We know we sweat to keep ourselves cool, but why do some exercisers get totally drenched (we see you Rafael Nadal) while others survive without so much as a towel-down?
The fear you’re sweatingtoomuch can lead to embarrassment, while staying dry in an intense workout can cause concern that your body isn’t working as efficiently as it should be.
But understanding how and whyyourbody sweats is the best way to stop feeling self-conscious about it while you’re exercising.
Sweat flies off Rafael Nadal as he plays against Daniil Medvedev in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open 2022. (Getty)
Professor Robert Newton, co-director of the Exercise Medicine Research Institute at Edith Cowan University, told 9Honey Coach that as a general rule of thumb, men tend to sweat more than women.
“Men have larger and more numerous sweat glands,” Professor Newton explains.
But women have other cooling mechanisms that work just as effectively to lower their core temperature.
“They tend to be smaller size, which means they have a greater surface area so they are better able to radiate heat than men. They also have less body hair than men so they lose heat more effectively,” Professor Newton says.
“Women also have a much better ability to shunt blood to the skin, which is often why women get more flushed than men. It’s their natural ability to shift a large volume of hot blood to the skin and lose the heat through radiation.”
By sweating less, women do have the advantage of retaining more fluid in the heat, but overall Professor Newton says neither sex’s system is far superior to the other (it’s just that men are more likely to get sweat patches in the cooling process).
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“There is very little difference between male and female marathon times and no noticeable difference in numbers who experience heat exhaustion,” Professor Newton points out.
Overweight people tend to sweat more because the body perceives they need more sweat in order to cool down, and stressful situations can induce a sweaty response in plenty of us — particularly on our palms.
About three per cent of the population suffer hyperhidrosis, which is a medically diagnosable condition characterised by excessive sweating in non-stressful or unheated places.
There is also some variation between people — some women sweat more and some men sweat less — but Professor Newton says that unless you have a medically diagnosed condition, you probably have nothing to sweat (ahem) about.
It’s also worth noting that the more that you train in hot conditions, the more you’re likely to sweat.
“Sweating is highly trainable — the capacity of your sweat glands increases when you exercise in the heat,” Professor Newton says.
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“Your sweat glands acclimatise to the heat and can produce a greater volume of sweat. But interestingly sweat becomes less concentrated and has less salt in it so you are losing less electrolytes, which is important because if sodium gets depleted you can have muscle cramps or other problems.”
As for whether excess sweating is better for clearing toxins, as fans of hot yoga often say, Professor Newton says there’s no research to demonstrate that.
If anything, exercising in extreme heat hinders performance.
“The difficulty with exercising in the heat is you can’t work at the same rate because it’s much more difficult,” he says.
“When your core temperature starts to rise your body will signal that as a challenge and you will feel greater fatigue. You only have to drop about three per cent in body weight [through fluid loss] for your strength and endurance to be impacted negatively.”
Children also sweat a lot less because they have less developed sweat glands. Once they hit puberty, their sweat quantity usually increases.
“You have to be careful of kids in the heat because they’re not as effective at keeping themselves cool,” Professor Newton points out.
The women’s Ashes Test has ended in dramatic scenes, with England’s No. 11. batter blocking out the final over to secure a thrilling draw.
You couldn’t have scripted a better advertisement for women’s Test cricket than this.
The Ashes Test at Manuka Oval has ended in dramatic scenes, with all four results possible heading into the final couple of overs of day four in Canberra.
England came agonisingly close to pulling off mission impossible, scoring the largest fourth-innings team total in the history of women’s Test cricket.
But it ultimately wasn’t enough, with the thrilling contest ending as a draw.
With the possible exception of day five of the New Year’s Test in Sydney, this was the most captivating day’s cricket of the 2021/22 summer.
Just as Steve Smith couldn’t get the job done for the Aussies at the SCG earlier the month, Australian debutant Alan King was tasked with unearthing a miracle 10th wicket in the last over, but it wasn’t to be.
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Skipper Meg Lanning declared Australia’s second innings in the afternoon session of day four, leaving England with 48 overs to chase the 257 runs required for victory.
The highest successful run chase in the history of women’s cricket was 198, achieved by Australia over a decade ago – England’s all-time best was 173.
The Australian camp understood that a draw would have strategically worked in their favour, with the scoring system in the multi-format series meaning the hosts only needed one victory in the three ODIs to retain the trophy in such a scenario.
And at the change of innings, it seemed as though a draw was an inevitability – Australia’s bowlers needed 10 wickets for victory, but the pitch had flattened out beautifully over the course of three-and-a-half days of action.
However, England opener Tammy Beaumont made it abundantly clear that the visitors had no intention of playing for a draw. She smacked a quick-fire 36 before Tahlia McGrath removed the right-hander with her first delivery of the day.
At the other end, Lauren Winfield-Hill compiled a patient 33 off 65 balls, prompting a journalist from the media centre to chuck his head out of the window and bellow, “Have a go, Lauren!”
But momentum quickly shifted back in England’s favour when skipper Heather Knight came to the crease, fresh off her record-breaking 168 not out in the first innings.
Knight and England all-rounder Nat Sciver combined for a game-changing 72-run partnership, scoring at quicker than a run per ball.
Lanning put six fielders on the boundary rope, hoping to stem the flow of runs – but easy singles became quick twos as England’s required run rate dropped below six per over.
The Manuka Oval deck was offering zero seam movement for Australia’s pace bowlers, with the exception of a couple of deliveries from young all-rounder Annabel Sutherland that crept below the bat.
Suddenly, the target didn’t seem unfeasible – England required under 100 runs for victory with eight wickets in hand heading into the final hour.
Teenage quick Darcie Brown got the long-awaited breakthrough with less than an hour left in the day, trapping Knight on the pads to halt England’s stampede.
But England’s Sophia Dunkley switched into T20 mode as soon as she waltzed into the middle, smacking 37 from her first 21 balls at the crease.
With 10 overs remaining in the day, England required just 45 runs for victory with seven wickets in hand. They were favourites.
According to the almighty CricViz, England’s chances of securing a win had risen from two per cent to 87 per cent in less than two hours.
However, in yet another stunning twist, only two runs were scored from the following two overs, making the equation 43 needed from eight overs.
Sciver then slapped a short ball from Sutherland directly towards Lanning at square leg, ending her swashbuckling knock on 58 from 62 balls – no women‘s player has scored more runs in a Test innings at a faster strike rate.
With England requiring 38 runs for victory, Australian wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy missed a tough stumping chance off King’s bowling, gifting Amy Jones an extra life on zero.
A handful of sloppy misfields from the Australians leaked crucial runs, but Sutherland struck again a couple of overs later, with Jones cracking a delivery towards Beth Mooney at the mid-wicket boundary, who claimed a regulation chance. All four results were still possible.
In another game-changing moment, Mooney snared a remarkable diving catch low to her right at long-on to remove the dangerous Dunkley for 45. It was a late contender for catch of the summer.
“This woman has had jaw surgery just days ago, titanium plates in her face, and absolutely no fear to take a diving catch to dismiss the dangerous Sophia Dunkley,” former Australian captain Alex Blackwell said on Fox Cricket.
The Aussies at this stage required four wickets from 28 balls for an unlikely victory, while England still needed 24 runs.
Sutherland snared her third breakthrough the following over, dismissing the powerful Katherine Brunt for 4 with a short ball that was edged through to Healy with the gloves.
Three overs remaining – Australia needed three wickets, England required 17 runs.
King’s next over featured a cataclysmic run out, with Anya Shrubsole attempting a suicidal quick single only to find herself half a metre short of making her ground.
And the very next delivery, Charlie Dean attempted to sweep King towards fine leg, but the top edge was caught by Healy for Australia’s ninth wicket of the innings. England had lost 6/26 in a dramatic collapse.
As Dean made her way back to the pavilion, the third umpire checked for the dreaded back-foot no-ball, but replays showed that King was safe by a matter of millimetres.
Two overs remaining – Australia needed one wicket, England required 13 runs.
Several deliveries went past the outside edge in Sutherland’s relatively uneventful penultimate over, in which just the one run was scored.
Ultimately, it came down to the last over. Just as James Anderson did four weeks ago, England No. 11 Kate Cross successfully blocked out the final six balls to avoid a dramatic defeat, and the Test was drawn.
Largest fourth-innings scores in women’s Test history
245/9 – England vs AUS, Jan 2022
229/5 – England vs IND, Jun 1986
225/8 – England vs NZ, Jul 1996
223/8 – India vs ENG, Jul 1999
214 – New Zealand vs ENG, Mar 1969
Former England bowler and Fox Cricket commentator Isa Guha called it “one of the greatest Test matches in Ashes history.”
“Heather Knight and the rest of that team are going to be absolutely devastated,” she said.
“They pulled off an unbelievable heist. To get themselves into a position to win the Test match — they were only one wicket away.
“I just can’t believe what we have witnessed.”
Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne tweeted: “What a finish that was. Absolutely great for Test cricket.”
Cricket broadcaster Adam Collins tweeted: “Well played Meg Lanning, Heather Knight and both teams. In just 10 sessions, they‘ve engineered an excellent, compelling Test. More of it, across five days. And also, crucially, time for multi-day domestic women’s cricket. Let this be a springboard.”
Australia takes a 6-4 lead in the multi-format series ahead of the one-day internationals, which get underway on Thursday.
Comments Off on ‘Absolutely thrilling’: Women’s Ashes Test ends in dramatic scenes CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 30: Alana King of Australia runs out Anya Shrubsole of England during day four of the Women’s Test match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at Manuka Oval on January 30, 2022 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
With all the buzz surrounding Orlando City’s two Designated Player signings this week, you’d be forgiven for looking past the hard work being done at the Orlando Health Training Ground at Osceola Heritage Park.
But this is perhaps the most important time of the year for a soccer team. The Lions, returning from their offseason holidays, are two weeks into a six-week boot camp readying them for the steady grind of a Major League Soccer season. We spoke to Orlando City Strength and Conditioning Coach Fabian Bazan to get the inside scoop on how he prepares the Lions for the marathon to come.
The first step, says Bazan, starts right at the end of the previous season, when the players head home for the winter armed with individualized fitness plans. Rather than keep them in peak shape, these plans are designed to actually ramp down the players’ bodies from the harsh environment of the season, allowing them to recover and prepare to build back up for the following campaign.
Upon arrival at training camp, Bazan puts the players through 7-10 sessions of assimilation back into the daily routine of professional soccer. This is especially important for new players, who need to adjust to Orlando City’s methodology and fitness techniques. Bazan says he focuses a lot on building up lower body strength during this period, with an emphasis on the quads and hamstrings, muscles which need reinforcement to prevent injury.
After these initial sessions, it’s time to start building towards game fitness. Bazan runs a series of stress tests on the players, including the infamous “beep test,” a non-stop back and forth sprint between two sets of cones designed to test the players’ maximal oxygen consumption. That was the focus of this past week, with the beep test taking place during Friday morning’s session.
The next couple weeks are built around increasing the players’ fitness loads, with the sessions gradually becoming longer and more intense. Bazan says that while this phase is physically strenuous on the veterans, it is actually most difficult for younger players, especially those from the academy who are not used to working at this level. The Lions’ first preseason games will occur during this period, with Orlando set to open up their scrimmage slate against Minnesota United on Thursday evening.
Finally, the players are ready to begin regular-season training in the build-up to the opener. Intrasquad scrimmages and other soccer exercises are common, not just to get the players ready for games, but to give the coaching staff a chance to evaluate their progress ahead of the season’s first match.
Orlando City is set to open its season against CF Montréal at Exploria Stadium on Sunday, February 27 at 1 p.m. By that time, you can be sure that Bazan will have the Lions ready to go.
#kettlbell has accumulated north of three million posts on Instagram. Your favorite fitspo is probably (most definitely) swinging and hoisting kettlebells overhead, and you’ve been officially convinced to swing and hoist kettlebells. If that sounds like you, you probably have run into an annoying and unexpected problem: Your grip sucks.
Kettlebells aren’t the easiest tool to grab, and the ballistic nature of many kettlebell movements makes them even harder to hang onto. What’s more, your ability to grip, and grip tightly, actually facilitatestronger and more powerful lifts. And it all starts with your muscle fascia.
The Importance of Grip
The fascial lines of the body are many and varied. This article isn’t intended to be a primer on fascia but on better understanding it to enhance our training. The arm lines are particularly relevant to our grip needs. There are four of these lines, and all play some part in grip and its effect on supercharging our performance.
This experiment uses the principles of irradiation of muscle tension to demonstrate just how vital grip is:
Let your arms hang loosely by your side and notice where there is tension. Now make a fist. Notice it’s not just the muscles of the hand that are tight. The tension travels up your forearms.
Now grip even harder. Notice the abdominals engage. Observe how the tension is now not just in your shoulders but also the muscles within your shoulders. How you grip grip has the potential to activate every muscle in your body.
Let’s try our experiment again, this time to demonstrate the importance of the arm lines:
Grip as hard as you can, but focus on squeezing the thumb and index finger the hardest. You should feel the pec and delt engage forcefully.
Now focus on gripping hardest with the little and ring fingers. This time you should feel the muscles in the back — the lats, rhomboids, and rotator cuff muscles — engage.
Applying this knowledge to exercise is common sense, yet few people do it. The conclusion to make from these tests is that if the body is ready for pushing (via the pecs and delts being engaged), your grip needs to have the index finger involved. The opposite applies to pulling motions, where we want to make sure that the pinky and ring finger are in direct contact with the bar or bell.
Hand Position for Smarter Grip
The most common hand position when using kettlebells is a grip that slides the wrist into the corner of the bell where the handle and body of the bell meet. This allows the handle of the bell to run diagonally across the hand and minimizes discomfort on the back of the wrist.
Then, most folks will close their index finger and thumb around the handle. You may mistakenly believe this grip is acceptable. It’s not acceptable. This grip will actually decrease performance while increasing injury risk.
MDV Edwards/Shutterstock
Here’s why: During pressing, you need to address not only shoulder flexion but also shoulder stability. If the pinky doesn’t grip the bell, the rotator cuff won’t be fully engaged. And when it comes to swinging or pressing a heavy object overhead, you definitely want all the musculature of your shoulder to be engaged.
A better way to grip a kettlebell for pressing (or get-ups or snatching) is with the handle of the bell going directly across the hand, in line with the calluses. This grip allows both for use of the prime movers and for optimal function of the stabilizers.
Stronger Grip for Better Movement
If we extrapolate this for other kettlebell exercises, such as squats or swings, we can see these fascial lines connect the fingers to the muscles around the shoulder and also become muscles of the trunk on both sides. The front and back functional lines create two large Xs, one on the front of the body and one on the back.
The correct use of grip will switch on our postural control muscles and enhance all of our bigger lifts. For kettlebell squats, the flat grip is once again the better option (as opposed to the diagonal grip), since it activates the most support muscle.
Once you’re used to gripping this way, you’ll find your performance improves while your injury risk decreases. Changing your hand placement will perhaps make a difference in how much load you can move, but that shouldn’t be a concern unless you’re a powerlifter. Focus on how well your body can move and function as a unit.
The All-Aussie Open doubles final has been likened to cricket’s nostalgic Australia v Australia A. But who is Australia and who is Australia A?
Nick Kyrgios is in line for his biggest-ever Australian Open payday – topping his entire 2021 earnings – in a men’s doubles final that has attracted interest like none before it.
Kyrgios played precious few tournaments in 2021, entering the Australian Open on the back of a five-match losing streak, and finished the year with a 7-8 singles record – with $430,102 finding its way into his bank account.
While that’s nothing to sniff at, he’s set to blow that out of the water in one special fortnight with his best mate.
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Should they keep the party going with victory over fellow Australians Max Purcell and Matt Ebden on Saturday, they’ll split the $675,000 in prizemoney – giving each player $337,500.
Throw in the $154,000 Kyrgios earned for his first-round win over Liam Broady, and he will bank a healthy $491,500 for two weeks’ work at Melbourne Park – more than the $340,000 he earned for reaching the 2015 Australian Open quarter-finals.
None of this is likely to be important to Kyrgios, who prioritises entertainment over winning – but not to the extent that he’ll make a fool of himself.
“I think I played pretty good tennis in the past. I’ve beaten pretty much every player that’s picked up a racquet,” Kyrgios said.
“I’ve obviously had to play a certain level of tennis. It’s not like I’m going out there putting on a clown suit and creating a circus.
“I have also played, won titles, won big titles, I have played the traditional way.”
As for who deserves favouritism, it’s a prickly question for both camps.
The unseeded pairing of Ebden and Purcell bristled at questions likening this final to the Australia v Australia A cricket matches in the 1990s – where the star-studded world-beaters were pitched against a side of young guns, but one that was still considered the second-tier team.
“Who is Australia and who is Australia A? Because we’re the underdogs,” said Purcell.
Ebden stepped in to ramp up even more pressure on their high-profile opponents – who don’t have the doubles rankings to show for their heavy-metal performances this week.
“They have higher singles rankings right now. We have higher doubles rankings. They had big crowd support. We did also yesterday,” Ebden said.
“The pressure is on them for sure. They’ve had pressure on them their whole lives.”
AUGUSTA — Delays caused Anthony Oglesby to postpone the ribbon-cutting for his new Augusta business Thursday, in just another in a sequence of postponements the New Hampshire-based entrepreneur has faced.
The biggest delay, bar none, has been the COVID-19 pandemic that has hobbled all kinds of businesses with closures and gathering restrictions, but few more so than gyms and fitness centers.
While many people have turned to in-home options or replaced gym time with outdoor pursuits, Oglesby is betting big on the return to gyms. He is just days away from opening All Out Fitness at the Turnpike Mall with state-of-the-art weight strength and cardio equipment. It will be his second All Out Fitness location after the first that has opened just north of Concord, New Hampshire. A third is now under development in Connecticut.
Meanwhile, by the end of March, Planet Fitness is expected to open up a new, larger facility at 152 Western Ave. at the Capitol Shopping Center, that will more than double the space available and be able to offer the full slate of services, including hydromassage and tanning, that the current space cannot accommodate.
“In the Augusta market and for the people who live there, we just needed to be bigger,” said Mike Cleary, managing partner for Granite Coast properties, owner of five Planet Fitness franchises in Maine.
While the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, people across the United States have been returning to gyms and fitness centers in numbers close to pre-pandemic levels. Placer.ai, a company that tracks and provides analysis of foot traffic, reports that while gym visits declined in the fall as they tend to do in ordinary times, visits over the summer had nearly made up for pandemic losses.
PITFALLS ALONG THE WAY
When Cleary’s company acquired the existing Planet Fitness on Civic Center Drive in 2012, it has already been in operation for about six years. Even before the pandemic struck, he had been looking for a larger space because there was no space to expand where he was.
He was looking for a high-visibility space on a well traveled road with good parking. While a number of spaces were available, some were in older buildings and needed more work. Eventually, he found what he needed at 152 Western Ave. in the Capitol Shopping Center plaza, which is also home to Shaw’s Supermarket.
Among the work being done to the 23,000-square-foot space is removing the second floor in the space to open up the building, replacing the HVAC system and work on the building’s façade.
A large two-story open area is under construction Thursday for a new Planet Fitness location in the Capitol Shopping Center plaza, which is also home to Shaw’s supermarket, in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
“A lot of people are looking for a little more room, a little more air theses days, so we’re really happy about this location,” he said.
The leased was signed last summer and demolition started in September. Cleary said he anticipates the new facility will be open in the second half of March.
At the start of the pandemic, he said, customers were initially cautious. But with the advent of vaccines, customers have said they want to return to the gym and to their usual exercise routines.
The exterior view of construction underway for a new Planet Fitness location in the Capitol Shopping Center plaza, which is also home to Shaw’s supermarket, in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
“The CDC reports that even one workout can reduce a person’s risk of depression and anxiety while improving sleep,” he said. “People have become so much more conscious of the benefits of exercise.”
Cleary said the focus has been on larger spaces. He moved his Westbrook facility to a larger space in South Portland in November 2020, about eight months into the pandemic.
Oglesby’s challenges have been larger than just the pandemic, which slowed the process of renovating three commercial spaces in the Turnpike Mall on Western Avenue, just west of Interstate 95, into a single 17,000-square-foot space.
Co-owner and founder Anthony Oglesby shows an aromatherapy pod during a tour Thursday of the new All Out Fitness location under construction at the Turnpike Mall in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
In June 2021, Oglesby was in a car crash on Interstate 93 near Meredith and he is still recovering.
Oglesby, who graduated from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, got his start at Planet Fitness and later started TapouT Fitness, which he started to franchise. After selling off half of the brand, he took some time off with his family.
Eventually, he started a small club under the name All Out Fitness, and he started to pay attention to what people wanted.
“I thought of the camaraderie aspect of the gym, that’s what brings people together,” he said.
Co-owner and founder Anthony Oglesby, left, and co-owner and general contractor Jeff Blizzard stand Thursday in their new All Out Fitness location under construction at the Turnpike Mall in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
He plans to foster that camaraderie with a host of offerings in addition to the usual weight training and cardio equipment with aromatherapy pods, tanning, haircuts and manicures.
CENTRAL MAINE MARKET
Oglesby was drawn to Augusta because it shares a number of attributes with Concord, New Hampshire’s state capital. And just like growth drove investment in that community, he sees a similar trend developing in central Maine.
“Everything has a cycle, and Augusta is on an upward trend,” he said. “I want to be known for helping to grow and bring in a top-notch, high-end facility at an affordable rate. There’s going to be a huge influx in Augusta come the next 10 to 15 years.”
Maine is home to 11 Planet Fitness facilities, including five owned by Cleary’s company. In addition to Augusta, his company operates Portland, South Portland, Falmouth and Rockland locations.
“We’re really excited because we wanted to invest in the Augusta market for some time,” he said. “We wanted to bring the full Planet Fitness model to the market and we wanted to see if we would relocate or renovate the existing place.”
The exterior view of the new All Out Fitness location under construction at the Turnpike Mall in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
Keith Luke, deputy director of development services for the city of Augusta, said it is good to see the investments being made by these companies at both of these locations.
The shopping plazas, along Augusta’s main commercial strip, are among those that have had high-profile vacancies as large national retailers have reduced their footprints by closing some stores or have shuttered entirely.
“It’s certainly been challenging from our standpoint to work around those vacancies,” Luke said. “These will be relatively high-traffic enterprises that I hope will breathe some new air into those retail complexes.”
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Sitting in one of three large jacuzzis on the elegantly designed rooftop terrace of Hotel Galería Plaza San Jerónimo, nursing a craft cocktail while the sun sets over the southern flank of Mexico City, it’s easy to feel like one of the country’s famous futbolistas. In fact, there’s a good chance those fit fellas sitting in the next jacuzzi over are professional soccer players. The hotel’s unique location places it near the three biggest stadiums in Mexico City, making it a favorite home base for visiting soccer teams and their traveling fans.
Galería Plaza San Jerónimo is located in the Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood, where many upscale residents call home. It offers travelers a calm respite from Mexico City’s bustling center, as it’s nestled beneath the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains.
The modern-looking glass and steel exterior of Hotel Galería Plaza San Jerónimo offers a pleasant, albeit a bit corporate, combination of stylish common areas and spectacular views. The numerous green spaces throughout the property make the hotel a popular local destination, hosting weddings on the weekends and business events during the weekdays.
Courtesy Image
Three different restaurants inside the hotel and 24-hour room service make up for a general lack of nearby restaurants or the easy walkability found in other sections of Mexico City. All the in-hotel restaurants serve a typical mix of Mexican and international dishes, with plenty of variety and ingredients sourced from the hotel’s in-house gardens.
The large, well-lit rooms are outfitted in a minimalist style and equipped with modern technology throughout (think flat screens, Bluetooth speakers, and sleek furniture). The bright accent walls contrast well with the light wood finishing and floors. There’s also a full-service business center and nicely equipped gym and yoga space available for hotel guests.
Courtesy Image
While distinctly suburban in feel, the San Jerónimo neighborhood is centered around a centuries-old Franciscan Chapel and its cemetery of the same name, surrounded by meandering wooded paths and richly decorated tombs. There’s also a popular ice rink directly across from the hotel called La Pista, which hosts a variety of skating activities and events, including some rowdy amateur hockey tournaments.
The popular Cuernavaca bike trail runs through the area before heading into the Sierra Madre foothills and the rooftop lap pool all offer outlets to get outside, active, and occupied. This is a great stay if you find yourself in Mexico City for business or pleasure—especially if you’re a footie fan.
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That moment sufficiently summed up the entire trip. A lot went wrong: flat tires, reroutes, and a number of close calls—all of which we laughed off. There’s a calmness in knowing that your crew has your back. There’s a lightness in realizing that the worst moments always pass. There’s a freedom in learning that most problems don’t have a single right answer. Thick mud, deep sand, lightning storms, food poisoning, and bike trouble are all solvable problems, provided your group sticks together.
Andy Cochrane
Lesson #2: Plan Ahead, but Save Some Room for Creativity
Let’s go back to the beginning and how we got into this mess. Two weeks earlier, we’d touched down in Arusha, Tanzania, clean cut and naively optimistic for the journey ahead. The four of us, close friends and frequent adventure partners, had spent the last half year planning this moto trip across Africa. That may sound like a lot of time, but for something of this magnitude, it turns out it really isn’t.
We divvied up the to-do list, researching routes, collecting the right gear, building out a spare parts list and repair kit, figuring out visas and vaccinations, and petitioning bosses for PTO. We moved fast, putting together a month-long, self-supported motorcycle ride across the southern half of Africa, but in all honesty, we didn’t know what to expect.
We had the gear, riding experience, and GPX routes on our nav, but that’s just table stakes. There wasn’t a playbook for what we were about to get into—nor did we want one. We didn’t fly across the world to follow someone else’s path, repeat their experiences, and post the same photos to the ‘gram. We wanted to do it our way, get lost a few times, and figure it out as we went.
This article was published in partnership with Blu Atlas
You’d think that settling on the right shampoo would be an easy process, but with your unique hair needs and the overwhelming number of shampoos for men out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best shampoos for men, so you can carry on through the year with your best hair yet.
What Are the Different Types of Hair?
Finding the right shampoo begins with understanding your hair type and its needs. Here are the four different types of hair you may have:
Coily (Most Black hair is coily, and is characterized by tight curls and coarse strands that condense when wet. This is the most fragile type of hair and therefore requires targeted care.)
Curly (Curly hair means having well-formed curls and thick strands that frizz easily. This type of hair can be hard to control, as it’s easy to damage and gets out of control quickly.)
Wavy (Your hair is wavy if it has a bit more texture than straight hair but isn’t set into curls. This type of hair can get both oily and frizzy quickly.)
Straight (If you have straight hair, it probably lays flat no matter what you do. Straight hair may be thick or fine and typically stands up to environmental pressures better than the other types of hair do.)
What Kind of Shampoo Do You Need For Your Hair Type?
Now that you’ve identified which type of hair you have, it’s time to start looking for the right shampoo to keep it healthy and looking its best. Keep these things in mind as you shop for a shampoo based on your hair type:
Shampoo for Coily Hair
With coily hair, your main concerns will be moisture, damage, and frizz control. In order to keep your hair in check, look for shampoos that contain natural oils or butters, which will hydrate each follicle while also building up a protective layer. Shampoos that are advertised as strengthening are also a good bet for coily hair.
Stay away from silicones, which can do some serious damage to your strands. You’ll also want to avoid mineral oils, which coat the hair and prevent moisture from getting in.
Shampoo for Curly Hair
Thanks to its shape, curly hair dries out faster than straight hair, so seeking out shampoos with moisturizing power is a good idea. Stylists recommend staying away from sulfate or silicone ridden products, which can do more harm than good to your fragile strands. Products that contain natural oils and hydrating ingredients will also help tamp down frizz.
Shampoo for Wavy Hair
Since wavy hair gets the best and worst of both straight and curly types, you’ll want to find a balanced product that hydrates without leaving behind excess oil. Look for moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin or coconut oil for the best effect.
Shampoo for Straight Hair
Straight hair is the most prone to greasiness and can also look limp. Hit it with natural proteins for fullness, vitamins for hair health, and oil-busting ingredients such as tea tree for the best results.
Ingredients to Look For in Men’s Shampoo
It’s always a good idea to scan that label before you invest in a shampoo, and while you do so you should keep an eye out for these ingredients:
Glycerin. (Glycerin is a superhero when it comes to moisturizing ingredients, as it attracts hydration into your skin and follicles and helps lock it in so you don’t lose moisture throughout the day. In shampoos, glycerin also helps strengthen strands to prevent breakage.)
Natural Oils. (Oils such as avocado, jojoba, argan, and coconut deliver on all fronts. They give nutrients to your hair that help it grow thick and healthy while also providing moisture to the strands and scalp.)
Shea Butter. (Shea butter is another powerful moisturizing ingredient that is especially important for textured hair. This ingredient will combat frizz and boost shine while also using its anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the scalp.)
Aloe Vera. (Aloe works to strengthen and repair your hair so you can avoid breakage. It also soothes your scalp and fends off inflammation which will, in turn, lead to healthier looking hair. Its moisturizing capabilities are just an added bonus!)
Sulfate-Free Surfactants. (Surfactants act as cleansing agents to get rid of dirt and buildup and leave your scalp and hair clean and ready to absorb nutrients and moisture. Instead of sulfate, look for naturally derived surfactants that have the same effect without any of the downsides.)
Blu AtlasBlu Atlas
Not only is this fan-favorite shampoo suitable for all hair types, but it also packs a lot of natural nutrition into an affordable formula. What’s not to love? Men with all hair types will benefit from this product’s strengthening properties and its ingredients that tackle oil buildup while simultaneously hydrating strands.
Jojoba protein and aloe vera are the winning ingredients here. Each soothes and conditions hair, allowing it to become healthier and fuller than ever before. All of Blu Atlas’ straightforward products are all-natural, made without harmful chemicals and with a subtle, refreshing scent, and this best shampoo for men is no exception!
Best For: All hair types and men who prefer natural products.
This innovative formula from Olaplex uses new technology to restore damaged hair to its previous strength and luster. It does this by tackling the millions of disulfide bonds within your hair that are responsible for strength and structure. Just be aware that it may take weeks of use before you start noticing the effects of this shampoo, so have patience.
Get a salon-quality treatment for an at-home price with this formula. If you color your hair (your secret is safe with us), you’ll be especially grateful for this product’s powerful nourishing capabilities that can reverse any damage you’ve done to your hair.
Paul Mitchell is one of the biggest names in hair, and this shampoo is the brand’s best seller. That’s because of its formula which combines natural powerhouses like tea tree and peppermint oil to create that unmistakable tingling sensation that comes with a good deep clean.
This product cleanses your scalp, removing any buildup of oil or pollutants, and leaving your hair clean and healthy. Ginger helps get the circulation in your scalp to get rid of dandruff and stimulate hair growth, aloe conditions, and rosemary leaf extract strengthens your hair. Treat yourself to the Paul Mitchell tea tree experience!
Get this all-natural shampoo that uses plant-based, vegan ingredients to deliver serious moisture to your hair and boost softness and shine. Soothing aloe vera and invigorating lemongrass tackle your hair issues at the root in order to promote strong, healthy, and revitalized hair. Plus, it comes in sustainable plant-based packaging, a win-win for eco-conscious men who want healthy hair!
Popular demand for this natural wonder means that you’ll need to find it before it’s gone, and maybe invest in a few bottles while you’re at it. Use this fresh-smelling shampoo first thing in the morning as an instant pick-me-up and notice how your hair feels fuller and healthier over time.
Every Man Jack is an up-and-coming brand for men’s grooming products that has a loyal following thanks to its natural formulas that go easy on the wallet. Like this 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner packed with natural ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut-derived surfactants, and glycerin and shea butter. This blend of plant-based additives works to clean deeply then hydrate and soften.
If you’ve noticed that your hair seems to be thinning out a bit, you’ll notice how this formula helps your head of hair feel thicker after a few washes. Plus, the fact that it’s a 2-in-1 means that you don’t need to shell out for both shampoo and conditioner. Guys who like to keep their grooming routine simple will make this product their go-to!
Best For: Thinning, normal, straight or wavy hair.
This is one of the best shampoos for men this year because it is one of the best shampoos for all men. Whether you’re looking to get rid of those dandruff flakes, tame your curls, or stave off the greasy look, this shampoo from Brickell will work wonders. Rest assured knowing this product is sulfate-free and made from natural ingredients!
Tea tree and peppermint oils clean deep and give you that refreshing tingle, while vitamin E delivers important nutrients to your scalp that help stimulate hair growth and stop dandruff in its tracks. Other natural ingredients, like lavender, aloe, jojoba, and amino acids, take care of moisturization and promote that shiny, healthy look you’re going for. Then, natural proteins help to thicken and strengthen for a fuller head of hair.
While most thickening shampoos use proteins or panthenol to boost hair strands for a fuller appearance, this product works in even more innovative ways. In order to maintain thickness over time, Hims thickening shampoo actually blocks DHT in your hair. DHT is the sex hormone in men that comes from testosterone and can actually contribute to hair loss.
Saw Palmetto is the natural ingredient behind this magical process, and ensures you’ll come away with not only thicker hair, but fuller hair as well. Men love how it makes their hair look and its subtle, pleasant smell.
Here we have another all-natural best shampoo for men. An essential oil blend that includes jojoba, peach, avocado, argan, and almond works together to nourish hair while getting rid of frizz, thickening, conditioning, and boosting volume. Even with all those oils and all that hydrating power, this shampoo works great for men with oily hair, too.
Men with all hair types will benefit from this formula, which is made up of high-quality natural ingredients that moisturize and repair. The scent isn’t bad, either–a warming blend of vanilla and honey that lingers throughout the day. You can’t go wrong with this simple yet effective shampoo!
Best For: Men with all hair types, dry or damaged hair.
This shampoo from Briogeo is a godsend for men with wavy to curly hair. That’s because it packs some serious hydrating power to nourish your strands while keeping them calm and frizz-free. You won’t find any sulfate in this formula, meaning you can trust it to take care of your hair without stripping your strands or skin of the natural oils they need.
Amino acids stimulate hair growth, shea butter and avocado oil hydrate, and then tomato fruit ferment allows hair to dry evenly. It’s safe, gentle, effective, and even comes with free samples so you can see what other Briogeo products might work for you.
Bevel has created this product with men (specifically, men with textured hair) in mind. That means you won’t find any sulfates and silicones in here, just natural ingredients that help encourage your hair to be on its best behavior without any harmful additives.
Shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin will keep those coils or curls under control while delivering a powerful dose of nutrients that make you feel confident in embracing your natural hair texture.
Another product that turns to tea tree oil to help men tackle greasy, dry, or thinning hair as well as dandruff and itchy scalps. Tea tree oil works wonders on all types of hair thanks to its anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that tackle just about any hair concerns you may have.
This is great for thinning hair because it tackles bacteria in the follicles that are preventing growth and gets rid of any buildup that may be stunting your strands from reaching their full potential. Peppermint oil contributes to that invigorating clean and refreshing smell, wheat amino acids stimulate growth, while glycerin moisturizes and seals in all the hydration your hair will need.
This product has made our list thanks to its incredible smell that men rave about. Lose yourself in a world of Italian bergamot, apples, cassis, greens, cedar, white amber, and musk–a blend so sophisticated and expertly created that you’ll feel as if you’d doused your hair in your favorite cologne.
Men claim that, aside from the smell, the best part of this shampoo is its rich lather and thickening effect. Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss fend off damage from oxidative stress while preventing environmental harm, vegetable humectants promote shine without residue, ginger root extract softens, and vegetable protein strengthens and protects. The ultimate treat for both you and your hair!
Resentful of the fact that you need to line the shelves in your bathroom and shower with different products for different parts of your body? Cut down on the number of products you use with this 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from American Crew.
Sage leaf extract helps encourage the growth of new hair follicles while citric acid cleanses your scalp and hops flower extract fights inflammation to keep your hair and skin healthy. You’ll get a good cleanse out of this product, along with some serious moisturizing properties that are beneficial both for your hair and skin. Plus, it comes with its own masculine fragrance that helps control odor throughout the day.
Best For: Men who want a quick grooming routine, dull hair.
Hey, scented shampoos may not be your thing, and that’s cool. You can still take great care of your hair with a fragrance-free option like this shampoo from Seen. The brand’s dermatologist-developed shampoo (which also happens to be vegan and non-comedogenic) is safe to use both on your hair and skin.
Hemisqualane is a natural ingredient that comes from sugar and provides color protection, frizz control, and smoothing properties. All this without clogging pores! Then bisabolol pumps up the volume while protecting both skin and hair. The same powerful effects as artificial blends without any of the consequences. Plus, no animal testing.
From cult-favorite Jack Black comes this volumizing shampoo made with natural ingredients. Men love Jack Black products because they’re straightforward, natural, and do their jobs. The job for this shampoo is thickening, which it tackles with a bunch of powerful plant-derived ingredients. The price may be higher than your average drugstore generic shampoo, but that’s because it uses quality ingredients that really work.
Tea tree gets rid of buildup while soothing the scalp, creatine strengthens, wheat protein adds volume, white lupine protein nourishes, nettle leaf soothes, sunflower seed oil hydrates, and basil brings antioxidants to each follicle. All of these ingredients come together to give you a fuller head of hair than you’ve had in years. And all that without parabens, alcohol, or sulfates. Plus, men with sensitive skin won’t have any issues with this dermatologist-tested shampoo that’s made in the USA.
Alright, we had to include this classic in our list. You’ve probably seen this product, if not at the store than in commercials, and chances are you’ve used it at some point in your life. This classic clean from Head and Shoulders is the top dandruff shampoo in the business, that hydrates and protects hair while eradicating dandruff and getting rid of any itchiness.
Pyrithione Zinc is the main active ingredient in this formula that is recognized for its power against dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and a bunch of other skin irritation conditions. It also has antibacterial properties to keep your scalp healthy. If your hair gets dry and dull easily, this shampoo will get it on the right track immediately, locking in moisture for smooth, healthy hair.
In addition to all that, this shampoo smells great and is pretty cheap. So what are you waiting for?
Here comes a product that includes all the ingredients your curly hair is craving! Shea butter and mafura oil specially target Black hair for a gentle clean that keeps your curls shiny, healthy, and frizz-free. Other natural ingredients, such as rosemary leaf oil, algae extract, and soybean oil deliver important nutrients while working alongside shea butter to condition, brighten, and soften.
Shea Moisture’s products are known for being of the highest quality, meaning you can count on this brand to bring you only the best. You’ll find no parabens, sulfates, or mineral oil in here! Just natural goodness that men love.
Keep your morning routine simple with this 2-in-1 cleanser that works to clean and condition your hair. The ingredient list is straightforward as could be, with powerhouses like coconut surfactants for cleansing, argan oil for nutrients and hydration, menthol for an invigorating clean, and citric acid to keep your skin’s pH in check.
Method Men vows to create products for men without any fuss. They smell great (this citrus one is the ideal way to start your day), come at an affordable cost, and take care of your hair without any harmful chemicals.
Another 3-in-1 for the win! This product from 18.21 looks good enough to go on the top shelf at a bar, and smells like masculine shampoo, conditioner, and body wash of your dreams. Along with the addicting smell of sweet tobacco comes some serious hydrating power that your hair and body will thank you for.
Macadamia glycerides bring antioxidant power to your hair while helping it become soft and healthy, jojoba esters nourish and hydrate, and quinoa boosts hair growth while repairing split ends. You’ll want to lather this all over your hair, beard, and body and take in your new favorite scent. The scent which will stick around all day long!
This shampoo, which contains malt to nourish and condition hair, may look like a bottle of beer but is actually best kept in the shower, not the fridge. Redken’s lightweight formula is great for fine, fragile, and damaged hair, using natural ingredients to hydrate and boost shine.
Glycerin helps seal in moisture to calm down those curls and reduce the appearance of dry or frizzy strands. Proteins thicken and citric acid acts as a natural conditioner so you can step out of the shower with soft, smooth hair that is good to go all day. The best part about this shampoo? You only need a little bit of it to get the full cleaning and hydrating effect, so one bottle will last you a while.
Most barbers would tell men that washing their hair with shampoo every 2-3 days is sufficient in order to avoid stripping the hair of essential natural oils. Men with long hair may want to go for every other day but still try to stay under four times a week.
Is it Okay to Use a Combined Shampoo and Conditioner?
As exciting as it is to be able to skip a step in the shower, experts say that using 2-in-1 products may not give you the same result as using separate shampoos and conditioners. This is because each serves a different purpose. Shampoo typically cleanses the hair so it’s ready to receive the moisture that conditioner provides. Using them at the same time may not allow for the moisture to fully penetrate.
Can You Use Body Wash as Shampoo?
The number one reason not to use body washes as shampoos is that they are formulated to have different pHs. pH is the balance of acid and alkaline in your skin and hair and it is important to maintain the correct pH for optimal health. Plus, since body washes often have stronger cleansing power that is meant for the skin, using it on hair may strip your strands of necessary oils and leave your hair lackluster and dry.
Is There a Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Shampoo?
Some shampoos may be unisex and work great on both men’s and women’s hair. Since there is no difference in the actual follicles between the sexes, you can probably get away with using a women’s or unisex product with no issues.
Many women’s shampoos are simply formulated for longer hair and include fragrances that women love, while men’s shampoos focus on cleansing and are often not scented heavily. Some products are formulated specifically for men, and take the specific hormones of men and their thicker skin into account when putting together their shampoo.
Ready to treat your hair to the shampoo experience it deserves? Pick out a product from this list and take the next step towards your best head of hair yet!
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Steve Smith won’t be playing in tonight’s Big Bash final, but that hasn’t stopped him taking the mickey out of a frustrating situation.
Welcome to news.com.au’s coverage of tonight’s Big Bash final between the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers.
The Scorchers have been the team to beat throughout the tournament and the Sixers have been the next best, as the perennial powerhouses square off in a BBL final for the fifth time.
Watch every KFC BBL Finals game Live & On-Demand on Kayo or catch up for FREE with minis on Kayo Freebies. Join Kayo Now >
Both teams are aiming to win their fourth BBL title, with the Sixers going for an unprecedented three-peat.
Sixers to bowl first
The Sixers have won the toss and have elected to bowl first.
The roof at Marvel Stadium will be closed for the game due to heavy rain lashing Melbourne.
Captain Moses Henriques and Steve O’Keefe will both play tonight, despite the duo nursing calf injuries.
The men in magenta are also without star opener and wicketkeeper Josh Philippe who has Covid-19, while brothers Jack and Mickey Edwards will also miss out as their Covid isolation period finishes at midnight tonight.
Jordan Silk is also out with a hamstring injury, while Daniel Hughes faces a late fitness test on his ankle.
Smith had a laugh about the frustrating situation on social media ahead of the final, wishing the Sixers good luck alongside an image of “Italian import Stefano making his debut”, complete with a large moustache and glasses over his face.
The replacement pool of players includes batters Nick Bertus, Jake Carder, Lachlan Hearne, Sam Whiteman and Paddy Rowe, along with bowlers Iain Carlisle and Nick Winter.
Wicketkeeper Jay Lenton, who filled in for Philippe in the Challenger, will keep his place behind the stumps.
For the Scorchers, Mitch Marsh will play after he suffered a hamstring injury while batting last weekend.
The final will get underway at 7.40pm (AEST). You can watch it on Kayo.
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