping in touch. The funny thing is, it’s kind of your fault. Of all the lessons you’ve taught me over the years, this one resonates most: “Never…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014Java JunkiesSEATTLE GETS ALL THE BUZZ FOR BEING JAVA CENTRAL, BUT it was bumped out of the top spot in our rankings by Portland. No, not Seattle’s neighbor down I-5, but Portland, Maine. Apparently, folks there were hooked early and hard: In the run-up to the American Revolution, New Englanders’ famous resistance to paying steep taxes on tea encouraged them to embrace the brown bean instead, explains Sandy Oliver, a New England food historian and the author of Maine Home Cooking. Of course, this corner of the nation also gave rise to a more recent coffee revolution: All those Keurig machines? You can credit (or blame) Green Mountain Coffee Roasters in Vermont.—ALEXIS WNUKBean Fiends1 PORTLAND, ME2 MANCHESTER, NH3 BURLINGTON, VT4 PORTLAND, OR5 ALBUQUERQUE, NM6 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO7 RENO, NV8 SAN FRANCISCO,…3 min
Men's Health|May 2014Bulletin / healthA STATE OF EMERGENCYDial 911 from anywhere, and you know you’re calling the cavalry. But what comes next can vary by locale: The American College of Emergency Physicians reports that the availability of quality emergency care in America has declined over the past five years, with some states doing better than others (see map). If you do land in an ER, be safe by describing your symptoms in as much detail as possible, says James Augustine, M.D., an Ohio-based emergency care physician. And if a question pops into your mind, ask it, he says. “That helps the staff make sure they’re solving the problems and not causing new ones.”DO YOU REALLY NEED MORE T?Before you accept a diagnosis of low T, make sure it isn’t your doctor’s judgment that’s out…2 min
See Also
1998 v44 No 1 SpringMen's Health|May 2014Bulletins/CardioA Stroke of GeniusWant to be a pool shark? Researchers in Portugal who tracked elite swimmers confirm what you may have guessed: Longer, more frequent strokes are key to swimming faster. The secret is technique, says University of Michigan swim coach Mike Bottom. To lengthen and speed up your stroke, he says, rotate your shoulders and hips as you reach forward. “Try to roll your body from side to side.” The result is less drag, longer and stronger strokes, and more speed.Progression RunWhat It IsA running session that starts at a comfortable pace and then speeds up over set intervals.Why It WorksIt trains your body and mind for the demands of increasing effort during a race, says Jeff Gaudette, head coach at RunnersConnect.net. It’s also a great way to learn…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014Sofia VergaraFive things you need to know about women, according toFirst impressions lead to bed.“Once I meet a guy, I know immediately if I want something sexy with him. It’s never happened that I’ve known a person and then after six months I’m attracted. On a first date, you already know about the chemistry—at that point, you’re just trying to figure out his personality.”We don’t have a specific type.“I’ve liked short guys; now I like tall ones. I’ve been with fit guys, guys who aren’t fit; attractive guys, and guys who aren’t. A man should be interesting—not perfect. Sexiness is not about a perfect body or beautiful face. It’s a quality.”With gifts, we hate surprises.“There is nothing more upsetting for a man than to buy a woman something expensive that she…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014THE GIRL NEXT DOORShe always wants us to hit the lingerie shop at the mall. If I resist, she gets mad. Why? AARON, BOISE, IDThink, Aaron. Why does she want you there? So you can tell her what turns you on! Do you like the thong? The cheeky shorts? Lace? Leather? Lingerie shopping is foreplay, and when you turn her down, you’re saying it’s too much effort. So show some guts, enter pantyland, and let your girl know how hot she’d look in that studded corset.My girlfriend and I split up. Would it be petty to unfollow her on my social media accounts? ANDY, PHILADELPHIA, PA Not at all. I recommend it, in fact. The last time I went through a serious breakup, my ex and I unfollowed each other almost immediately after…3 min
Men's Health|May 2014JIMMY THE BARTENDERI’ve noticed guys checking out my girlfriend right in front of me. Should I speak up? FRED, PORTLAND, MEWhat, and give those creeps an opportunity to impress her by knocking you flat on your back? I’ve seen guys fight over women a hundred times—and each time, both parties end up looking like idiots. But if you stay cool in the face of a drooling horndog, you’ll show your girl why she’s with you. So say nothing to an ogler. Just give the lady a kiss, and remind yourself who’s taking her home.My mom keeps trying to set me up with women. How do I make her stop? ZACK, LOS ANGELES, CAYou can find a girlfriend or become a monk. Listen, as much as Ma the Matchmaker may be dreaming of…4 min
Men's Health|May 2014Seduce Her with SudsHelp dissolve your sweetheart’s stress with this four-step relaxation plan from Dee Patel, assistant general manager and bath concierge (yeah, that’s right) at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.BRING THE HEAT Temperature preferences can be subjective, but 92°F is perfect for most people. If you have no thermometer, you can use the inside of your wrist to make sure the water’s hot (but not too hot). Your fingers are not as sensitive.USE GOOD SCENTS Reach for some lavender bath oils and salts; studies show that this scent has a relaxing effect. Try Ahava Lavender Bath Salt ($22, ahavaus.com). Or in a pinch, you can also go with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add half of it while the water is running.GET HER WET Fill the tub to within 6 inches…3 min
Men's Health|May 2014CAN YOU HEAR HER NOW?Not all technology disrupts relationships. Try these tactics to gain a stronger connection.SNAPCHAT HERGo ahead, send her a goofy picture. (No, not that kind of goofy picture.) When you’re apart, photographs beat text messages for sharing spontaneous moments, says media scholar Jesse Fox, Ph.D., of Ohio State University. “And they show that you’re thinking about her.” Sending short videos will work too, Fox says.STORYBOARD YOUR TRIPS“Couples often discuss future plans together, but they naturally forget some things,” Fox says. When you decide on your next vacation, create a Pinterest board or Google Doc and fill it with images and links about what you’d like to do on the trip. “It’ll add excitement and demonstrate your commitment,” Fox says.CUT THE DISTANCEPhone calls only communicate so much, Fox says. “When you see…1 min
Men's Health|May 2014DELIVER YOUR LIVER FROM EVILAFTER MY FIRST DAUGHTER WAS BORN, I KNEW I had to make a change. Suddenly, at age 32, I was responsible for another human being. I needed to get serious about my health, or at least have a contingency plan in case something went really wrong with it. Life insurance seemed like the less painful of those two options.Then my insurance agent called. There was a problem. As part of the application process, my wife and I had to undergo thorough physicals, including blood and urine tests. My blood pressure, cholesterol, fasting glucose, and all the other hallowed health numbers were deemed well within range. Only one result was an eyebrow raiser: My liver enzymes came in at three times the normal limit.Feeling an unsettling mix of alarm and bewilderment,…7 min
Men's Health|May 2014Want a Side of Lies With That?A WAITER DELIVERING A MENU TO YOUR TABLE IS LIKE YOUR crazy ex sending you an apologetic e-mail: It’s more of a threat than a gift. And we’re more at risk of that threat than ever.Temptation is everywhere. Not only are there as many restaurants in the United States as there are people in Boston, but the number of eateries here grew by 4,179 between 2012 and 2013, according to data from the NPD Group, a market research firm. What’s more, the average guy spent 20 percent more when out to eat in 2011 than he did in 2001, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And you eat more calories and less nutritious meals when dining out, the USDA reports.You’re allowed to slide into a diner booth after…10 min
Men's Health|May 2014When Robo-Docs Go HaywireWHAT’S WRONG WITH ROBOTIC SURGERYTHEY WERE SUPERHUMAN MACHINES. PATIENTS DEMANDED THEM. DOCS SIGNED ON. THEN THE RESULTS CAME IN.CHARLES WHITLOW NEVER THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT ROBOTS. THEN A TUMOR GREW ON HIS PROSTATE.Whitlow just wanted to be rid of the diseased gland and return to running the Dirt Road BBQ, his burger-and-catfish house off County Road 388 in Cusseta, Alabama. His doctor had begun performing surgery with something called the da Vinci Surgical System, a $1.5 million apparatus that promised the precision of a human surgeon and the arms of a Transformer. Instead of stooping over an operating table, a surgeon using this device sits at a video console, using joystick-type controls and foot pedals to cut, excise, and repair. With small incisions, minimal blood loss, easier access to body cavities,…14 min
Men's Health|May 2014A Weight-Loss Expert’s TipsThe question David Katz, M.D., M.P.H., hears most often is, “What’s the best diet for weight loss?” His answer: The diet you can stick with. “You can’t strongarm your way through meals you hate in the long term,” says Dr. Katz, the director of Yale University’s Prevention Research Center and author of Disease-Proof. “You need to find healthy stuff you enjoy.” He suggests filling half your plate with produce, a quarter with whole grains or legumes, and a quarter with protein. Of course, dropping pounds also requires an exercise plan you can sustain, ideally for 30 minutes every day. “You’ll be lean and net a huge reduction in your risk of diabetes and heart disease,” he says.Fill Up Smarter“Your satiety threshold—the amount of food you need in order to feel…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014Run Again, SafelyYOUR BODY, DISSECTED by T.E. Holt, M.D.Why do my eyes twitch when I’m stressed-out? HARRY, TAMPA, FLThis phenomenon is called blepharospasm (from the Greek word for “eyelid”) and belongs to a large class of conditions called dystonias (Greek for “bad tension”), in which muscles contract involuntarily. Generally, anything that increases nerve activity (like stress or caffeine) or lowers a muscle’s sensitivity to a stimulus (like fatigue or eyestrain) can bring it on. The eyes may not be a window to the soul, but they’re a dead giveaway to an unhealthy lifestyle. Applying a warm compress can help boost bloodflow and raise the stimulus threshold, but most cases of blepharospasm clear up on their own. Call your doctor if you notice discharge from or pain in your eye, vision changes, or…4 min
Men's Health|May 2014STICK IT TO FATNothing beats diet and exercise, but for a weight-loss boost, lend an ear. Research from South Korea suggests that ear acupuncture may help you shed pounds. Study participants wore tacklike needles on five acupuncture points in alternating ears constantly for eight weeks. By the end, their BMI had dipped by 6 percent—a greater drop than that seen in a control group on the same diet and exercise regimen. The ear pricks, targeted at points traditionally linked to modulation of the stomach, spleen, and endocrine system, may have had an appetite-suppressing effect, although more research is needed, the scientists say. To find a certified acupuncturist, go to nccaom.org.…1 min
Men's Health|May 2014Bulletins / MuscleBlow Up Your MusclesA simple breathing drill called “the Lewit” may protect your lower back from injury, say researchers at the University of Waterloo. They found that the exercise, which focuses on forceful “power breathing,” substantially stiffens the entire abdominal wall. “Using the Lewit as a corrective exercise can help you maintain a safer neutral back posture during moves like the deadlift and kettlebell swing,” says study coauthor Stuart McGill, Ph.D. “That’s because it trains all your abdominal muscles to better stabilize your spine and pelvis, focusing the movement at your hips, not your lower back.” Try it! See below.HOW TO DO IT Lie on your back on the floor and bend both your hips and your knees 90 degrees, keeping a natural arch in your lower back. Now simply…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014Bulletins/SexLet Her Handle ThisTalk it out, people. During sex, many women are hesi tant to ask for clitoral stimulation or to stimulate themselves, although men would love both options. In a Canadian study, men in a male-only focus group had an “extremely positive” reaction to the idea of a woman asking for stimulation or touching herself. But in their own focus group, women said they feared hurting the guy’s self-esteem, says author Claire M.A. Salisbury, M.Sc. The fix: Encourage her!55 Percentage of women in online personal ads who say they prefer to date only men who are taller than they are Source: Journal of Family IssuesBLUE BALLS: A DEFENSEInstinct can backfire. Putting off first-time sex may benefit your love life in the long run, a study in the Journal of…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014Punch Up Your BrunchARock the FoundationWhen selecting your bread, prioritize texture. The nooks and crannies of an English muffin help sop up yolk and sauce, but so do baguette slices, rustic whole grain breads, biscuits, and corn bread. Whatever you choose, toast it carefully: Untoasted bread can become soggy, while a heavily toasted slice absorbs like a roofing shingle (that is, hardly at all).BImprove the ProteinCanadian bacon makes a classic Benedict, but it’s not your only option or even the best one. Swap in pulled pork, Italian sausage patties, fresh chorizo, or salami seared in a dry skillet until crisp. Or go with seafood: Smoked salmon and seared mahi mahi stand up well to hollandaise. Keep the protein layer about ¼ inch thick—any more could overpower the dish.CTuck In Some GreensBitter produce offers…4 min
Men's Health|May 2014Guns in 60 SecondsYOUR GOAL 1 NEGATIVE DIP, 1 NEGATIVE CHINUPYOU LIFT WEIGHTS, SURE, BUT YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER PAID MUCH attention to lowering them. So start now: Eccentric training, which involves focusing on the lowering (or “negative”) phase of an exercise, can potentially trigger greater strength gains than concentric (liftingfocused) training, says Ellington Darden, Ph.D., author of the new book The Body Fat Breakthrough (bodyfatbreakthrough.com/mh). “Your muscles can handle more weight during the lowering phase,” Darden says. “And if you draw out that phase to a minute, as you will with the negative dip and negative chinup, you can recruit up to 40 percent more muscle fibers and enjoy a surge in muscle-building hormones.” The result: more power and strength in significantly less time.—MICHAEL EASTERNegative ChinupGrab the bar using a shoulder-width, underhand grip…3 min
Men's Health|May 2014Avoid an Emotional MeltdownFRUSTRATIONA friendly dinner with Dad erupts into shouting.THE REMEDY Tell your dad his opinions are valid. That statement alone can keep heads cool, says Daniel Post Senning, coauthor of Emily Post’s Etiquette.NEXT TIME Ask more questions so your dad has a chance to explain himself. If tempers flare anyway, give him the last word and drop it.IMPATIENCEA waiter forgets your drink, and you rip into him.THE REMEDY Apologize to the waiter and your tablemates, and then be sure to leave a generous tip, says Lauren M. Bloom, author of The Art of the Apology.NEXT TIME Don’t let your annoyance fester. Seek out your server right away so you can politely explain the problem.JEALOUSYHer ex calls just to say hi, and you act like she cheated.THE REMEDY Own up to your…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?The MasterpieceComplications aren’t usually good things. But to your jeweler, they’re code for coveted bells and whistles that elevate a basic timekeeper to a work of perfection. In the market for an heirloom? Look for one of these high-end extras.PERPETUAL CALENDARSimple idea, serious effort. “A full calendar movement takes years to develop and over 500 hours to assemble,” says Steven Leed, co-president of Royal Jewelers in Andover, Massachusetts.WORLD TIME AND GMTThese functional features add a touch of worldliness and sophistication, even if you’re not a pilot or a frequent flier. The watch on this page shows the time in the world’s eight major stock exchanges.TOURBILLONImagine an engine the size of a watermelon seed housed inside a spinning cage that floats atop your watch dial. This balance wheel compensates for the…3 min
Men's Health|May 2014THE EASY WAY TO ELEVATE EVERY MEALThe difference between a good meal and a superb one is a strong finish. With the right moves, you too can brush with greatness.FEAR NOT THE SAUCE. CONTRARY TO the closely held conviction of toquetopped French chefs, these flavor enhancers don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sauces also don’t require labor-intensive stocks, fussy emulsions, or copious quantities of calorie-heavy cream. Heck, you don’t even need a pantry stocked with obscure ingredients. In short, a delicious sauce does not have to be a pain in your ass. We asked five celebrated chefs to share the secrets of their favorite simple sauces. Happily, they obliged. Follow their lead. Get saucy.1 The HerbSauceDespite their modest appearance, fresh herbs can provide a sturdy backbone for sauces. Just make sure you use enough of…4 min
Men's Health|May 20145 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR LIVER ALIVEWith proper care and feeding, it can last you a lifetime.1 TAKE A LOAD OFFIt’s time to start counting belt holes. If you’re overweight or obese, shedding pounds can reduce inflammation and improve insulin resistance, markers linked to a greater risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Your goal Make sure your body mass index never exceeds 23, the number that researchers in Taiwan say is ideal for avoiding NAFLD. That’s 160 pounds for a 5’10" guy, although a well-muscled man can safely weigh more.2 MODIFY YOUR MENU Your liver breaks down fats and carbs and filters toxins out of your blood. In other words, it has the difficult task of dealing with all the crap you put into your body. You can make its job infinitely easier by eating a…2 min
Men's Health|May 2014MEET YOUR MATCHTHERE’S A CUTE GUY WHO IS ALWAYS AT THE GYM WHEN I AM. I’LL STEAL A GLANCE AT HIM IN THE MIRROR, watching his biceps bulge as he bangs out reps. Sometimes I’ll catch him checking me out in my tank top and shorts. They’re fairly microscopic and I’m fairly fit, so I can’t really blame him. There are electric moments when we catch each other looking, and we both smile. When he sees a meathead making a pass at me, I’m pretty sure he gets a laugh. Maybe he even gets a thrill—because he’s going home with me. And I can hardly wait.Frank and I used to work out separately. But once we combined gym memberships (marriage will do that), I realized we’d been missing out on a full…11 min
Men's Health|May 2014All the FixingsThe blueprint for a man’s relationship with home improvement.19% Number of men who can never find the right tool when it’s needed1 in 5 Number of men with “nail gun” at the top of their tool wish list6 Percentage of amateurs who can’t even ID an Allen wrench. (C’mon, man.)3 in 4 Percentage of women who think every guy should own a power drill62 Percentage of guys who credit their old man for their DIY know-how45 Percentage who skip the step-bystep instructions and just wing it68 Percentage who’d be lost without YouTubePercentage of guys who say they know how to. . . Change a light fixture 90 Unjam a disposal unit 77 Reinsulate an attic 75 Install crown molding 61 Hang kitchen cabinets 58 Lay carpeting 402 in 3 Number…3 min
