In this era of athleisure, it’s common to find clothing and gear that looks sporty and technical, but isn’t quite up to the challenge of serious athletic performance. But that’s not the case with lululemon’s new Moon Drift collection, developed in partnership with pro surfer and lululemon ambassador Mark Healey. We recently met up with Healey and Ben Stubbington, SVP of design and concepts at lululemon, to get a firsthand look at the collection. One thing’s clear right off the bat: Each piece has been painstakingly designed and tested to bridge the gap between performance and aesthetics. That’s because every item is built around Healey’s globetrotting lifestyle. He’ll be catching waves and spearfishing in Hawaii one day, then heading out to hunt elk in Utah the next.
“It’s really meant to transition between worlds,” Healey tells Men’s Journal.
Healey’s adventure-heavy schedule set a high bar for the apparel in the collection. To make the cut, every item had to perform well in extreme conditions. At the same time, each piece also needed to be refined enough to wear all day.
“Everything here was built first from the point of high performance,” says Stubbington. “We start with function, but it always parlays with the fashion side of things.”
Stubbington and his team worked closely with Healey to develop and test each item. Items like the rash guard and board shorts—both surfing essentials—had a particularly intensive development process. Healey tried out multiple prototypes of each and put them to the test while riding massive swells in Indonesia (according to Healey, some of the biggest waves he’s ever ridden) and Hawaii.
“We’d see Mark testing the product, surfing these huge waves at Pipe,” says Stubbington, “and we’re like, ‘Okay, we really are seeing this product work.’ ”
Even the name of the collection is a reference to Healey’s life. Chasing swells around the globe means he has a hectic, ever-changing schedule, but the natural rhythms of the ocean are the one constant.
“The moon is the only thing I can count on,” he explains. “Its effect on the ocean and the tides, that’s the only thing that’s guaranteed.”
Here’s a closer look at some of the highlights of the collection.
Healey Train to Beach HoodieCourtesy Image
1. Healey Train to Beach Hoodie
This hoodie is an ideal pick for long days on the water or in the sun. “If I’m going to the beach with my family in the middle of the day, I’m in that thing 100 percent,” says Healey. The fabric has a long list of performance features: UV protection, four-way stretch, abrasion resistance, moisture-wicking, and it comes with an anti-stink treatment too. Whether you’re heading out for a hike or lounging at the beach, the hoodie is ideally suited to all kinds of outdoor activities. Thoughtful details elevate it beyond your average windbreaker. The fabric is based off a traditional pique stitch, says Stubbington, which gives it a subtle texture that adds visual interest and keeps it from feeling plasticky.
Healey doesn’t mince words about this one: “This rash guard is the best rash guard I’ve ever used.” One of the major issues with rash guards is chafing. After testing out multiple iterations, Healey and the lululemon team settled on this version, which features a UV-resistant, four-way stretch fabric with an underarm gusset that allows for greater mobility, an improved fit, and less irritation. The fabric is also slightly thicker at the chest to block wind and keep you warmer, explains Healey, plus it’s fortified with Lycra to stand up to chlorine and salt. Healey’s received numerous compliments while wearing it. “Somebody complimenting you on your rash guard is not normal,” he says.
A good board short is another surfing essential, and like the rash guard, Healey and Stubbington worked through multiple versions to get these shorts just right. They pored over every detail: They chose a sewn seam at the knee because it’s more flexible and creates less chafing than a typical bonded seam, and the slightly rigid waistline keeps these shorts from slipping down in rough water. The zippered pockets are another standout innovation. “Pockets are great in board shorts,” says Healey, “but I’m not willing to compromise on the performance in the water.” So they tried out different placements until they arrived at a winner: Two pockets located on the side of each thigh. That way you can even the load on each side (instead of toting around one pocket bulging with your wallet and keys), and the shorts remain comfortable even while sitting on a surfboard.
These training shorts work as hard as you do. The stretchy fabric repels water and resists scrapes, and generous mesh panels at the back of each leg keep you cool. The zippered rear pockets and twin side pockets provide plenty of space for essentials, and small snap closures on the side pockets keep things from escaping as you move. The waistband is another highlight: It’s stretchy in the back to provide good freedom of movement, but the rigid front and tie closure keep the shorts securely in place during tough workouts.
Meet your new adventure pants. Made from a stretchy fabric with hidden ventilation panels, they’ll keep you comfortable on a day hike and store all your essentials. Healey wore them on a recent fishing trip, where they kept him protected from sun, spray, and fish guts. After a quick cleanup (spraying them down with a hose), they were as good as new, he says. Despite their rugged specs, the leg pockets are subtle and the fabric has a stylish, slightly heathered appearance, so you won’t feel out of place when you head into town. “I don’t need to be having lunch looking like I’m going to Yosemite,” says Healey.
A great pick for hot weather, this long-sleeve shirt is lightweight and stretchy, so it won’t restrict you as you move. Plus, the entire back side is studded with small ventilation holes for a breezy feel, and the twin chest pockets have zippers on the side, so you can access them even when you’re wearing a backpack.
A capable, stylish jacket is an essential in any guy’s wardrobe, and the Moon Drift Jacket makes a strong case for upgrading. It’s lined with super-soft fleece on the inside for a cozy feel, and the design embraces unpredictable weather: The cinchable hem (the drawcord is located inside the right hand pocket) blocks out wind, and ventilation holes at the back keep you from roasting in warmer temps. We also love the fabric’s eye-catching windowpane pattern; a technical jacket doesn’t usually earn so many style points.
There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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