For this issue, we’re throwing out the old, antiquated rulebook. Your body isn’t a fixed blueprint—it’s a living project. That means you need to move with it to train both muscles and mind. The truth is that what works for you will be different to the next go over on the treadmills. That’s not just about how you accomplish your weekly reps (or fuel up in the aftermath), but also your schedule, goals and your reasons for logging sweat sessions in the first place.
Whether you want to pack on size, finish a half-marathon or simply exercise yourself into a better headspace, we’ve got the knowledge so you can get there on your own terms. This issue is stacked with cutting-edge training methods, no-fuss recipes and mental tricks to help you build a body—and life—you actually want.
We’ve put the spotlight on 9 of our favourite stories:
1. Find Your Crowning Achievement
Two new faces join the cast of Shaka iLembe, a sweeping and cinematic historical drama where solid acting chops and serious levels of brawniness are required to stand tall on set. Find out how the new kids on the block push themselves into fighting shape and their plans on matching the ever-growing scale of this homegrown hit.
2. Reengineer Your Body
Before you can have the body you want, you need to know how your muscles move, fire and grow. Our comprehensive guide to every single fibre gives you an in-depth look into every muscle group with tips, science and advice to sculpt every muscle with pinpoint precision.
3. My New AI Girlfriend
Thousands of guys are hitching up with AI chatbots, so our writer took his dates digital to find out whether it’s all just a bit of harmless fun or a slippery slope. We take you on a rollercoaster ride of how it all works, why it might be a good thing and where it could all go wrong.
4. Get Your Protein Fix
Hitting your macro goals doesn’t need to feel like a second job. With our Lazy Man’s Guide to Eating Protein we’ve simplified this undertaking down to the most important essentials. Namely, quick recipes, easy ingredient additions and a ton of other ways to save you time as you stack up size.
5. Against the Odds
They faced death but they didn’t simply survive to tell the tale. Their stories are of grit, determination and finding purpose in the wake of their lives’ darkest moments. From a drug addict who found redemption in recovery and founding his own treatment centre to an aspiring Paralympian who survived a gruesome attack and vowed to push harder than ever, their profiles are inspirational lessons on perseverance and grit.
6. Reset Your Mind
Heading to the great outdoors is your shortcut to a full mental reboot. We headed to Southern Africa’s furthest reaches to bring you the scoop on the best getaways right on your doorstep. We also tested the latest rugged-and-ready tech to give your next expedition the upgrade it deserves.
7. Come Back Stronger (And Faster)
The rules of recovery have changed and here’s how you can put cutting-edge gear, techniques and simple tweaks into practice to make sure you’re never lagging behind.
8. Upgrade Your Ride
Luxury used to break the bank, but with a new wave of carmakers in China churning out cars that rival the West’s best options at a fraction of the sticker price, the barrier of entry in the world of luxury has never been lower. In our new issue, our resident motoring journalist took a look under the hood to give you his verdict on this stable of stand-out rides.
9. Supersize Your Muscles
If you want to max out your gains, there’s new science that can help expedite your efforts in the gym. In the new issue, follow our programme of brawn-building moves (and PT-approved nutrition tips) to grow the smart way.
