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Newsflash: Going out in Sydney is actually good for you, says new research

Newsflash: Going out in Sydney is actually good for you, says new research

Time Out5 days ago
We get it – when Sydney winter sets in, it can be tempting to spend your evenings inside, bundled up in bed like a burrito. But it's time to strip off the Oodie and step out of the front door, because it's seriously good for your wellbeing. And no, we're not just talking about a quick walk around the block. New Australian research proves that regularly attending in-person events – think festivals, musicals, exhibitions, sporting events, markets and foodie gatherings – gives your mood a real boost and fills you with positive emotions. Here at Time Out, we've always championed getting out and about on your week nights and weekends, and now this study just proves we were right all along.
The new research, led by the University of South Australia and Flinders University, surveyed more than 350 South Australians about how often they attended in-person and online events and how this related to their wellbeing. When comparing the two, they found that attending more face-to-face events led to a boost in positive emotions like joy, happiness and excitement. Plus, the more often a person attended events in the flesh, the more immersed and engaged they felt, making time fly by unnoticed.
Flinders University senior lecturer Dr Eliza Kitchen said, 'What we found is that events do much more than just drive tourism and boost the economy; they also play a critical role in enhancing wellbeing. This gives us another strong reason to support events, not just for visitors, but for the benefits of locals as well.'While there's still a space for virtual events, the researchers found that online or livestreamed experiences only increase people's sense of accomplishment – but don't have the same positive impact on other aspects of wellbeing that in-person events deliver.
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How to get an ultra-ripped physique in your 50s like Sacha Baron Cohen - as Borat star unveils his post-divorce revenge body
How to get an ultra-ripped physique in your 50s like Sacha Baron Cohen - as Borat star unveils his post-divorce revenge body

Daily Mail​

time10 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

How to get an ultra-ripped physique in your 50s like Sacha Baron Cohen - as Borat star unveils his post-divorce revenge body

Sacha Baron Cohen has shocked fans with his jaw-dropping transformation for the role of Marvel's hot supervillain Mephisto. The British Borat actor, 53, who split from Australian actress Isla Fisher in 2023, after more than two decades together, looked worlds away from his former self as he showed off his ripped body in the new issue of Men's Fitness UK. He revealed he had just three weeks to get into superhero shape, putting in the 'hard work' ready to portray Mephisto, a devil-like figure who makes Faustian bargains. Speaking to the publication, Sacha revealed he and his celeb-loved trainer Alfonso Moretti concentrated on short workouts of 25 minutes, a diet high in fibre and protein as well as low in sugar and '100 push ups a day'. Celebrating his topless cover, the Ali G star also quipped on his Instagram page that he used 'private chefs and personal trainers'. But for people who want to avoid pricey options like personal cooks and trainers, fitness experts have thankfully told FEMAIL the secrets to getting an ultra-ripped body over the age of 50 like Sacha. Mark Harris, fitness expert at Mirafit, said: 'For anyone aiming for a similar physique, it's all about the right approach.' He noted that those hoping to achieve a toned physique like Sacha's need to establish 'a well-tailored workout routine that combines cardio and strength-training elements, while still including substantial recovery periods'. 'I recommend aiming for around three to four weekly training sessions, focusing on weighted exercises such as deadlifts and squats. 'Prioritising form over reps is essential for avoiding any injury which could stunt progress. Cardio is beneficial on less intense days; even a brisk walk can effectively manage weight and boost recovery. 'On recovery days, opting for yoga or pilates sessions can help reduce injury risk while improving flexibility and mobility, which can boost performance during workouts. 'These active recovery days allow people to strive towards their fitness goals, such as achieving Sacha's incredible physique while prioritising rest.' Mark concluded: 'Overall, with the right approach to fitness, I believe anyone, at any age, can reach their fitness goals. The combination of recovery, strength-training, cardio and amending lifestyle habits has allowed this actor to achieve a slimmer and more defined physique. 'With the help of expert trainers, Sacha has credited short but intense workouts as his focus. This means rigorous strength and cardio-based routines, combining a variety of functional movements, high-intensity interval training and weight lifting, giving him this incredible transformation. 'He also credits nutrition as a massive element to his success, claiming he "replaced beer with protein shakes". This highlights his commitment to his fitness regime, revealing how amending unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as alcohol intake, plays a massive role in fitness success.' Meanwhile, Rachael Sacerdoti, a personal trainer and nutritionist, said that 'regular people' should skip the complexity of Sacha's intense transformation and instead focus on getting 'genuinely stronger in basic movements'. Her tips included: 'Eating 35-40g protein per meal, not just post-workout. Training a minimum of three times weekly with complete focus rather than six mediocre sessions. Sleeping 7-9 hours non-negotiably. Most importantly, give yourself time.' 'Sacha had a short amount of time combined with unlimited resources and die hard discipline. You need the same focus, even if your timeline stretches longer,' urged the fitness expert. 'People in their fifties have better mind-muscle connection and discipline than younger individuals. 'While hormones shift with age, they remain sufficient for significant muscle building and fat loss. Women may need to focus more on strength training to combat post-menopausal muscle loss, but the principles remain identical. 'The real victory isn't looking like a Marvel character, it's proving your body can still undergo remarkable transformation at any age.' Elsewhere, Kunal Makwana, personal trainer and founder of KMAK Fitness in the UK and US, who has trained hundreds of men over 50, insisted that the 'first three weeks are when you're likely to see the biggest change'. 'You're not going to become ripped overnight but if you commit, you'll look and feel drastically better within 21 days,' said the fitness expert. The trainer explained: 'The key to a lean, defined look after 50 is resistance training as you're losing muscle mass every year. Focus on compound movements like squats, presses, and rows which are high impact and will give you amazing results. 'Low-impact cardio, even just walking, helps burn fat without stressing your joints. It helps with fat loss at any age. 'For most men over 50, training once a day for 45–60 minutes, 4–5 times a week, is ideal. A typical weekly routine should include two upper body sessions, one lower body day, one full-body metabolic workout, and one or two active recovery days. 'On Day 1, you'd focus on upper body strength with dumbbell bench presses, overhead presses, tricep dips and incline push-ups, followed by a core finisher like planks and leg raises. 'Day 2 would be lower body and core: bodyweight squats to warm up, followed by goblet squats, lunges, glute bridges and ab work like dead bugs and plank shoulder taps. 'Day 3 is for active recovery: walking 10,000 steps and doing 15 minutes of mobility work, targeting the hips, back and hamstrings. It's not a rest day where you lie on the sofa, it's about keeping your body moving so your joints stay happy and your recovery stays on track. 'Day 4 is back to upper body, this time with a pulling focus, so rows, lat pulldowns or assisted pull-ups, bicep curls and rear delt flys, with a core finisher like Russian twists. 'Day 5 is a full-body metabolic session with a 20–30-minute high-intensity circuit made up of kettlebell swings, push-ups, squats, dumbbell snatches and planks.' The fitness expert said: 'Most men over 50 are eating way too little protein. Aim for at least 1.6g per kg of body weight per day and cut back on processed carbs and booze to help get rid of belly fat. 'This isn't about starving yourself, it's about cleaning up your diet. You want nutrient-dense foods, not just fewer calories so incorporate lean meats, veg, whole grains and healthy fats. 'Hormones like testosterone and cortisol have a huge impact on body composition. Getting 7+ hours of quality sleep and drinking 2–3L of water daily will support fat loss and muscle recovery. 'The goal isn't to train like a 25-year-old. It's to train like a smart 50+ man who wants to look incredible, stay injury-free, and feel strong and capable. 'Sacha's physique is lean, athletic and realistic which is what makes it so aspirational. Most guys over 50 can see real changes in just three weeks with this kind of approach. You don't need to be extreme, just consistent and your body will respond fast.' Sacha underwent his superhero makeover ahead of stepping into the Marvel universe as a devilishly good-looking demon. Posing shirtless for the fitness magazine cover, the actor looked incredible as he showed off his chiselled abs and toned arms. Speaking to the publication, Sacha revealed he turned to Matthew McConaughey to get the phone number of celebrity trainer Alfonso Moretti, who has well-established reputation for transforming physiques on impossible deadlines. He joked: 'I called Matthew and asked for help. After asking who I was and how I'd gotten his number, he finally gave me Alfonso's contact'. Sacha went on to have a FaceTime meeting with Alfonso, who got him to strip down to his underwear during their first chat. Due to the short time frame and Alfonso workout methods, Sacha was tasked with being 'consistent' by doing '100 push ups a day'. But the actor's incredible transformation was far from marathon workouts and extreme dieting, as they concentrated on short workouts and a diet high in fibre and protein as well as low in sugar. He said: '25-minute workouts that were sustainable. Even while filming, the workouts happened. In the past, I would've thought you needed hour-long sessions. 'But the short sessions made it so much easier to stay consistent - even with the demands of being on set.' By the two-week mark, Sacha's wardrobe team had to spend $5,000 (£3,600) altering costumes because his body had changed so significantly. He was leaner, stronger, and fitter than ever before. His trainer Alfonso gushed: '100 per cent committed. He could be filming for 15 hours, start at 6am, finish at nine at night and he'd still send me a text: "Do you have time for a workout?"' Revealing his new appearance on his Instagram Story, the funnyman quipped: 'This is not AI, I really am egotistical enough to do this.' He also wrote that he is 'hard launching my mid-life crisis' and 'debuting my new character: middle aged man who replaced beer with protein shakes' His trainer also shared the magazine's photos to Instagram and wrote that he 'could not be more proud' of Sacha after working out with him. 'Sacha trusted my process and followed the plan exactly. Not only did he earn better health and fitness with incredible aesthetics…but also… The COVER of Men's Fitness!!!' Moretti wrote. 'From Borat to Buff full article coming this Friday! For now, enjoy the pictures. Tell me he doesn't look absolutely incredible!' In a recent press conference, Marvel chief Kevin Feige confirmed that Sacha will be portraying the MCU character. Sacha first rose to fame in the 1990s with his Ali G character, the infamous spoof wannabe gangster who became a comedy star. He also starred as Borat, a journalist from Kazakhstan, and played the role of flamboyant Austrian fashionista Bruno. He split with Australian actress Isla Fisher in 2023, after more than two decades together. The former couple share three children.

Shoppers flock to The Reject Shop for surprise 'Euro summer' homewares collection: 'Ditching Kmart for good'
Shoppers flock to The Reject Shop for surprise 'Euro summer' homewares collection: 'Ditching Kmart for good'

Daily Mail​

time15 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Shoppers flock to The Reject Shop for surprise 'Euro summer' homewares collection: 'Ditching Kmart for good'

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Oodie launches huge sitewide sale with 30% off EVERYTHING - including their £35 cooling pyjamas that are perfect for the heatwave
Oodie launches huge sitewide sale with 30% off EVERYTHING - including their £35 cooling pyjamas that are perfect for the heatwave

Daily Mail​

time3 days ago

  • Daily Mail​

Oodie launches huge sitewide sale with 30% off EVERYTHING - including their £35 cooling pyjamas that are perfect for the heatwave

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Oodie, the Australian brand behind the viral hooded blanket, has launched a huge 30 per cent off sitewide sale. And it includes their latest cooling pyjamas. With the UK swinging between muggy nights and unexpected heatwaves, there's never been a better time to try Oodie's game-changing Cooling PJs and Cooling Blankets. Both designed to regulate your temperature as you sleep, these could be the answer to a more comfortable night. If you're losing valuable hours sleep tossing and turning due to summer's rising temperatures, then you're going to want to bookmark Oodie's new sleepwear collection. The two-piece range of both warming and cooling pyjamas are designed to regulate your temperature while you sleep, thanks to new thoughtful technical elements. And the best news? You can grab them for 30 per cent off thanks to Oodie's sitewide sale. Famous for its fun styles and colours, it's the perfect time to upgrade your sleepwear with the new PJs collection or invest in Oodie's iconic wearable blankets. Love Candy Cooling Short Sleeve PJ Top Calling all hot-sleepers! Oodie's new cooling range is designed for hot sleepers and warm weather, to keep you as comfortable as possible. The new collection is made from an ultra-breathable modal blend, which is an impressive 21 per cent more breathable than regular cotton pyjamas. £27.30 (save £11.70) Shop Love Candy Cooling PJ Short Sleeping in the heatwave is no easy feat, but these naturally cooling, breathable and soft pyjama shorts are a step in the right direction. Prioritising your comfort with minimum fuss, these shorts are ight and airy, with an elastic waistband for a feel-good fit. £27.30 (save £11.70) Shop Lilac Pastel Wave Cooling Blanket Too hot for a duvet, but need the extra comfort? Enter the Oodie Cooling Blanket. Helping you rest easy, the on-sale Cooling Blanket is cool to the touch and soft on your skin, wicking away heat and moisture for refreshing, year-round comfort. £69.30 (save £29.70) Shop Purple Checker Cooling Wide Leg PJ Bottom Cosy yet cooling, these 'buttery soft' wide leg trousers are loose and flowy through the leg, with an adjustable tie waistband for a custom fit. Perfect for hotter nights, you'll be thankful you made the swap. £31.50 (save £13.50) Shop Cloud Cooling Cuffed PJ Bottom Another offering from Oodie's latest cooling sleepwear is the Cooling Cuffed PJ Bottoms. Cuffed at the bottom but loose where it matters, these are naturally cooling and breathable. Designed with handy side pockets, a soft elastic waistband, and cuffed hems, these are a great way to prevent riding up while you sleep. . £38.50 (save £16.50) Shop Panda Sleep Tee When the temperatures are rising, the last thing we sometimes want is to put extra layers on, but a great alternative to pyjamas is a sleep tee. Super loose and relaxed, this sleep tee is made from a unique blend of bamboo and spandex to keep you cool and comfortable all night long. £38.50 (save £16.50) Shop Breakfast Warming Sleep Tee For those who love to stay cosy at night comes Oodie's new warming range. Designed with a bamboo blend, it has more than two times the warming power of traditional cotton pyjamas. Better still, it's odour resistant as it's 50 per cent more antibacterial compared to normal cotton PJs. £45.50 (save £19.50) Shop Cooling Long Sleeve PJ Top Just because it's summer doesn't mean you don't have to give up cosy nights; enter the Cooling Long Sleeve PJ Top. With a slightly oversized fit through the body, with a crew neck for familiar comfort, it feels silky soft on the skin whilst remaining super breathable. £31.50 (save £13.50) Shop

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