Hundreds of entries, thousands of votes and days of deliberation – we’re finally ready to reveal the winner of our 2025 Cover Guy competition. But our new issue is more than just a celebration of our finalists’ dedication to fitness. We’ve packed our pages with everything you need to enhance your pursuit of your own ‘cover moment’. From game-changing workouts that’ll net you otherworldly results to smart mental tweaks to help you build the resilience to keep pushing to be the best version of yourself, our new September/October 2025 issue is your blueprint for strength that doesn’t quit.
Here’s a glimpse at a few of our top reads in the latest edition – find it on shelves right now!
1. Cover Moment
They’ve pushed limits, overcome challenges and proved that true strength comes from consistency and dedication. Our 2025 Cover Guy finalists stood out not just for their physiques, but for the inspiring stories behind them. Choosing a winner was tougher than ever. Dive into their journeys in the new issue and discover how ordinary guys achieve extraordinary results. This is proof that you don’t need superpowers to perform at your peak.
2. What You Can Learn From ‘Bro Science’
So-called ‘bro science’, the foundation of many strong frames in the gym, has long been shelved for most in favour of more scientific methods. But these fabled mantras might hold some truths; namely, you can’t build supersized muscle without knowing at least a little bit about, well, building supersized muscle. We put 10 common muscle mantras under the microscope to figure out whether they still have a place in your gym lexicon.
3. Fire Up Your Feasts
Whether you’re going off grid or just want to put the spark back in your braai-bound efforts at home, we’ve got you covered. We tagged in a top chef to share the best kept flavour-making secrets, from the homemade spice mixes that’ll turn even the lowliest cuts into culinary superstars to whipping up the perfect steak every time you fire up the grill.
4. Fuel Your Muscles, Power Up Your Mind
It’s a super supp that was once upon a time stigmatised as a pseudo-steroid for bodybuilders. But now it’s being marketed as brain health booster that many experts argue could be more important than your daily multivitamin. In our latest issue, our writer checks the science to see if there’s any weight behind these bold new claims.
5. Take the Test
Even if you’re not trying to become a dad, putting your fertility under the microscope could still be one of the most important steps you take for your health. We explore how this test won’t just give you an overview of your overall well-being, but also grant you insights into exactly what it means to be a man.
6. Make Sound Investments
The right pair of headphones can help you fine-tune your performance at the gym, on the road and (even) in the water. But with hundreds of options to choose from, which buds are right for you? In our new issue, we put some of the latest and greatest ‘phones to the test to give you our hitlist of the ultimate pair to elevate every sweat session.
7. Play the Long Game
Racket sports are exploding in popularity, with new-kid-on-the-block padel leading the charge. On the surface, it all looks like fun and games. But there are some serious health benefits to hitting the courts on the reg. In our new issue, explore the ageless benefits of playing these fun sports, kit yourself out with the best padel gear on the market and follow our PT-approved workout to make sure you’re limbered up to come out swinging.
8. Avoid These Strength Setbacks
We’re all making mistakes when we hit the gym, and even minor errors can cost you lucrative gains. With that in mind, we tapped top PTs to help you steer clear of hazards and B-line towards major growth. From tweaking your rep range to dialing up the intensity, consider this your cheat sheet for looking like the smartest (and strongest) guy in the room.
9. Smarter Swaps for Tired Moves
Some workouts deserve the hype. Others? Well, they can always be better. This handful of exercises are considered god-tier by gym regulars and veterans alike. But in reality, there’s no single compulsory movement for building muscle. Reality check: some of your trusted go-tos might be lacking and can easily be replaced with far superior alternatives. In our new issue, we’ve compiled a list of upgrades that’ll give you the edge next time you work up a sweat. In other words, they’ll help you tap into a more balanced physique, longevity and variety.
10. Forge Arms in Every Dimension
New science has revealed the road to muscled-up bis and tris. It’s less about ‘arms day’ and more about total-body stimulus… and pushing to your limits. Our weekly schedule of tried-and-tested moves will help you supersize your arms in record time. It’s called the 4-D Arm Workout for a reason – these gains are in another dimension.
