CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

With the winter months upon us, it can often be difficult to leave the house and brave the cold to head to the gym – not to mention, a membership can sometimes feel like a big commitment. However, there’s still opportunity to work out from the comfort of your own home.

Fitness experts at Breaking Muscle have highlighted five of the best exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home, with a step-by-step guide of how to complete them. 

Air squat 

A highly effective beginner exercise is air squats, targeting your thighs, hamstrings, quadriceps, and also your glutes. 

Position your feet so that they are slightly wider than the width of your shoulders, and then drop into a squat position with your thighs parallel to the floor. Keep your hands near your chest while you maintain a vertical stance around your upper body, and then return to the starting position.  

Jump squat 

Jump squats are particularly excellent for developing your strength, while simultaneously targeting the glutes, quads, hips, and hamstrings. 

For this exercise, you’ll need to position your feet so that they are slightly wider than shoulder width and squat down partially with your thighs above a parallel level. Drop your hands down to your side, then bring your arms up near chest height while you quickly stand and jump into the air. Land softly in a squat position and transition to the next rep. 

Squat hold 

While the squat hold can be quite a challenge, it will develop both lower body strength and core control, as well as improving your balance. 

Start by bringing your hands to chest-height and lower your body into a deep squat position. Your thighs should be parallel to the ground, but try to aim for a deeper position if possible. Push your feet into the floor and engage your glutes and core to remain stationary. Ensure that your torso is upright and don’t lean forward as you hold the stance for 20 seconds. The burning sensation throughout your body means that you’re doing it correctly! 

Push-up 

While push-ups will target your chest, arms, and shoulders, they’re also useful for protecting your lower back and shoulders from injuries and improving flexibility. 

Wall push-ups are a great exercise for beginners – you’ll need to position yourself around an arm’s length away from a wall with your feet matching the width of your hips. Your palms need to be placed on the wall at the height and width of your shoulders – and make sure to have your fingers pointed upwards. The next step is to bend your elbows slowly and lean yourself towards the wall up until your nose nearly touches it – but it’s essential that your back remains straight while your elbows are bent at around 45 degrees. 

If you’re up for taking it to the next level, you can try floor push-ups: to perform these, you must get on the floor and support your body on your toes and hands while your hands are set slightly outside shoulder-width. As you maintain a straight line from your neck to your ankles, bend your elbows to lower your whole body and press to full lockout. If you experience shoulder strain, opt for aiming your elbows towards your feet instead of your shoulders. Start with 10 reps, and lower the amount for each set all the way down to one rep. 

Bird dog hold 

Bird dog holds will strengthen your back muscles and can relieve lower back pain. Plus, they target both upper and lower body by boosting your core and your glutes. 

To start with, position yourself into all floors on the ground, placing your knees below your hips and positioning your hands below your shoulders. As you engage your core and keep your back straight, lift your left arm and stop when it is in front of you at the same level as your shoulders, and push your right leg out until it is completely straight. Hold for a minimum of five seconds before swapping to your right arm and your left leg. If you struggle to lift both of your leg and arm at the same time, you can always select the easier option by lifting only one of them at once. 

Your workout checklist 

Start with push-ups and begin with 10 reps. Lower the number of reps to eventually reach one rep upon completion, making it 10 sets overall.  

Bird dog holds are the next exercise to tick off in your routine, and you should aim for three sets of 8 – 12 reps. 

Next, start the lower body exercises with air squats, performing three sets of 12-15 reps. For optimal results, avoid a rest before your next exercise. 

After air squats, move on to hold squats. Attempt three sets of 12-15 reps, with each rep lasting 20 seconds. Regular exercisers should complete two consecutive sets before resting, but if you’re more advanced, try to complete three sets before taking a rest. 

Finish off your workout with jump squats. Try to complete three sets of 10-15 reps – but if you can handle it, attempt a fourth set. 

A spokesperson from Breaking Muscle has commented: “It’s a common misconception that the gym is the only way to complete a successful workout and reach your fitness goals. Our workout suggestions reveal that it is in fact possible to target multiple areas in your body with a workout that you can simply do at home. It’s much more flexible for those who find a membership too much of a commitment, as well as those who struggle to find the time in their day to make a trip to the gym. Movement is extremely important for not just our physical health, but our mental health too – so we encourage everyone to implement exercise into their everyday routine, especially now with the opportunity to do it from home.” 

As we step into a new season, it can be difficult to know what to wear. However, always one step ahead of the game, James Pryer (above), menswear expert and Head Buyer at BoohooMAN , has revealed the must-follow menswear trends for winter 2022.  

 Analysing the biggest menswear trends from AW22 Fashion Weeks, James and the buying team used their insider knowledge and Google Search data to reveal which staple items are starting to surge right now, as the cold weather starts to set in.  

From Top Gun-esque aviator jackets to cool Y2K cargo pants, here are the nine biggest trends expected to be everywhere in the coming months.  

 Shearling jackets

As the weather gets colder, you’ll no doubt be on the hunt for a new coat, and shearling reigns supreme this season. Google Trends data shows an incredible 614% rise in searches in the last 12 months, with the term ‘mens shearling coat’ currently soaring. Earlier this year, Top Gun also brought shearling collard flight jackets back to our screens, suggesting fans have been taking note of the style.  

A shearling jacket is a timeless addition to your wardrobe, so it’s no surprise to see them on the rise this year. Not only do they keep you warm, but they are also extremely versatile. Layer over a hoodie for a casual look, or team with a chunky knit or roll-neck jumper for a smarter look. 

Not only that, but our experts predict faux fur trims will also make an appearance, as they stormed the AW22 catwalk. Expect to see men embrace this revamped 90’s look in the coming months.

 Leather Look

Leather and leather-look PU are key fabrics for the season, with AW22 fashion week designers giving the traditional leather jacket a whole new look.  

The catwalk was flooded with ‘Matrix style’ longline leather and PU coats, teamed with leather and PU trousers, as the co-ord trend takes a gothic turn this winter. 

Black is a key colour here, and you can expect to see a lot of it this winter, as the “Gothcore” trend will be one to watch. From sportswear to tailoring, dark colours were prevalent at the AW22 Fashion shows, with designers showcasing dark and dramatic looks. Perfect for giving mens going-out looks a fresh approach. 

Puffer Jackets  

For those looking to heat up their athleisure look, puffer jackets are another winter wardrobe staple set to soar this winter.  

In the last 90 days there has been a 147% increase in global Google searches for the term ‘mens puffer jacket’ with the cool, versatile coat proving to be a must-have item. 

This year, why not make a statement by adding a splash of colour to your puffer? Red is set to be a key colour for winter menswear, sure to set you apart from the crowd.  However, if you’re not really feeling the heavy-duty look, these jackets don’t always have to be bulky. Lightweight puffer jackets look great when layered with hoodies, sweats, and scarves, and are easy to pack if you’re on the move.  

Cargo pants  

Cargo pants will be another key staple for winter 2022, as the Y2K trend continues to grow. In the last 12 months, searches for ‘mens cargos’ have increased by 81% and are currently rising. 

Team this skatewear influenced style with a long-sleeved top underneath an oversized graphic tee for an easy everyday look. Get fully into 90’s grunge mood in a black distressed and ripped detail hoodie with an oversized graphic detail black tee over. 

Dressing gown coats

Dressing gowns are being given a whole new lease of life – and it’s totally okay to wear them outside the house.  

Expect to see cosy belted coats with shawl lapels made from soft fabrics storming the streets in the coming months, as data shows people are very interested in this comfortable trend, with the search term ‘men’s dressing gown coat’ rising by an average of 251% in September. 

This practical trend comes in perfect timing to help keep you cosy and combat the increase in the cost of living this winter. An oversized winter coat always looks on-point when layered over cosy loungewear. Try teaming this style with a fleece or borg jacket and finish with essential winter warmers, a scarf, gloves, and a hat. 

Cord trousers 

If you’re looking for an alternative to jeans, corduroy trousers are expected to be huge over the next few months. Searches for ‘men’s cords’ are significantly increasing (92%) suggesting this is another key trend to watch. 

A great option for autumn, these are a practical alternative to chinos as they offer warmth, whilst still ensuring you look smart yet stylish. Team them with sneakers for an on-trend look, or leather boots, mules, clogs, or loafers for a more formal occasion.  

Balaclavas  

The balaclava is another trend that emerged from the AW22 catwalks, and as we edge into winter, experts at BoohooMAN expect this accessory to be huge.  

If you’re wondering how to style a balaclava, pair with other winter pieces such as puffer jackets, tracksuits, and scar see ves to complete the look or layer over a baseball cap, which is the key to nailing laid- back street style.  

Oversized jeans  

If you’re still trying to squeeze into your Noughties drainpipes, you can breathe out, as it’s time to embrace the baggy jean trend. Justin Bieber was one of the most iconic faces to bring skater style into the spotlight, taking a liking to the ‘baggier the better’ approach.  

In the last 12 months, searches for the term “baggy jeans for men” have seen an increase of 190%,whilst the term ‘oversized jeans men’ is surging right now, too.  

If you’re keen to try out the skater look, take influence from Bieber and co. with oversized hoodies, sweaters, and tees, not to mention a fresh pair of sneakers.  

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the ideal time to start planning the perfect costume for the occasion. Fashion expert Maria Loizou from Karen Millen predicts this year’s hottest pop-culture themed Halloween costumes inspired by the most memorable moments from 2022 so far.  

Costumes for men 

Maverick from Top Gun 

Tom Cruise’s Maverick is one of the most popular men’s Halloween costumes we can expect to see this Halloween. This year’s box office hit Top Gun: Maverick reignited interest in the classic 80s film, sparking 12,000 average monthly searches for ‘Top Gun costume’ worldwide. Fake moustaches, bomber jackets and aviator glasses make the ideal, minimal-effort costume, perfect for those obsessed with the franchise. 

Eddie Munson from Stranger Things 

Stranger Things has taken 2022 by storm, so we can anticipate many costumes inspired by the residents of the town Hawkins this year and more specifically, new fan-favourite Eddie Munson. Series four introduced us to the Metallica-playing, Dungeons and Dragons-obsessed Eddie, leader of the Hellfire Club. Eddie’s grunge look can easily be replicated with a Hellfire Club shirt, ripped black jeans and a denim vest. Currently, the term ‘Hellfire Club shirt’ receives 41,000 average monthly searches across the globe. 

House of the Dragon 

Arguably one of the biggest and most-anticipated shows of the year, House of the Dragon will likely be among the most popular Halloween looks this year. Dressed in a long black robe, white-blonde wig and equipped with a plastic sword, we are sure to see many Daemon Targaryen lookalikes this Halloween season. 

Costumes for women 

Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family 

With the autumn release of Netflix’s new show Wednesday, we can anticipate many costumes replicating the Halloween icon Wednesday Addams, especially as the phrase ‘Wednesday Addams costume’ receives an average of 58,000 monthly Google searches worldwide. Recreate this look by pairing a printed black dress with a white pointed collar, with Wednesday’s signature braids.  

Wanda Maximoff from Wandavision 

Marvel’s Wanda Maximoff, otherwise known as Scarlet Witch, is another one of this year’s most sought-after costumes, with the phrase ‘Scarlet Witch costume’ receiving 50,000 monthly Google searches worldwide. All you need is a red cape and dress, along with a signature Scarlet Witch headpiece. Incorporating a red leather top, corset or catsuit can really help in emulating the Wanda Maximoff look.  

Costumes for couples 

Elvis and Priscilla 

Elvis and Priscilla Presley will undoubtedly be one of the most popular couples costumes this Halloween. Austin Butler perfectly portrayed the King of Rock in Baz Luhrmann’s recent Elvis biopic, so much so that searches for ‘Elvis costume’ have increased 335% worldwide over the last 12 months. Replicate Priscilla’s iconic look with a 60s-inspired mini dress and bouffant hair, and style a leather jumpsuit and gelled back hair for the signature Elvis image.  

Barbie and Ken 

As a result of those pictures of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling on the set of Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie film, combined with the recent ‘Barbiecore’ trend, we can expect to see many couples dressed as the iconic plastic duo this Halloween. Whether it is matching neon rollerblading outfits or hot pink cowboy costumes, searches for ‘Barbie Halloween costumes’ reach an average of 15,000 each month worldwide. 

Danny and Sandy 

We can also expect to see couple’s costumes from Grease this Halloween. Danny and Sandy from the popular 70s musical have always been a classic go-to couples Halloween costumes and this year will be no exception, especially to honour the late Olivia Newton-John. Black leather leggings or trousers, red heels and matching red lipstick complete this look for Sandy, with Danny needing only a leather jacket and slicked back hair, with an optional D.I.Y Rydell cardigan. 

Building on their recent footwear and apparel collection, that celebrates the original trilogy, with a focus on Star Wars: A New Hope. The collection featured five unique character-driven capsules that highlight character art of Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, the X-wing/R2-D2, and the stormtroopers. This time the action sports brand DC Shoes is once again collaborating with Lucasfilm on a new snowboarding collection inspired by the original Star Wars trilogy, think if you were Holidaying on Hoth. The collection features two distinct capsules, with one celebrating the iconic character, Boba Fett while the other finds inspiration from the dark side, in the Sith.

The Boba Fett capsule features a custom camo print and branding details inspired by his Mandalorianarmor. The camo stands out on some of DC’s outerwear staples. From the jackets and pants to the mittens and hoodaclava, the Boba Fett capsule even includes DC’s top-of-the-line Phase Boot. But the real standout of the collection is the Boba Fett snowboard. With vintage artwork of the notorious bounty hunter on the topdeck, this is a collector’s dream come true.

The Dark Side capsule features a custom galaxy print where you can see some of the Imperial Army’s most recognizable ships when you look closely among the stars. Aurebesh script and the iconic yellow Star Wars logos add the extra authenticity, but the fans are sure to be most excited about the lining print that features a vintage collage of the most iconic villains from the Star Wars galaxy, including Darth Vader himself. This print is also found on the topdeck of the Dark Side snowboard.

This is a great collection sure to make a statement on the slopes, channel the force within you and make some powder fly on the piste!

Words by Holly Taylor, chef and co-founder of Kindling Restaurant in Brighton

 Holly Taylor and Toby Geneen are the founders of Kindling Restaurant in Brighton. Kindling is about more than just the delicious food, it is a community of people: staff, customers and suppliers all sharing and celebrating local produce. Nature writes the menu as the seasons inspire the dishes. Kindling is featured in the Michelin Guide and is a member of the Sustainable Restaurants Association. Today they look at the dangers of Greenwashing and how your food shopping choices can help the environment.

When it comes to doing our bit to help tackle environmental issues, it’s important to remember two things: we must not let perfect be the enemy of good; even the smallest better choice makes a difference. We really are stronger together. Our spending power is an incredibly powerful tool to force corporations to act and help to address climate challenges.

But how can you really tell if what you’re buying will make a difference, and that the claims aren’t just marketing hype?

Greenwashing (making an item seem to have less of a negative environmental impact than it does) is common in many business sectors, but one area all of us are involved in (as consumers) is food. Terms such as green, non-toxic, plant-based, plant-derived, pure, raw, healthy, all-natural all lead us to believe the product is a better choice. But they are often used to greenwash.

As consumer demand for environmentally friendly products has risen, greenwashing has become increasingly common. This has led to growing consumer confusion, making it more difficult than ever to make genuinely sustainable choices.

So, what should you be looking out for?

Vague claims

Maybe the company uses very general terms such as ‘green’ or ‘eco-friendly’ but doesn’t provide any reason for their statement. Companies that are proud of their commitment to the environment will have the information behind their claims freely available and will happily answer consumer questions. Watch out for claims that are imprecise and have no evidence to back them up. Don’t be fooled by clever branding that makes a product look environmentally friendly when it has no right to be.

A product’s whole life cycle

As an example, a meat replacement product may major on the fact that it is plant-based, but what really counts is how those plants were grown and how much energy has been used in the processing of the ingredients to make the end product. A plant-based product that is revealed to have been produced from an international catalogue of ingredients that have all been intensively farmed isn’t as good for the environment as it initially sounds and certainly not as good as vegetables grown a few miles from your location.

Certification

Most of us don’t have the time to research everything we eat, a fact that a lot of companies are relying on! The good news is there’s a growing number of sustainability certification bodies, such as B Corp, The Ethical Company Organisation, Planet Mark and FutureFit Business that provide comprehensive assessments and certifications for companies that truly want to address their environmental impact. These organisations offer businesses a roadmap so they can measure and mitigate their social and environmental impact, with the end goal of reducing their contribution to climate change.

Too good to be true?

When it comes to green washed products, if it sounds too good to be true, there is a good chance that it is. Most sincerely green production practices are going to be lower yield and higher cost – so you should expect to pay more. A company that’s truly committed to reducing its carbon emissions is going to invest money in making changes to production and infrastructure to achieve this.

In the last few years carbon offsetting has become very popular with large corporations who wish to appear more environmentally friendly, but sadly this isn’t a long-term solution to climate change. Sure, planting trees to suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere as they grow is a positive thing. But it’s significantly less positive than not producing so many greenhouse gases in the first place. Unfortunately, the buzz around carbon offsetting has rather distracted consumers from the core problem which is skyrocketing carbon emissions. Offsetting schemes aren’t bad, but they don’t cancel out the emissions to which they are linked. Instead, they’re a distraction that stops us from holding companies accountable for their enormous environmental impact. It allows these companies to continue with their unsustainable behaviour while shifting their responsibility for the climate onto the consumer.

Go back to basics

One of the best ways to avoid greenwashing in food is to get back to basics as much as possible. Try to buy your food locally from the people who produce it. Look out for farmers who are championing regenerative agriculture – a farming practice that aims to enhance the land and work with the environment rather than against it.

Some of the simplest things to do include:

• Buying veggies at a farmer’s market.

• Signing up to a locally grown veg box scheme.

• Getting your meat and fish from a local butcher and fishmonger who will know where it has come from

• Where possible cooking from scratch rather than buying processed food.

• Swapping to products that have certified sustainability credentials

• Buying from smaller, more local companies – they will naturally have a lower carbon footprint compared to corporate giants.

As much as possible, ask questions about where your ingredients come from: where in the world are they grown, how many food miles have they travelled, and how have they been grown?