Mens Journal

This morning, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to legalize recreational use of cannabis in New York. This legislation makes New York the 15th state, along with the District of Columbia, to make marijuana use legal.

 

 

The New York measure allows the use of 3 ounces of cannabis and 24 grams of concentrated cannabis products. It also allows for the growth of up to six pot plants at home. If you’re looking to purchase weed legally, you’ll find that dispensaries are a year or two from opening their doors.

The Truth About Drugs and Violence in the Amazon Read article

The new legislation will also address racial disparities in the enforcement of marijuana laws. New York Police Department arrest records in 2020 showed Black and Latino New Yorkers combined for 94 percent of marijuana-related arrests. Meanwhile, a 2015-2016 NYC Health survey showed 24 percent of white New Yorkers reporting cannabis use versus 14 percent of Black residents and 12 percent of Latino residents. As part of the bill, some marijuana-related convictions will automatically be expunged.

“I saw such injustice going on, and for young people whose lives were being destroyed for doing something I did when I was a kid,” said New York State Senator Liz Krueger, one of the bill’s sponsors.

Annual tax revenues from the sale of marijuana could be more than $300 million dollars yearly. To be clear, Colorado which legalized weed in 2012 already passed 1 billion dollars in tax revenues. In New York state, 40 percent of tax revenue will go to minority communities. In addition, the legislation will fund efforts to reduce risk of pot use in school kids and study the effect of cannabis use on driving.

“This is a historic day in New York, one that rights the wrongs of the past by putting an end to harsh prison sentences, embraces an industry that will grow the Empire State’s economy, and prioritizes marginalized communities so those that have suffered the most will be the first to reap the benefits,” Cuomo said in a statement.

As of today, you can smoke pot publicly in New York wherever you can smoke tobacco.

The post New York Legalizes Recreational Marijuana appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3mbf9hS
via

3 Hydration Supplements to Supercharge Your Summer Workouts

Water isn't always enough. Our fitness community recommends these multi-benefit products to replenish the nutrients you lose in sweat and actually make you look forward to hydrating!

from Bodybuilding.com Articles https://ift.tt/30TpqGz
via IFTTT

Mens Journal

Looking for a full-body workout that benefits your ticker, tones your muscles, torches serious calories, and goes easy on joints? Then it’s time to befriend the humble-yet-mighty rowing machine—the low-impact workout we could all afford to do more often. Below, the best rowing machines of 2021 to add to your home gym.

 

 

Best Home Rowing Machines of 2021

Life Fitness Row HX Trainer Courtesy Image

1. Life Fitness Row HX Trainer

If you’re looking for something that could (almost) pass as industrial-inspired art in your living room, then here’s your best bet. Crafted with natural wood and a tempered steel frame, the Row HX makes use of a so-called Fluid Technology resistance system for a smooth rowing experience (read: consistent resistance with every stroke you take). This rower is also the featured rower for all Apple Fitness+ rowing classes, making it ideal for Apple Watch users. Relative to rowers with smartscreens, it’s obviously low-tech in that regard (though a worthwhile aesthetic win for many), but it does feature a phone holder if you’d like to stream a show or workout while you crank away. Bonus: It’s less than seven-feet tall when stored vertically, and its compact design makes it easy to move on your own.

[$1,499; lifefitness.com]

Get it

The Best Pullup Bars for a Killer At-Home Workout Read article

Ergatta Rower Courtesy Image

2. Ergatta Rower

Fitness data junkies will go bonkers for this “gaming-inspired” connected rower that’s beloved by newcomers to the sport and seasoned rowers alike. Handmade in Rhode Island with handsome cherry wood, the Ergatta creates rowing workouts based on your personal profile and fitness goals, giving you insights on your current split, intensity level, distance rowed, and more, as you follow along on a 17.3-inch touchscreen. When you’re up for a challenge, try a head-to-head race against others or try the Race of the Week each Sunday. The rowing machine uses near-silent water resistance technology and can be stored upright in seconds. Monthly membership starts at $29 a month.

[$2,199; ergatta.com]

Get it

Hydrow Courtesy Image

3. Hydrow

Hydrow’s connected rowing experience makes use of a 22-inch HD touchscreen with an embedded camera, a microphone, and HiFi speakers, as top-notch athletes take you on guided rides around the world. (Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and stingrays—yes, really.) Beyond rowing workouts, Hydrow members can partake in a host of challenges, races, and special events. In addition, you can do yoga, Pilates, strength training, and other disciplines. For those living in tight quarters, we also love that the electromagnetic brake makes the machine practically silent, so you won’t disrupt roommates or family members. When not in use, the Upright Storage Kit allows you to store your Hydrow vertically. Worth noting: There’s a $38 monthly subscription fee for Hydrow’s content.

[$2,245; bestbuy.com]

Get it

The 10 Best Pieces Of Chest Exercise Equipment for Home Read article

CITYROW GO Max Courtesy Image

4. CITYROW GO MAX

Your fully immersive fitness experience is just a few taps (on a 19.5-inch sweat-resistant touchscreen) away. Complete with a diverse roster of classes and instructors who always keep your rowing sessions fresh, choose from multiple class formats, lengths, and levels, with real-time metrics displayed as you row. The high-tech rower also lets you track your progress, set weekly goals, and log personal records. Ready to switch things up? Dabble in off-rower classes like yoga, stretching, and strength training. When not in use, store your machine upright to save space. Try the app out with a 14-day free trial; monthly app subscription run from around $24 a month if you buy the yearly subscription, or $29 a month if you prefer to subscribe on a monthly basis.

[$2,195; cityrow.com]

Get it

ProForm 750R Rower Courtesy Image

5. ProForm 750R Rower

This may be a budget buy, but it’s by no means a cheap rower. Expect a first-rate rowing experience that’s virtually silent while in action thanks to the Silent Magnetic Resistance technology, a folding design for compact storage, and iFit connectivity for a slew of instructor-led workouts filmed around the globe, both on the rower and off, such as yoga, strength training, meditation, and more. P.S. The ergonomic, padded seat is one of the most comfortable.

[$600; academy.com]

Get it

The 5 Best Pieces Of Ab Workout Equipment For Your Home Read article

NordicTrack RW900 Courtesy Image

6. NordicTrack RW900

This iFit-connected rower enables automatic adjustments to resistance during your workouts so you don’t have to waste time futzing around with changing it manually. Enjoy the 22-inch HD touchscreen for immersive workouts around the world—like endurance work on Lake Bled in Slovenia, a multi-session English Channel crossing series, or sweating it out along the Charles in Boston. Or, pivot the screen to face a yoga mat or hand weights so you can follow along for off-rower classes. The rower includes a one-year iFit Family membership for up to five user profiles. It’s a $468 value—which is quite the deal considering you’ll have Olympic gold medal-winning rowers among your teacher roster. Fold in half and store upright when you need it out of the way.

[$1,599; nordictrack.com]

Get it

 

Schwinn Crewmaster Rower Courtesy Image

7. Schwinn Crewmaster Rower

An Amazon’s Choice selection, this rower has a basic LCD screen to track your time, strokes, calorie, recovery, and pulse. It has an adjustable console, a comfortable seat, and an ergonomic handle. This rower may not have the bells and whistles of higher end models, but it more than gets the job done. The easy-fold design makes it a breeze to stow the rail vertically when you’re not working out.

[$500; amazon.com]

Get it

The post Best Home Rowing Machines for a Total-Body Workout appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3m2T0Cc
via

Mens Journal

This isn’t going to be a feel-good story about overcoming adversity and achieving a life goal. That reality hits me as I lie in the snow at the bottom of the terrain park and assess the damage. My hip hurts. My knuckles are bloody. My shoulder might be dislocated. This is what happens when you attempt a 360 on skis but only make it 200 degrees around. A snowboarder cruises past me while vaping, landing his own 360 while blowing a cloud in my direction. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what my midlife crisis looks like.

You’ve seen the midlife crisis before. It’s that stage when a man, prompted by a vague sense of dissatisfaction, makes some really bad decisions, like running away with the yoga instructor or buying leather pants. I’ve seen some doozies in my day, but the midlife crisis doesn’t have to set fire to the life you’ve built. It can be a beautiful thing—a transformation from one stage of your life to the next, like a second puberty, but with slightly less masturbation. I’m pushing 45 and I’m determined to use my own middle-age ennui as a catalyst for growth. Yeah, I’m older, but I still want to be a better athlete, a better adventurer, maybe even a better husband and parent. And for me, that journey starts with nailing a 360.

Hit a jump, do one full rotation in the air, land it and ski away. Sounds simple, right?

“It’s a breakthrough moment for a skier,” says Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley. “A rite of passage that separates us. You can do a 360 or you can’t. When you break through to doing a 3, you’ve arrived and you’re in a special group for the rest of your life.”

Fuck, I want to be in that special group, so, I’ve turned to Moseley for help in earning this pivotal move. Turns out, he’ really good at teaching the 3. He actually just taught his son to land his first 3. His son is 10.

Moseley’s iconic mute-grab 360 during his run to gold in men’s freestyle skiing at the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics. Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP/Shutterstock

“I don’t know that I’ve ever taught one to an adult,” he tells me. “I think that’s cool, though. It’s never too late.”

As I pick myself up off the ground from yet another failure, I’m starting to think Moseley is full of shit. Maybe it is too late for me to learn this trick. Thankfully, my shoulder isn’t dislocated, but it hurts like hell. I watch a couple of middle schoolers attempting their own 360s on the edge of the park. They’re no better at it than I am, but when they hit the ground, they bounce back up and giggle. I don’t bounce. I don’t giggle.

At the beginning of the season, Moseley laid out the progression of steps I needed to take to get it done. Throwing a 3 on skis starts with throwing a 3 in tennis shoes. It’s harder than it sounds. Then you move onto throwing a 3 with just your ski boots on. Then you click into your skis and progress through a series of 180s… it’s a relatively safe progression designed to give the skier confidence before moving on to each subsequent step.

The key is to get your weight over your toes, just like you’re doing a box jump. The biggest difference is you have 10 pounds worth of gear on your feet, which makes jumping pretty fucking hard. But I do just fine, session-ing baby jumps and side hits in the park, throwing 180s with aplomb. I send Moseley videos of my progress and he hits me back with nuggets of wisdom, having me drive my elbow through the rotation and launch off of my right foot. Landing a 180 feels good and gives me a certain amount of street cred with the park rats who usually ignore me, but 180 is a long way from 360 degrees and I’m running out of time.

Want to Live Longer? Play Sports Read article

Shutterstock

On the surface, the midlife crisis is about getting out of your comfort zone. Been driving a minivan for the last 20 years? Get a Corvette that can’t haul any children. Been married for a few decades? Spark up a relationship with that barista who doesn’t shave her armpits. Before trying to learn the 360, I hadn’t skied outside of my comfort zone in decades. I can ski hard terrain—I love trees and bumps and steeps and have had some incredible ski adventures in my day. I’d say I’m a good skier, but I haven’t gotten better in years. Maybe decades. The last “trick” I learned was a spread eagle. I think I was 13.

Moseley says most skiers hit a certain level and just plateau. “But you should still have that yearning to improve as an adult.”

It’s easy to lose the drive, though. I blame my children. And work. And trash day and insurance premiums and gutter repairs…by the time you hit your 40s, there’s so much going on in your life that getting better at skiing suddenly seems ridiculous. But it’s not ridiculous, not if it makes you happy. You want to change your life, start with the little things. Wake up earlier. Stop eating French fries. Throw yourself around the snow like the ski gods you grew up admiring.

What a Guy with a Missing Tooth and a Mullet Can Teach You About Living a Better... Read article

Shutterstock

Just be ready for the consequences. I’m in a vicious cycle of attempt, injury, rest, attempt, injury, rest… The tiny muscles around my hips feel like they’re on fire. I can’t sleep on my right side because my shoulder hurts too much. One day, I had to pop off my skis and do yoga at the top of the mountain before I could even do a run. It’s undignified. But I keep at it, throwing myself into the trick with more zest than I’ve pursued anything since I convinced my wife to marry me. I try visualization techniques. I dream about it. I give myself a mantra on the lift up the mountain, repeating “pop and rotate” over and over. I try peer pressure, bringing a friend out to taunt me. Nothing works. I’m stuck at a 180.

The last day of the season for me is a somber affair. It’s cloudy and drizzly. I’m skiing in the Southern Appalachians so the snow is thinning. My shoulder aches, but I give it a go, finding a small jump and hitting one 180 after the other, but eating it hard when I attempt a full 3. I get maybe 220 degrees around but never the full spin. If I had another second in the air, I could make it happen, but the terrain park is closed and this half-ass kicker is the only jump on my small mountain. It becomes obvious that this is going to be a story about failure. About attacking a goal and coming up just a little short. It’s depressing, but Moseley is upbeat.

Local Knowledge: Jonny Moseley on how Squaw Valley shaped his career "You're never good enough at Squaw. And if you're doing something that has been done before, nobody ... Read article

Moseley on the mountain, offering wisdom in doses. Graham Averill

“You’re there,” he says, reminding me that it’s OK to let it go for now. “Failing to achieve a goal sucks, but your mind has a way of figuring things out, even when you’re not practicing. The next time you go for it, you will get it.”

Maybe. But maybe the point of an attempt like this isn’t about success. Maybe it’s about the attempt itself. I’m a better skier now than I was at the beginning of the season. I can’t remember the last time I could honestly say that. I skied more this winter than in years past because I had a tangible goal. More importantly, skiing was fun again. It was dangerous, scary, and fun, because I was trying something new and hard. Isn’t that what I wanted from my midlife crisis, anyway? And I’m going to take what I’ve built this season and attack the 3 again next winter. I might be pushing 45, but I’ve learned that I’m not finished yet. There’s still room to grow and improve. I can still get better.

5 Ways to Be Happier Now, According to a Life Coach Read article

The post Half-Life: Confronting Middle Age With Painful Attempts at Skiing Greatness appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3w9hoGQ
via

Mens Journal

If there’s anything close to the perfect exercise, it’s the pullup. It works the shoulders, arms, and back, and also increases stamina and flexibility. Vary your form, and you can strengthen your core and work other muscle groups that rarely see any action. And you can do them almost anywhere—no gym required. That’s why pullup bars are a home fitness essential.

 

 

What Should You Look For?

These days, home pullup bars are more than just a simple bar across a doorway. They offer variable handholds, adjustable placements, and versatility that will make them a key component to your home workouts. There are a few different types of pullup bars to choose from:

Doorway: These extend the length of a standard door frame. They’re inexpensive and simple. Mounted: These bolt onto either a wall or ceiling, and are generally the most stable kind of pullup bar. They also vary widely in cost. Inexpensive ones can be found for less than fifty bucks; sturdier options can cost several hundred. Tower: Tall, freestanding devices with a stable (and usually somewhat large) footprint. They’re ideal for guys with garages or a dedicated home gym space.

Another key feature: comfortable grips. Your hands will thank you.

If you’re in the market for a pullup bar, our list below covers a variety of styles and price points. Grab one and get to work.

The 15 Best Pullup Variations Read article

OneTwoFit Wall-Mounted Pullup Bar Courtesy Image

Most Versatile: OneTwoFit Wall-Mounted Pullup Bar

For a full-body workout, this option from OneTwoFit is hard to beat. It’s made of heavy-duty steel, can support up to 440 pounds, and features padded back and arm cushions. Better yet, it can be installed either as a dip station or a pullup bar, and you can also add resistance straps or even a punching bag for additional cross training.

[$275; onetwofit.com]

Get it

Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Multi Pullup Bar Courtesy Image

Best Wall-Mounted Pullup Bar: Titan Fitness Wall-Mounted Multi Pullup Bar

Featuring durable 12-gauge steel construction with a non-slip powder-coated finish, this wall-mounted multi-bar from Titan Fitness is built for a lifetime of tough workouts. You won’t get bored, either. Its eight bars allow for nearly unlimited grip choices, and they make it easy to attach gym rings, resistance straps, or suspension trainers like TRX.

[$80; titan.fitness]

Get it

Perfect Multi Gym Sport Courtesy Image

Best Doorway Pullup Bar: Perfect Multi Gym Sport

This pullup bar offers a whole gym’s worth of workouts in just one simple device. Used as a pullup bar, it offers three different grip positions, but you can also throw it on the floor and use it for dips and incline pushups, too. Plus, rubber pads protect your walls, floors, and door trim from scratches while creating a lockdown grip no matter what move you’re doing.

[$35; perfectfitness.implus.com]

Get it

Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mount Pullup Bar Courtesy Image

Best Ceiling-Mounted Pullup Bar: Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mount Pullup Bar

Don’t have the wall or door space for a pullup bar? This ceiling-mounted option is the way to go. Its four ergonomic grip positions and high-density foam make it extra comfortable to use, and the reversible risers can mount below either 16-inch or 24-inch ceiling joists for added installation flexibility.

[$130; ultimatebodypress.com]

Get it

Flybird Doorway Pullup Bar Courtesy Image

Best Adjustable Pullup Bar: Flybird Doorway Pullup Bar

No screws, no drilling, no problem. This bar can be extended from 28.3 inches to 36.2 inches to fit snugly in nearly any doorway. The 360-degree safety locks prevent unwanted rotation, the soft PVC mats on each end keep the bar from slipping, and the padded grip surface is perfect for a wide range of bodyweight exercises.

[$80; flybirdfitness.com]

Get it

Rogue MIL Pullup Station Courtesy Image

Best Freestanding Pullup Bar: Rogue MIL Pullup Station

This rugged freestanding pullup bar is designed to meet military specifications for the Army Combat Fitness Test, so you know it’s ready for your home workout. It comes with an adjustable bar and a detachable step, and the 62 inches of space between the supports create plenty of room for all kinds of exercises (including the “Leg Tuck” event in the Army’s fitness test).

[$375; roguefitness.com]

Get it

Weider Power Tower Courtesy Image

Best Power Tower: Weider Power Tower

If you have the space, a power tower offers maximum versatility. This highly rated option comes with grips and pads for all kinds of bodyweight movements, including dips, incline pushups, and knee raises—a true full-body workout from just one piece of equipment.

[$133; amazon.com]

Get it The 21 Best Bodyweight Exercises Read article

Team Beachbody Chinup Bar Courtesy Image

Best Chinup Bar: Team Beachbody Chinup Bar

Chinups are a great way to get those biceps to bulge just in time for summer. This bar offers multiple grip positions––ranging from close grip to hammer grip––that will target your ‘ceps from multiple angles. It takes just seconds to set up, so you can work up a quick pump any time.

[$60; teambeachbody.com]

Get it

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar Courtesy Image

Best Budget Pick: Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

A simple setup that’ll leave some extra cash in your pocket, this bar from Iron Gym does everything you need. It offers three foam grip positions, doesn’t require extra hardware or permanent installation, and it can even be used on the ground for wide-grip pushups.

[$25; amazon.com]

Get it

Intent Sports Pullup Assist Band System Courtesy Image

Best for Beginners: Intent Sports Pullup Assist Band System

If you need a little boost to get above the bar, this system from Intent Sports delivers. Attach it to any pullup bar and put your feet through the loop at the bottom to offset your body weight while doing pullups. You can adjust the boost (up to 130 pounds) simply by changing the length. It’s a great option to build muscle and confidence as you work up to unassisted pullups.

[$40; intentsports.com]

Get it The 15 Best Bodyweight Exercises for Legs Read article

The post The Best Pullup Bars for a Killer At-Home Workout appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3frjaNt
via

The Top 10 Chest Exercises for Building Muscle

Build your best chest workouts with these 10 muscle-building exercises, and dive into three complete chest workouts for mass!

from Bodybuilding.com Articles https://ift.tt/2rRLksj
via IFTTT

Mens Journal

Having chronic pain can be uncomfortable and unbearable at times. Understandably, you would want to find an effective medication to treat your pain. Luckily for us, CBD is known to be the natural alternative when it comes to treating pain.

They are known to be beneficial in treating many conditions, and most CBD products in the market use very natural ingredients. They help ease the pain without the severe side effects that other prescribed medications may cause.

So, if you’ve never tried CBD products before, the vast range of options might be overwhelming, and you might not know where to start. 

But don’t worry – in this article, we’re going to discuss in detail the best CBD products that can be used to treat pain (and why they’re the best products) and we’ve also compiled a wide range of essential information that you need to know before trying CBD products.

Top 5 CBD Oils for Pain:

Fab CBD Oil – High Quality & Top Rated Cheef Botanicals – Best Value CBDistillery – Best Guarantees  NuLeaf Naturals– Most Potent Joy Organics– Best THC Free

How We Put Together This List of CBD Oils for Pain

Picking the best CBD products can be a little tricky because there are a few aspects that we need to pay attention to so that we can make sure that the products we’d recommend are high quality and safe to use. 

Some things that we did to help create this list of CBD products are:

Extensive Research

We do extensive research. We look into various studies and research conducted by experts and scientists. We use this information and take it into consideration when we pick the products.

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

We browse through the internet and read consumer reviews and recommendations that are available from different websites. We take their opinion into consideration as well because loyal consumers mean that they’re maintaining their high quality.

Brand Research

We take a deeper look into the brand behind the products. It’s important to get a sense of who they are as a brand to further understand their intentions and check the authenticity of their claims by examining their transparency, lab results, and the processes of the CBD extraction.

Product Testing

We also tested various brands to ensure their effectiveness and potency. Trying the products ourselves is the final and most important step to make sure that the product is safe and that they really work.

Top 5 Best CBD Oil For Pain [Reviews]

#1. Fab CBD Oil – High Quality & Top Rated

Fab CBD Overview

Fab CBD is a company that was founded in 2017 with the intention to make a product that can be used by everyone and to make them feel comfortable using CBD. They are definitely one of the most popular brands of CBD products and have a variety of options. Their products are a favorite amongst their consumers because of the fact that they are safe and have high potency.

Another reason this brand is really well-liked amongst the consumers is that they are very transparent in what they do. They actively engage with their customers, along with providing updated lab results that you can access their website—a great brand overall, one that is safe, potent, and natural.

⇒ Visit the Official Website of Fab CBD

Product Highlights:

Full-spectrum CBD oil Has 5 flavor variants Has 4 potencies option Is GMO-free and vegan friendly

Lab Results:

Tested by third-party, ProVerde Laboratories. Results are accessible here.

Product Hemp Source:

Colorado, USA

Product Extraction Type:

Full-spectrum CBD mixture – meaning that it contains all of the complex elements of cannabis, including the THC (the psychotropic element found in Cannabis Sativa).

Ingredients:

This product contains:

Organically grown hemp extract Full-spectrum cannabinoid blend Flavoring from natural sources (unspecified) Terpenes Medium-chain triglycerides (may contain traces of THC <0.3%)

Product Size:

This product has only one size variant available, which is the standard 30mL (or 1 fl. oz).

Flavor Options:

There are quite a few ranges of options of flavor for this product, such as:

Citrus Mint Natural Berry Vanilla

Shipping and Handling:

Free shipping in the USA for orders above $89.

Return Policy:

30-day money-back guarantee.

⇒ Click Here to Get the Best Discount on Fab CBD

#2. Cheef Botanicals – Best Value

Cheef Botanicals Overview

Cheef Botanicals is a company that was founded by a group of health-savvy cannabis aficionados that has over 25 years of experience in the organic food arena. They use hemp grown in Colorado and have made products that are organic and vegan friendly. They don’t use any preservatives or additives.

Many customers have trusted their company because of the fact that they are very natural and user friendly. Their products are at a very good price point for the result that you get. Majorly, consumer prefers using cheef botanicals oils when dealing with anxiety and depression. 

Moreover, Their website is very informative and contains a lot of information on CBD oils and the benefits, and you can also access their lab results through their website.

⇒ Visit the Official Website of Cheef Botanicals

Product Highlights:

Full-spectrum CBD oil Uses natural ingredients Has natural flavors Wide range of potencies

Lab Results:

Tested by third-party, CannaSafe. Results are accessible here.

Product Hemp Source:

Colorado, USA

Product Extraction Type:

Full-spectrum CBD mixture – meaning that it contains all of the complex elements of cannabis, including the THC (the psychotropic element found in Cannabis Sativa).

Ingredients:

This product contains:

Hemp seed oil CBD-rich full-spectrum mixture

Product Size:

This product comes in 3 different sizes, depending on the potencies.

15mL (or 0.5 fl. oz) for 300mg and 600mg 30mL (or 1 fl. oz) for 1200mg 60mL (or 2 fl. oz) for 3000mg

Flavor Options:

This product has no flavor options due to the fact that they contain only natural ingredients.

Shipping and Handling:

Free shipping, around 1-2 business days.

Return Policy:

30-day money-back guarantee.

⇒ Click Here to Get the Best Discount on Cheef Botanicals

#3. CBDistillery – Best Guarantees

CBDistillery Overview

CBDistillery is one of the most reliable and trusted brands when it comes to CBD oil products. They were founded by a group of people from Colorado back in 2016 and flourished ever since. They aim to bring CBD into the world by providing a healthy alternative path to a balanced life.

They are also very transparent to their customers, constantly engaging and updating their processes through social media. They are the company that started the #CBD MOVEMENT, a way to make CBD accessible for anyone and everyone. They are affordable and have a wide range of options for their products.

⇒ Visit the Official Website of CBDistillery

Product Highlights:

Has all types of extracts, CBD Isolates, full-spectrum mixtures and broad-spectrum mixtures product Wide range of potencies Has natural flavors

Lab Results:

Tested by third-party laboratories. Each type of extract was tested at different labs, which are as follows:

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil products are tested by ProVerde Laboratories. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil products have no available information. CBD Isolate products are tested by Botanacor Services.

Product Hemp Source:

Colorado, USA

Product Extraction Type:

They have all of the extraction type products, which are:

Full-spectrum CBD mixture – meaning that it contains all of the complex elements of cannabis, including the THC (the psychotropic element found in Cannabis Sativa). Broad-spectrum CBD mixture – meaning that all the THC elements have been removed from the product. CBD Isolate – That means all the THC elements have been removed from the product and have the purest form of CBD.

Ingredients:

THC-free pure CBD oil (CBD Isolate) Fractionated Coconut Oil CBD from hemp extract Full-spectrum CBD oil Fractionated Coconut Oil Broad-spectrum CBD oil

Product Size:

This product has only one size variant available, which is the standard 30mL (or 1 fl. oz).

Flavor Options:

For full-spectrum CBD, they only have natural flavor. For broad-spectrum CBD, they have the option of citrus flavor. And for CBD isolate, they have no flavor.

Shipping and Handling:

Free shipping in the USA.

Return Policy:

They have a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, or you get your money back, valid only for first-time customers. No returns needed for refund, but these are only available if you purchase their products from their website.

⇒ Click Here to Get the Best Discount on CBDistillery

#4. NuLeaf Naturals: Most Potent

NuLeaf Naturals Overview

NuLeaf Naturals is one of the pioneering CBD product companies that was founded in 2014.  They are to this day still a front-runner in the market. That is due to the fact that their products are highly effective and use only natural ingredients. They are committed to creating safe and effective products that can be used by everyone.

Since they have been around longer and their products are highly effective, they have many positive consumer reviews and hold many loyal customers. Their products are made for both humans and pets. They believe in transparency with their consumers and always keep its product after third-party tests.

⇒ Visit the Official Website of NuLeaf Naturals

Product Highlights:

Product is highly effective Uses only natural ingredients Has a wide range of potencies

Lab Results:

Tested by third-party, Botanacor. Results are accessible here.

Product Hemp Source:

Colorado, USA

Product Extraction Type:

Full-spectrum CBD mixture – meaning that it contains all of the complex elements of cannabis, including the THC (the psychotropic element found in Cannabis Sativa).

Ingredients:

USDA certified organic hemp oil Full-spectrum hemp extract

Product Size:

This product has only one size variant available, which is the standard 30mL (or 1 fl. oz).

Flavor Options:

This product has no flavor options due to the fact that they contain only natural ingredients.

Shipping and Handling:

Free shipping in the US within 2-3 business days. For express shipping (may be an extra cost) 1-2 business days.

Return Policy:

30-day full refund only on new, unused and unopened products.

⇒ Click Here to Get the Best Discount on NuLeaf Naturals 

#5. Joy Organics: Best THC Free

Joy Organics Overview

Joy Organics is a family-owned company founded by Joy Smith and her husband, Todd Smith. They are one of the most popular CBD product companies, and they provide high quality broad-spectrum and an extremely wide variety of products. 

The goal of this company is to develop high quality CBD products with clear innovation and high-quality service. They are really transparent with their customers – their lab results are updated very often, so it’s good to see that they have good quality control.

⇒ Visit the Official Website of Joy Organics Oil

Product Highlights:

THC free products Uses only natural ingredients Wide range of flavors Wide range of potencies

Lab Results:

Tested by third-party regularly, and different products are tested by different labs. These labs include:

PIXIS Labs Botanacor Green Scientific Labs PhytaTech Metrics and Solutions Cloud Labs

Results are accessible here.

Product Hemp Source:

Colorado, USA

Product Extraction Type:

Broad-spectrum CBD mixture – which means all the THC elements have been removed from the product.

Ingredients:

Each flavor contains different ingredients. Here are the details.

For mint flavors, the product consists of:

Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract  Organic Peppermint Essential Oil

For natural flavors, the product consists of:

Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract 

For orange flavors, the product consists of:

Organic MCT Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract  Organic Orange Essential Oil

For lemon flavors, the product consists of:

Organic MCT Phytocannabinoid-Rich Hemp Extract  Organic Lemon Essential Oil

Product Size:

This product has only one size variant available, which is the standard 30mL (or 1 fl. oz).

Flavor Options:

This product has no flavor options due to the fact that they contain only natural ingredients.

Shipping and Handling:

Free shipping on all orders.

Return Policy:

30-day full refund no questions asked.

⇒ Click Here to Get the Best Discount on Joy Organics

How to Determine High-Quality CBD Oil for Pain?

To make sure that the products we recommend are only of high quality, we have several additional defining aspects and details that we look into before we decide to finalize our list. These defining aspects include:

Brand Reputation

As mentioned before, it is important to look into the brand’s reputation and see who the brand is behind the product. Getting an insight into who they are as a brand can tell us a lot about their products.

Lab Results and Transparency

Part of looking at the brand reputation is to see their lab results and transparency. If a brand provides a third-party tested lab result transparently, you can breathe that sigh of relief because you can know for sure that your brand is straightforward and has no secrets to hide.

Product Source

You should always look into where the hemp is grown and produced. This is vital because if a product’s hemp source is grown outside of the US or Europe, it might not be as safe as we expect them to be. Rest assured, if they are grown in the US or Europe, they have followed a strict and specific guideline to make sure that they’re safe to consume.

Type of Extraction Used

This part is important because depending on your needs, you may need different types of extractions. Essentially, there are 3 main types of extractions, which are the full-spectrum extraction, broad-spectrum extraction, and CBD isolates. 

Full-spectrum extraction means that all the complexity of the elements derived from cannabis still remains intact, including THC (the psychotropic element that makes people “high”).  Broad-spectrum extraction means that all the THC in the product has been eliminated. It is pure CBD and it’s the best option for you if you don’t want to risk yourself consuming a low amount of THC. CBD Isolates is similar to a broad-spectrum extraction, only it is actually the purest form of CBD. It has no traces of THC left in the product because the CBD is isolated during the extraction process. CBD Isolates is also a good option for you to try if you want no THC in your product. Product Potency

We also look into the potency of the product, because the more potent it is or the more CBD it contains, therefore, the product will be more effective. Some brands offer various potency options, which is great for those of you who’re just starting out – you can try the lower potency first to adjust to the product and gradually increase it throughout time.

Product Ingredients

It’s also important to check what the ingredients are in the products so that we can make sure that the products don’t use any harmful chemicals. It’s better to opt for CBD products that are organic, and natural because then they’re healthier and safer for you to consume.

Product Size

The size of the product is also something that we look into. Generally, CBD oil products are around 30 mL in size (or 1 fl. oz), but some products do have bigger sizes than that.

Product Taste and Flavor Options

The product taste is an important aspect to look into. If they taste awful, who would want to use them, right? So, we look into the product taste and the types of flavors the brand offers to offer various options for those of you who want to have a product that tastes good.

Shipping and Handling

Brands and companies that are trusted usually have customer-friendly shipping and handling policies. Generally, they would ship for free for orders above a certain amount of the total price.

Return Policy

We also look into this aspect as some people might not be satisfied with the product they bought. Therefore, every brand offers such type of refund policies for consumer benefit.

How Does CBD Oil Help in Pain Management?

Everyone has a system in their body called the endocannabinoid system or the ECS. It’s a cell signaling system that scientists believe to be activated when we consume CBD or THC. The CBD will react to the ECS receptors in your brain that controls many different things like your immune system.

Receptors themselves are small proteins that are on your cells in your body. They receive different signals that can help stimulate your cells. This stimulation can help relieve your pain and help you manage them. 

This is why CBD oils are used to treat many diseases because CBD activates the ECS and it can help treat many different things, including chronic pain. There are top brands in the market that help you deal with it.

The fact is, many Americans suffer from chronic pain. The cause of the pain can vary, from infection, inflammation, or injuries. Sadly, many individuals opt to turn to opioids to help relieve this pain. Opioids are strong painkillers that often can make people dependent on them.

But it’s not like opioids are their first choice, because most physicians actually prescribe it to them. But still, it doesn’t change the fact that it may gradually turn the people consuming them into being dependent on opioids and eventually become addicts. 

Opioids definitely have severe side effects, especially in the long term. When one is consuming opioids, they may get a sense of euphoria and that is what distracts them from the chronic pain that they have. But even then, they affect the brain and body severely. 

According to research, here are some of the possible side effects of opioids in the long run:

Nausea Vomiting Weakened immune system Slower breathing Coma Increased risk of HIV Increased risk of infectious diseases Hallucinations Collapsed veins Clogged blood vessels High risk of choking

The side effects of consuming opioids are so severe that you’re literally slowly killing yourself. That’s why consuming CBD is the absolute healthy alternative. Most CBD products are organic and natural, and they won’t have severe side effects in comparison to opioids to treat your chronic pain.

In fact, studies have shown that CBD does not make you addicted and they are beneficial for your health. CBD has been used to treat many different conditions like anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pain, and cancer. And so far, CBD has been the most effective treatment that is being used for those conditions.

How Long Does It Take For CBD Oil To Work For Pain Relief?

When we consume CBD products (through our sublingual glands/under the tongue), the product enters our body through the bloodstream. Your bloodstream will then absorb the product, hence making our body produce endocannabinoids, which is the transmitter that binds cannabinoid receptors in your brain.

After being impacted by the transmitter, it will then send signals all over the body that will help control any pain, discomfort, or problem you may have. The CBD itself will actually attach to your receptors, and that’s what controls your body’s reaction to many things, including hungriness, sleepiness, and pain.

Scientific Evidence on CBD for Chronic Pain:

Research and studies are still being conducted to figure out further impacts and knowledge on CBD oil and its benefits for us. 

Here is a list of research that we’ve compiled as scientific evidence on CBD as a treatment of chronic pain:

One research suggests that CBD has benefits to help relieve pain. In a 2018 review that looked at 47 studies with 4,743 participants, 29% of the people consuming cannabinoids had a 30% reduction in their pain. In cases with neuropathic pain (pain that is caused by damage to the nerves), a review in 2017 has found that CBD helped with that pain. In a 2018 clinical trial with animal subjects, scientists have found that CBD is actually a great medication to help treat people who suffer from neuropathic, inflammatory, and cancer pain. During a 2016 review of a couple of randomized trials, experts suggested that cannabinoids can be a safe and efficient treatment for chronic pain that is associated with rheumatic diseases such as fibromyalgia, back pain, and many others. Another trial found that medical marijuana has been seen to be effective in reducing pain for humans. However, in a recent 2020 review, it was concluded that they were not certain that non-pharmaceutical CBD without the element of THC can help with chronic pain management.

Even though there is conflicting research due to the lack of knowledge that we currently have on CBD and how it can be a treatment for many diseases, we can’t really deny the fact that CBD oil has worked wonders for many people. Many people vouch and swear on it and have lived a higher quality of life with the help of CBD to help manage their chronic pain.

How To Use CBD For Pain?

There are many different forms of CBD products that are available in the market, but the most popular one is still CBD oil. Other products that are available are capsules, edibles, tinctures, capsules, vape liquids, powders, and even topicals.

Therefore, due to the fact that there are many forms of CBD products, there are also many different ways to use CBD oil to treat your pain (or any other condition). Here are the best ways to use CBD products:

Under your tongue (or through sublingual glands)

This is probably the most common way to use CBD products if you get oil products or sprays. The way you do it is by dropping the product underneath your tongue, on your sublingual glands. Leave the product there for around 90 seconds before washing it down with water. The reason why this method is so effective is that your sublingual glands are directly connected to your blood vessels and bloodstreams, making it easier and faster to be absorbed by your body. 

Consume (by capsule or edibles)

This is also a common way to use CBD products by consuming them. If you’re not comfortable with the oil yet, you can try CBD products that are infused into capsules or edibles like gummies, cookies. This way, you don’t have to go out of your way and just consume it like a normal pill or eating a snack.

Smoke (through Vape)

Some brands of CBD products have CBD oils that can also act as a liquid for a vape. But it might not be too safe to smoke the oil, it’s better to drop the product under your tongue.

Topical

CBD can also be found in the form of topicals like balms, lotions, salves, or patches. The most common topicals consumers prefer is cream. Applying CBD Cream to the area where you feel pain appears to be quick and easy. They are even available in many of your local grocery stores and are so easy to access.

How Much CBD Oil Should I Take For Pain?

The fact that we still don’t have enough knowledge of CBD makes it difficult to research the proper dosage of CBD that is required to treat pain. All we know is that everyone reacts differently to CBD, so the proper dosage for pain might vary depending on many factors. 

Here are a few factors that you need to look into when you want to treat your pain with CBD products:

How old you are Your gender Your body weight How intense or severe your pain is Where your pain is located Your body’s ability to process CBD What CBD products you use The chemical balances within your body

And besides that, CBD is technically not an official medication because it still has not been approved by the FDA as either food or drug. So, there are no specific guidelines as to how much you’re supposed to take.

But keep in mind that it’s probably always a good idea to start off small and build up from there. You can use lower dosages as you start out, and over time you can always gradually increase the dosage amount that you take.

However, if you still want to follow a specific recommended amount and make sure that you’re relieved from the intense pain that you feel, a study has shown that people with pain find relief in taking between 2.85 to 50mg/kg/day. 

However, it is better to consume CBD in comparison to opioid medications that are prescribed by doctors because the fact is when you consume opioids for the long term it may lead to addiction.

Potential Side-Effects Of Using CBD Oil:

Although CBD Oil is most appropriate for pain management, they do have some severe side effects that might show on your body, such as clogged veins, a higher risk of infections, and even coma. Whereas CBD contains only organic and natural ingredients, that definitely won’t make you addicted. 

Here are a few facts that people don’t know about CBD that we think we should address:

CBD DOES NOT make you addicted

You will not develop any dependency and a need to consume CBD because it is not addictive. So, you don’t have to worry about that.

CBD DOES NOT make you high

A huge misconception that people think is true is that CBD makes you high. That is not true. THC is actually the psychotropic element in cannabis that makes an individual experience or feel “high”. Whereas most CBD products that are sold in the market have eliminated most of the THC from the product.

The only type of CBD product that contains THC is a full-spectrum mixture, but even then, there’s only 0.3% or less THC in the whole product so you won’t be able to feel it.

CBD DOES NOT make you hallucinate

As mentioned earlier, THC is the psychotropic element in cannabis that makes an individual experience or feel “high.”  Because CBD contains very little to no traces of THC, CBD will not make you hallucinate.

Your body will NOT DEVELOP A TOLERANCE to CBD

Your body won’t be immune or develop tolerance to CBD. Instead of needing to up the dosage in order to feel the same way when you first try CBD, over time your body will actually need less dosage.

In Conclusion: Which CBD Brand is The Best for Pain?

Fab CBD has quite a lot of positive reviews for customers suffering from chronic pain. Which is why it is our first pick followed by Cheef Botanicals at second.

Also, if you have severe pain and you want to opt for a safer and healthier alternative, you should definitely try CBD products. It may be very beneficial for you, and the fact that it won’t have any side effects and you won’t be addicted is so much better than having to constantly cope with your pain by consuming prescribed medications like opioids.

CBD is also made out of natural products, so you don’t have to worry about consuming unknown or harmful chemicals. One last important thing to note is that you should always do your research before buying the products, and always ask your physician if you can consume CBD products to treat your condition. 

We hope the above details helped you pick what’s best for you so that you can start your journey with the Best CBD Products!

The post Best CBD Oil For Pain: Top 5 CBD Brands of 2021 appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/31xeLAu
via

Macro Calculator: Your Guide to Counting Your Macros Like a Pro

Find your macronutrient ratio for flexible dieting and "if it fits your macros." Build a meal plan around your ideal ratio of proteins, carbs, and fats!

from Bodybuilding.com Articles https://ift.tt/2sKkxPZ
via IFTTT

Mens Journal

We know that environmental pollutants can lead to cancer, heart disease, and brain damage, but now one scientist is linking them to shrinking penises.

Yep, you read that right. In her new book Count Down, reproductive epidemiologist Shanna Swan, Ph.D., argues that the downsizing of one particular male organ can be connected to everyday chemicals. If that’s not sobering enough for you, the book’s subtitle is How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race.

Courtesy Image

If Swan’s name sounds familiar, it may be due to the 2017 study she helped conduct that found that, in Western countries, men’s sperm counts have dropped by more than half over nearly 40 years.

America's favorite pre-sex foods. Who says food can't be foreplay. Find out what Americans are eating before they get it on, plus the ... Read article

What’s to blame for shrinking penises

In the case of penises getting smaller, Count Down puts the blame on a group of chemicals known as phthalates.

Phthalates can be found in plastic, vinyl, floor and wall coverings, medical devices, and toys. They’re also an ingredient in hair sprays, soaps, and shampoos. You may have used a product with phthalates in the shower this morning.

52 Foods That Boost Penis Health, Supercharge Libido, and Increase Pleasure Read article

According to research, exposure to high concentrates of phthalates in mothers can alter male reproductive development in infants. Early data suggest that men whose mothers were exposed to high levels of phthalates have reduced testicular volume, which associates with lower testicular function.

“It’s an unfortunate cluster of effects, from multiple perspectives,” Swan writes in the book.

Cycling doesn't hurt a guy's sexual health Sitting on those skinny saddles for long bike rides doesn't have any sexual side effects, according ... Read article

In addition, young men with high levels of metabolized phthalates have poorer sperm mobility and form. They’re also at risk for sperm apoptosis, which is another way of saying sperm suicide.

Swan writing that “It’s safe to assume that no man wants to hear that his sperm are self-destructing,” may be, at least, one of the understatements of the decade.

Phthalates are not only bad for men, as high levels of exposure are equally as harmful to women. Premature ovarian failure, hormonal disorders, and early menopause are just some of the effects on women.

The ultimate list of sex-boosting foods The key to stronger erections and a booming libido is a diet rich in foods that naturally raise test... Read article

What happens next

Swan says that she wrote the book to illustrate the harmful effects of chemical exposure. At the moment, some companies have voluntarily phased out use of phthalates, while the European Union is planning to do so in the future. Currently, the U.S. has no plans to regulate the chemicals.

While Count Down came out recently, some are suggesting that it might lead more people, especially men, to action. Linking to an article on the book, climate activist Greta Thunberg tweeted “See you all at the next climate strike:)”

 

The post A New Book Finds the Culprit Behind Shrinking Penises and Suicidal Sperm appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3svIrtJ
via

Mens Journal

Five years ago, James Lawrence did the impossible. Over the course of 50 days, the endurance athlete completed 50 consecutive Ironmans. If you’re not familiar with triathlons, that’s a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, topped off with a full 26.2-mile marathon. The effort landed him in the Guinness World Records with several achievements that haven’t been touched since. That is until now: Lawrence is attempting the impossible again, although this time he’s doubling it. That’s right, he’s aiming to complete 100 consecutive Ironmans this time. “I didn’t think 75 seemed hard enough,” Lawrence tells Men’s Journal, when questioned how he ultimately came to the number. The phrase is said with the no-nonsense attitude and steely focus that’s earned him the moniker the Iron Cowboy. “And because why not?”

 

 

Lawrence is currently in the midst of the Hurculean effort in his home state of Utah, surrounded by his team—wife, Sunny, and five children. We spoke with the Iron Cowboy about how he’s training, recovering, and staying mentally fit to complete the Conquer 100 challenge.

How ‘Iron Cowboy’ James Lawrence Prepped to Tackle 100 Consecutive Ironmans

Men’s Journal: How did the idea of the Conquer 100 begin?

James Lawrence: I’d say I first considered it two years ago. My body was getting to a place where it was fully recovered from the 50 attempt. I was starting to crave something new—something bigger. Now that I’d accomplished the 50, doing more became possible. On reflection we started to see some of the logistical and training mistakes we made. There were clear things we could implement to push the boundaries further.

What kind of a physical toll did 50 Ironmans take on your body?

There was a tear in my shoulder I had to deal with only five days in. I developed severe tendinitis in my legs, as well as foot blistering and toenail loss. I believe I lost six of my 10 toenails over the course of it. I was experiencing body deterioration throughout, but you just had to learn to deal with it. You learn how to manage pain. The biggest fallout I dealt with was completely numb fingers and toes after finishing. It probably took me six months, if not a year, for me to get that feeling back. And now that I have it back, I’m able to get back out there and attempt something crazy again.

Lawrence will complete the Ironmans on the same course until June 8 to limit logistical challenges. Matthew Norton

How are you training differently to double your feat?

The preparation is completely different this time around. When I was doing the 50, I did a ton of volume before. I prepped for about six months, probably peaking at 38 hours a week. I think that factored into the hindrances I started to feel during the runs, like extreme muscle fatigue—ligament and tendon strain at a high level. I learned a lot from that experience. Even though I’m doing more, I didn’t add to the training. I actually took away. This time around I did a four-month camp, peaking at 27 hours a week. I did a lot less volume, but a lot more strength training and intensity work. I grew up lifting weights. I love the bench press and working my legs, from squats to lunges. If you aren’t training your legs hard, you don’t get it.

Did you pull back on the running?

There was a lot less running this time around as well. The first time I was running a minimum of four days a week and they were long runs even after I’d been on the bike for a while. Looking back that was the wrong move. This time I only ran two or three times a week, and the longest one was three hours. That might seem like too little to most when you’re planning on doing 100 consecutive five-hour runs. But the goal was to go into this challenge as durable and strong as possible. I didn’t want to overtrain. The plan is to treat the first half of these 100 full-distance triathlons as the final training process. For our team, this all gets real during that second 50.

Lawrence coming out of the water after the swim portion of an Ironman. Matthew Norton

How are you fueling?

I removed gluten from my diet as much as I could before Conquer 100. I also removed dairy, which caused inflammation in past runs. i brought on a nutritionist to stay posted on what I was taking in and keeping an eye on the overall plan. As far as during, I’m consuming around 10,000-12,000 calories, staying with high-fat, nutritionally dense foods to cut down on volume. I’ve been supplementing the diet with 1stphorm for years. They’re the title sponsor of the project. They’ve been huge with supplements and having protein drinks readily available. They make sure I get the most out of the work I do in the gym.

Take me through how you recover.

Physical therapy has became a huge piece of the puzzle. I upped the amount of recovery: I do acupuncture, cupping, scraping, red light therapy, along with chiropractic work, and deep tissue massage. I have a hyperbaric chamber on site from Eleve that I’ll jump into. I’ve been using a Biostrap to monitor all of my stats, and I pay a lot of attention to my sleep, because that’s hugely important to everything else. In order to get good rest, I use Braintap guided meditations to calm my neurological system and make it easier to fall asleep. Getting those extra minutes in when I can matter. I recently put in a Master Swim Spa with a jacuzzi in our house. On top of the recovery value it adds, I also have the ability to do deepwater running to minimize the damage on my legs. It helps me to move my legs and build strength but not take any more pounding.

You’re using the same course every day until June 8 if all things go to plan. What are the benefits and challenges of repeating the same routes?

The beauty of this time around is we’ve removed the chaos of the previous challenge. It was crazy to be traveling all around the country. Getting up to do the same course every single day is a bit mind numbing, but it also removes the logistical challenges we were experiencing during the first feat.

How do you feel? Do you think you are going to accomplish the impossible again?

The whole team is confident. We have a great game plan. I’m taking it one moment at a time, and treating every day like the first day, but I feel great.

The post How James Lawrence Prepared His Body for 100 Consecutive Ironmans appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3tShQao
via

Mens Journal

Picture this: You’ve just finished a hike, a run, a skin ‘n’ ski, a bike ride—place your favorite mountain sport here. You’re smiling but spent. You feel that wonderful sweaty contented exhaustion, the kind you only get from full days of big activity in the hills. You’re sitting on the tailgate of your Subaru. You’ve cracked your favorite post-mountain adventure beverage. What do you do next? You reach for your phone. And you scroll. And you compare. Because the digital dick-measuring contest of social media and Strava is the only reason you went outside in the first place. Yuck.

How it began

A few years ago, I signed up for my first ultramarathon. I wasn’t really a runner, probably a wee jogger at best. I certainly did not consider myself to be anything resembling an endurance athlete, unless you’re talking about eating donuts well past feeling full. But I wanted a big challenge and I wanted to do something my brain told my body it couldn’t. When I began training, it became clear I needed a way to track my runs. I needed to know my distance, my vertical gain, and my pace in order to properly mentally and physically prepare. Up until that point though, I’d always looked at apps like Strava or Mountain Hub and thought, what’s the point?

Show Me Someone Who Gets a ‘Runner’s High’ and I’ll Show You Liar Read article

What is the point?

I understand the need to track your progress if you’re training, or just for personal atta-boy desires. But I do not understand the need to post results socially and compare yourself to the other folks in your hometown, statewide, nationally, or intergalactically, which I am sure is coming soon. Why is measuring yourself against your neighbor the point? Chances are you’re not a professional athlete. Your “results” don’t matter. To me, this all seems like a great way to peacock, flex your cool-guy attitude about town and on the ole interwebz. Put it this way: Posting socially on Strava is the Axe Body Spray of the outdoors. You want to impress but all you’re doing is creating a pungent, gross cloud that stinks of trying too hard.

IDprod

The entire “look how rad I got outside” social media attitude is a self-indulgent, self-congratulatory, anxiety-laden digital house of cards. If the story of Narcissus was written today, it would tell the tale of an IG influencer with a bio that read ‘Public Figure, Digital Creator, Personal Brand’ and link out to his “how to live your best life” podcast. And Greek mythology’s pretty boy would be a Strava-using endurance athlete. Strava and the like are for self-involved nerds more concerned with being better than someone than having actual fun. And I just can’t abide people who take themselves too seriously. You know that guy who wears eye-black and runs drills for slow-pitch softball? Well, if you post results to the social platform on Strava, that’s you, bub.

The Best Face Masks for Running Read article

It’s time to declare independence

Your gag reflex should fire when you hear people talking about PRs and posting them digitally. Let’s start a Strava revolution. There are two ways to do this. Method One: Delete Strava from your phone. Method Two: Join me in my new Strava-ing. I’m going to track how slowly I can do things. I am going to eat donuts and hot dogs at trailheads while sitting in one of those camp-chair couches. I’m going set PRs that intentionally mock all other PRs. I’m talking multiple hours to get inches up the trail. Chew on that course record. Let’s get our egos off social media and just go outside to have some g’damn fun already.

interstid

One of the things that first attracted me to mountain pursuits was the inherent yahoo factor. I moved to Colorado to have fun in the mountains. I grew up in Chicago as a team sports kid. There’s no question, I love competition and I understand its appeal. But to drag competition into going outside, something that is almost entirely focused on having fun, seems like a Keeping Up With The Kardashians move. If someone points to a person and tells me that they’re at the top of the Strava standings in town, I could not care less. It does not impress me. In fact, it’ll have the opposite effect. You might as well tell me that they’re the type of person who leaves their shopping cart in the middle of the grocery store parking lot. I’ll assume that the townie king of Strava is in fact a dick.

Why Every Guy Should Raise a Puppy at Least Once Read article

Consider the possibility of enjoying yourself outdoors

You know what’s better than trying to be the best outdoor exerciser in town? Not trying so hard to prove yourself. Exertion without pretense. And what’s even better than that? Going into the mountains to exclusively have fun. I know, it’s a crazy concept: Go outside just for the sake of a smile and some giggles. Hey, maybe even bring some pals with you and have fun together. And don’t use an app to track your activity, unless that app counts high-fives and snack intake. Now, that’s an app I can get behind.

 

The post Opinion: Delete Strava and Start Enjoying Running Outside appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/3d5uBb8
via

The Best Mass Gainers of 2021

Here are the top weight-gainer shakes with the best flavors and ingredients, according to fitness experts.

from Bodybuilding.com Articles https://ift.tt/3soPBQm
via IFTTT

Mens Journal

It’s been quite the year for all of us. From the on-again, off-again lockdowns to keeping your appropriate distance from others, the ongoing pandemic may have put a slight dent in our spirits and hampered our social interactions.

But now that the weather is warming and some of the previous restrictions are lifting, it’s time to get back in the swing of getting our lives somewhat back to normal. From being able to socially gather in larger groups to reconnecting with those who we may not have been able to spend intimate time with, it’s time to dust off some of those skills we may not have put in practice in a while, particularly in the bedroom.

Whether its rekindling a romance that’s been affected by spending too much time together, or leaping back with both feet into the dating world, we could all use a boost of confidence to make sure we’re at the top of our game.

Enter BlueChew. Delivering the same active ingredients you’d find in Viagra and Cialis but available at a fraction of the cost, BlueChew is the spark we’ve been searching for. Best of all, BlueChew tablets are chewable, no pesky pills to swallow.

What’s BlueChew?

Made in the U.S.A., BlueChew’s chewable tablets are designed to help men achieve peak performance in the bedroom. Made for the active male of any age 18 and older, BlueChew’s chewable tablets are convenient and discrete. With the key ingredients being Sildenafil (the active ingredient found in Viagra) and Tadalafil (the active ingredient found in Cialis), BlueChew is specially formulated to help men achieve harder and stronger erections, without the need to subscribe to expensive pills, and the stigma that comes with taking them.

Not just geared for the older male, BlueChew is available in a variety of strengths, designed to give you the confidence you need, no matter what type of boost you’re looking for.

Getting BlueChew Is Easy and Convenient

BlueChew is conveniently prescribed online. No visits to the doctor’s office required. No feeling awkward about talking to your pharmacist. Simply fill out your online profile, meet with a licensed medical provider and receive your prescription with the matter of a few days (once approved). Easy, convenient and private. Check out BlueChew.com to get started.

Special Promotion for Men’s Journal readers

BlueChew is offering Men’s Journal readers like you a special introductory offer. Get your first month FREE. Just pay $5 for shipping. Use code MEN on BlueChew.com to get started on your confidence boosting journey today.

Learn more about how you can “Chew It and Do It”. Visit BlueChew.com for more details and important safety information.

 

 

 

The post Give Your Confidence in the Bedroom a Boost With BlueChew appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/2QF1TGB
via

Mens Journal

Like most athletes, Michael Miraglia has a competition mantra: “Let future you worry about it.” Unlike most athletes, though, “future” Michael’s path on this freezing morning in February is paved with pain: a 250-pound tire flip, a 300-pound yoke walk, and a 70-pound farmer’s carry, each for a full mile. That’s because the 29-year-old fitness coach is tackling the world’s first Strongman Marathon, a race of his own sadistic design.

 

 

Over the course of a grueling nine hours and 18 minutes on Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, the former rugby player turned rock climber turned elite obstacle course racer turned CrossFitter, would grunt through 14 miles of running with a 20-pound weighted vest, alternating each mile with a different strongman movement. In addition to the tire flip, yoke walk, and farmer’s carry, there were burpee broad jumps, a “dummy” fireman carry, handstand walk, 200-pound sled push, 200-pound sled drag, 200-pound sandbag carry, kettlebell toss, and walking lunges.

Michael Miraglia doing weighted vest run and sled push Courtesy Image

And while the endeavor would cause nearly every muscle to seize from overuse, it would also pose an enormous mental challenge. When the scenery was endless miles of frozen salt, with no crowd of screaming spectators, and the reward for releasing one muscle group from their flood of lactic acid was the chance to hammer at another set, how did he find the mental toughness to endure?

It was pitch black and well below freezing at 6:00 a.m. when Miraglia stood, watching his breath hang in the air, at the start line. Alongside him for support were his girlfriend, father, and a camera crew from his sponsor, apparel company Ten Thousand. Traveling back and forth between three 800-meter markers as he ticked off each mile, Miraglia subsisted largely on warm chicken broth and 80-cent ramen packets to maintain electrolytes, and loads of banana bread to replenish glycogen stores (and “because I like banana bread a lot,” Miraglia confesses).

At the start of Mile 6—the handstand walk—Miraglia had his first moment of doubt. The burpee mile (Mile 2, completed in total darkness) had exhausted his shoulders and almost as soon as he kicked up into his first handstand, his muscles failed to support his weight and he crumpled to the icy floor. “I was chipping away five feet at a time,” he recalls. “I couldn’t feel my shoulder, it was completely numb. The ground was rock solid and frozen over. I was like ‘I’m going to be here forever, I don’t know if I can finish.’ ”

Michael Miraglia blasting through tire pushes and yoke carry Courtesy Image

Every athlete—seasoned professional and weekend warrior alike—is familiar with that moment of crippling doubt. In the middle of a marathon or a tough CrossFit WOD or even a group spin class, you suddenly become acutely aware of your aching muscles and the knowledge it’s just easier to quit. Miraglia was ready for that moment, and his strategy was to focus on the challenge ahead instead of the pain at hand.

“I knew, as hard as this is, I wasn’t going to quit in the first couple hours—that’s just embarrassing. I just kept going and once Mile [Six] was done, it was a weight off my shoulders. The hardest movement is out of the way, I can start really chipping away now.”

Miraglia, who has never run a strict marathon (though he’s covered similar distances in obstacle course races), prepared for his strongman marathon primarily by doing CrossFit WODs, five or six days a week, often twice a day. He also credits a background in rock climbing for honing his grip strength and rugby for endurance. Then there’s the visualization: To get mentally prepared, Miraglia ran through the event—envisioning each footfall, what it would feel like to push, pull, and carry heavy metal implements across uneven ground, and the exuberance he’d feel crossing the finish line—over and over until he knew each sensation by heart.

Training plans for most marathoners peak at close to race distance, to prepare their bodies for the full mileage and tell their brains “this is something you can do.” But because Miraglia never covered a full mile of the strongman movements, or ran the full mileage in training (let alone with a weighted vest), he would have no such confidence. Instead, Miraglia relied on his overarching view of training and competing: “Plain and simple, it’s just fun.”

“Exercise is my form of meditation,” he explains. “That’s how I put everything else on the side. I don’t have to think about any stressful events. I don’t have to think about whatever else is going on in my life at that point in time. It’s just me and whatever is directly in front of me at that moment.”

By the time he released the weight from the last of three fireman carries, all that lied ahead for Miraglia was a weighted vest run for two tenths of a mile. But Miraglia never does anything according to plan, so instead of stopping there, he completed the full mile: out to the 800-meter post to pick up the 45-pound axel bar that was used as a distance marker, and back. He hoisted the bar to his shoulders and sprinted to the finish line where he slammed it to the ground. Doubled over to catch his breath, Miraglia flipped his shoulder-length blond hair to reveal a huge smile. “Something no one has ever done,” he announced, as he high-fived the cameraman.

Michael Miraglia, exhausted at the end of world’s first strongman marathon Courtesy Image

And while all of this might seem like a bit of athletic showmanship, or purely to raise his profile in the field, Miraglia sees it as a way to tackle everyday hurdles. “I believe fitness overlaps in every aspect of my life,” he says. “Every time we train, we’re overcoming obstacle after obstacle, asking: ‘Is this possible?’ ‘Can I do this?’ The more you get familiar and comfortable with breaking these barriers, the more it translates to every other aspect of your life….You can have that mindset of ‘Yes, I can overcome this.’ ”

Unsurprisingly, Miraglia already has his next wild challenge planned: he’s going to attempt all 31 “The Girls” CrossFit WODs back to back. He figures it will take around six-to-eight hours to complete. It’s a challenge that is certain to be grueling, but future Michael is ready.

Curious about the brutal breakdown? Here’s what 26.2 miles of hell looks like:

The Strongman Marathon

Mile 1: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 2: Burpee broad Jump
Mile 3: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 4: Dummy Fireman Carry (120lbs)
Mile 5:Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 6: Handstand Walk
Mile 7: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 8: Sled Push (200lbs)
Mile 9: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 10: Sled Drag (200lbs)
Mile 11: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 12: Dummy Fireman Carry #2 150lbs
Mile 13: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 14: Sandbag Carry (200lbs)
Mile 15: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 16: Tire Flip (250lbs)
Mile 17: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 18: Yoke Carry (300lbs)
Mile 19: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 20: DB Farmer Carry 35’s
Mile 21: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 22: Kettlebell Toss
Mile 23: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 24: Lunges
Mile 25: Vest Run (20lbs)
Mile 26: Dummy Fireman Carry #3 200lbs
Mile 26.2: Vest Run (20lbs)

The post Ever Wonder What a Strongman Marathon Would Look Like? It's Not Pretty and It Sure Is Painful appeared first on Men's Journal.

from Men's Journal Latest Health & Fitness News https://ift.tt/31e8Obv
via