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Eric Bischoff Reveals What Hulk Hogan Said Before His Death
Eric Bischoff Reveals What Hulk Hogan Said Before His Death originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Former Senior Vice President of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) Eric Bischoff shared new details about Hulk Hogan's health leading up to his death on July 24. Bischoff was closely associated with Hogan thanks to their WCW days. 'I could tell he was weak, he sounded tired, but he still had that 'What are we going to do next?' kind of underlying current of energy in his voice, even though he sounded tired, sounded weak," Bischoff Bischoff said on a recent episode of his podcast, 83 Weeks. Hogan died one month after he underwent major spinal fusion surgery. He reportedly died from cardiac arrest, and friends say his health seemingly took a turn overnight."He goes, 'Man, I really want to see you, but I'm kind of embarrassed for you to see me this way because I've been pretty sick,'" Bischoff recalled. "I said, 'Hulk, when I look at you, I don't see the same thing that you see when you look in the mirror. So f–k that, I'll be down Monday.'" Bischoff traveled to Florida to see him, and Hogan was still focused on work endeavors. "All he wanted to talk about as business, but in a fun, energetic way even though he was struggling—it was just a little more effort than it should have been for him to talk at that time because of his larynx and all that stuff got moved around during surgery, so it was work for him to have a conversation. He was the same guy," Bischoff Bischoff Reveals What Hulk Hogan Said Before His Death first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
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Spine Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40
Spine Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40 originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Getting older means more wisdom, along with a whole lot more neck and upper-back pain. Nicholas Clark, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon for HSS at NCH, says that while many guys prioritize building their chest, arms, or legs, they often ignore the muscles in the neck and upper back—leaving them prone to pain and limited movement. "The neck and trapezius muscles are your body's unsung heroes, stabilizing your head and shoulders during every lift, run or even desk session. Neglecting them can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility and even spinal issues down the line," Clark tells Men's Fitness. In his work as a spine surgeon, he's treated countless men in their 40s and 50s dealing with chronic neck and trap pain—issues that could often be prevented or improved with the right exercises. Below, Clark shares four underrated exercises—ones you've probably never done—that target the neck and traps to help reduce pain, improve posture, and keep you strong and mobile well into middle and Trapezius Exercises for Pain Relief Directions "Start with two to three sessions per week, and pair them with your existing routine. Over time, you'll notice less stiffness, better posture and a stronger, more balanced upper body," Clark says. Cervical Retraction with Resistance Band Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 How to do it: Anchor a light resistance band to a sturdy object at chest height. Hold the band with both hands, standing about 2 feet away, and keep your arms relaxed. Gently tuck your chin toward your neck (think of making a double chin) while pulling the band slightly toward your face, keeping your head level. Hold for 3 seconds, then release. Tip: Focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed to avoid tensing the traps. If you feel strain, use a lighter band or no band at all until you master the movement. By 40, many men develop forward flex head posture from the impacts of daily life—like prolonged sitting or smartphone use. In turn, this strains the cervical spine and trapezius. "This exercise strengthens the deep neck flexors and posterior neck muscles, counteracting that slouch while relieving tension in the upper traps," Clark says. Scapular Wall Slides Sets: 2-3 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Stand with your back against a wall, feet about 6 inches away. Press your lower back, upper back, and head lightly against the wall. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees, with your forearms and hands touching the wall (like a 'W' shape). Slowly slide your arms upward to form a 'Y,' keeping your elbows, forearms, and hands in contact with the wall. Lower back to the starting position. Tip: If your arms don't reach the 'Y' position without losing wall contact, don't force it. Work within your range and progress as mobility improves. "Tight traps often stem from poor scapular mobility, which is common in men who lift weights or sit for long periods. This exercise improves scapular movement and strengthens the lower trapezius, reducing upper trap dominance and neck strain," he says. Prone Trapezius Raise Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 How to do it: Lie facedown on a bench or the floor with a light dumbbell (2–5 pounds) in each hand. Let your arms hang straight down, palms facing each other. Keeping your arms straight, lift them out to the sides to form a 'T,' squeezing your shoulder blades together. Your thumbs should point upward at the top of the movement. Lower slowly. Tip: If you feel your upper traps taking over, reduce the weight or do the exercise without weights. Focus on initiating the movement from your mid-back. "The middle and lower trapezius muscles are critical for stabilizing the shoulder blades and supporting the neck, but they're often neglected in favor of upper trap-focused exercises like shrugs. This move isolates the mid and lower traps, reducing neck stiffness and improving posture," Clark explains. Isometric Neck Bridge Sets: 2 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a folded towel (about 2 inches thick) under your head for slight elevation. Gently press the back of your head into the towel, engaging your neck muscles without lifting your head. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax. Tip: To target the traps more, slightly shrug your shoulders toward your ears during the hold, but keep the movement subtle to avoid strain. "Unlike traditional neck bridges used by wrestlers, this gentler isometric version builds neck stability without excessive strain, making it ideal for men over 40. It strengthens the cervical muscles and traps, improving resilience against daily stressors like heavy lifting or poor posture," he Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40 first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
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4 days ago
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Orthopedic Surgeon is Begging Men Over 40 to Strengthen These Neglected Muscles to Eliminate Chronic Neck and Upper-Back Pain
Orthopedic Surgeon is Begging Men Over 40 to Strengthen These Neglected Muscles to Eliminate Chronic Neck and Upper-Back Pain originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Eric Mancini, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine for HHS at NCH. As a shoulder surgeon, he frequently treats men in their 40s and 50s suffering from chronic neck, trapezius, and shoulder pain. Sound familiar? "The shoulders region is integral to nearly every physical activity from lifting weights and playing sports like golf or tennis, to running or simply working at a computer. When left unaddressed, muscle imbalances and poor mechanics in this area can lead to chronic pain, functional limitations, and long-term joint degeneration," Mancini tells Men's Fitness. Luckily, these conditions are often preventable through focused, preventative exercises, which Mancini shared with Men's Fitness. Sure, they may not be the exercises you're used to—like shoulder presses or dumbbell rows—but these are specifically designed to strengthen the shoulder complex, enhance posture, and improve mobility. "The advantage of these exercises is their simplicity and accessibility. They are low-impact, require minimal equipment, and can be performed at home, in the gym, or even during breaks at the office. Aim to incorporate them two to three times per week alongside your regular fitness regimen," he the Rotator Cuff "Men over 40 are particularly susceptible to rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial bursitis, especially from repetitive overhead activity. Targeted strengthening of the rotator cuff muscles improves shoulder biomechanics and reduces inflammation in the subacromial space. Focus on light resistance and higher repetitions to build endurance and control," Mancini says. Supraspinatus Activation Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 in each direction How to do it: Anchor a light resistance band under your foot while standing. With your arm straight, raise it to 90 degrees in front of you, hold for 3 seconds, and lower. Repeat the motion to the side. Internal and External Rotation Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 for each movement How to do it: Attach a resistance band to a doorknob. Standing sideways to the door with your elbow bent at 90 degrees, pull the band inward toward your abdomen (internal rotation), hold for 3 seconds, then release. Turn to face the opposite direction and pull the band outward from your abdomen (external rotation), hold for 3 seconds, and release. Tip: Avoid raising your arm above 90 degrees, as this may aggravate the shoulder joint and increase pain. Strengthen the Periscapular Muscle "The scapula serves as the foundation for healthy shoulder movement and is connected to 17 different muscles. Weakness in the periscapular muscles can disrupt scapular motion, contributing to shoulder strain particularly in individuals who lift weights or spend extended time at a desk," he explains. Banded Rows Sets: 3 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Use a light resistance band to perform controlled rows while actively squeezing the shoulder blades together. Seated Shoulder Retraction Sets: 3 Reps: 10 How to do it: Alternatively, while seated at your desk, sit upright and retract your shoulder blades. Hold for 10 seconds. Tip: Emphasize slow, controlled movements and maintain proper scapular alignment to reinforce good posture throughout your daily routine. Stretch the Pectoralis Major "Tight pectoral muscles are common in men who engage in weight training or sit for prolonged periods. This tightness pulls the shoulders forward, leading to postural dysfunction and upper back tension," Mancini says. "Stretching the pectoral muscles can help restore natural shoulder alignment and relieve anterior shoulder and biceps strain." Doorway Pectoral Stretch Sets: 1 Reps: 10 How to do it: Stand in a doorway with both arms bent at 90 degrees, palms flat against the frame. Lean forward slowly until you feel a stretch across the chest. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Tip: For additional myofascial release, use a lacrosse or massage ball. Press the ball against the wall with your chest and roll it gently across the muscle, applying pressure as Surgeon is Begging Men Over 40 to Strengthen These Neglected Muscles to Eliminate Chronic Neck and Upper-Back Pain first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
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This Ancient Chinese Training Technique Can Help You Build Muscle and Reduce Stress
This Ancient Chinese Training Technique Can Help You Build Muscle and Reduce Stress originally appeared on Men's Fitness. More and more people are ditching the hustle and bustle for real connection and balance—not only in their work lives, but in their exercise routines, too. Enter: Qigong, an ancient Chinese practice that promises to help you chill out. Qigong's slow pace has all kinds of benefits for the mind and body, and is different from most typical workouts men might consider. To learn more about what Qigong is, its benefits, and how to try it, we chatted with Lee Holden, master Qigong instructor and author of Ready, Set, Slow. Get ready to build muscle, improve your flexibility, and find your Is Qigong? Qigong (pronounced 'chi-gong') is an ancient practice of physical fitness, mental health, and spiritual connection, Holden explains. It combines movement, breathing, and meditation with a goal of boosting your overall health and wellbeing. 'The idea of Qigong is that men and women in ancient times would watch nature and mirror their bodies on how nature moves,' Holden says. 'So, let's say a cloud was floating across the sky—they would start to mirror the movement of that cloud into their bodies.' The practice was developed thousands of years ago in China as a part of traditional Chinese medicine, which has its roots in the country's philosophy and religion, per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). 'In Western ideology, if we have emotional problems, we go see a psychologist. If we have a physical issue, we go see a doctor. But nobody's seeing the connections between the two. Qigong sees the connections,' Holden says. 'So if somebody is like, 'Oh, I have a headache,' the Qigong teacher is going to say, 'Well, what are your stress levels like? Let's clear your stress with these meditative movements that get you in shape as well as clear stress.'' What Are the Benefits of Qigong? First and foremost, the mental health perks of Qigong are tremendous, according to Holden, as it's a moving form of meditation. 'The idea is that everything within us is connected. So our physical fitness directly helps and facilitates mental emotional well-being.' Research shows how important exercise is for our mental health, and how mental stress and emotional stress adversely affects our physical health. For instance, depression can wreak havoc on your immune system, per a 2020 review in Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health. Not to mention, up to 80 percent of primary care visits are related to stress. So, stress is the cause of most of our physical ailments. 'When we exercise, it's going to help our mental health. When our mental health is better, it's going to create healing in our physical body,' Holden says. You'll also get physically stronger and more flexible when you start regularly making Qigong part of your fitness routine, Holden says. 'It's calisthenics, it's yoga-like stretches with more flow,' he says. 'You don't always have enough time to go to the gym to get exercise, go to a yoga class to stretch, and do a mindfulness meditation practice each and every day. Well, Qigong does it in synergy. In one practice, you get the benefits of all of those things.' In fact, a small 2020 study in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation found that those who participated in eight weeks of Qigong training gained significantly more back and leg strength than those who participated in a control group training protocol that didn't include Qigong. Researchers also found trunk flexibility was 'significantly enhanced' after Qigong training as well. Recovery days are also vital to muscle growth, per the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). As you rest, your body repairs your muscles' microtears from lifting, which results in not only stronger muscles, but more muscle mass as well. So, during the days you're not going hard at the gym, you can use Qigong as recovery 'because it's stretching, it's gentle exercise, it's calming, and it's rejuvenating on many different levels,' Holden says. What's the Difference Between Tai Chi and Qi Gong? Qigong might make you think of Tai Chi, another ancient Chinese medicine practice. Qigong and Tai Chi look similar, but they serve different purposes. Tai Chi is a martial art that uses a series of movements, often performed in a specific order, throughout the entire body. Qigong, on the other hand, is often used as a response to a specific need, whether it's stress or post-workout recovery. Why Should Men Add Qigong to Their Routine? It's important for men to have an outlet for stress and a way to deal with their mental health, Holden explains, and Qigong is the perfect option. A 2024 survey found that among the men polled, 40 percent have never shared their struggles with anyone due to fear of embarrassment or negative perceptions of them. 'That's a mistake, because mental health is so important to physical health,' Holden says. If you have high levels of stress and you're working out hard, you're creating an imbalance, Holden goes on to explain. 'If you've got lots of stress and you come home and you do a HIIT workout or you go for a run, you deplete yourself of energy,' he says. 'Men forget to slow down, to relax, to rejuvenate.' How to Get Started in Your Practice You can do Qigong every day if you wanted to, Holden says, or you could do it a few times a week in between your harder workouts. 'Some people use Qigong as a warmup before their workout or they use it as a cool-down after their workout,' he says. Either way, you don't need to dedicate a ton of time to it. Holden says all it takes is a five- or 10-minute session to reap the benefits of Qigong. 'It's a great thing to do in between working at your desk,' he says. 'Every two or three hours, stand up and give yourself a Qigong break. Loosen up the spine, stretch out the neck and shoulders, take a few deep breaths with some flows—now you're back to work more focused and more energized.' And don't worry if you have trouble with traditional methods of meditation where you sit in one place. 'Sometimes when we just sit down to meditate, it's difficult because the mind is very active and it's almost like you're in this wrestling match of quieting the mind, and then the mind starts talking, and quieting the mind again,' Holden says. 'But when you move your body, you're giving the mind an activity, so there's something to focus on in the present moment, which is your body. It makes it easier.' One of Holden's favorite beginner-friendly moves to start out with is one called 'knocking on the door of life.' Here's exactly how to do it: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms down by your sides. Turn from your hips and waist to the right, knocking your right arm across your upper abdomen and your left arm against your lower back. Then, turn from your hips and waist to the left, knocking your left arm across your upper abdomen and your right arm against your lower back. Continue Ancient Chinese Training Technique Can Help You Build Muscle and Reduce Stress first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jun 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Japanese Walking Method Boosts Fat Loss and Heart Health—Here's How to Get Started
The Japanese Walking Method Boosts Fat Loss and Heart Health—Here's How to Get Started originally appeared on Men's Fitness. As much as you might love lifting heavy at the gym, walking is one of the most underrated formsof exercise out there. This activity punches above its weight when it comes to boosting heart health, strengthening muscles and bones, and reducing your risk of conditions like stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. But admittedly, walking can get a little boring. That's where the Japanese Walking Method (sometimes called interval walking training) comes in, a fitness trend that's recently gained traction on social media platforms like Instagram and Tiktok. But is this workout method simply a passing fad—or does it actually have legs? (Pun intended.) To find out, we looked at the research behind it and chatted with Ian Groves, a certified personal trainer and managing director of Training Station. What Is the Japanese Walking Method? Created by Japanese professor Hiroshi Nose, the Japanese Walking Method is a 30-minute high-intensity walking workout where you do three minutes of fast walking (about 70 percent of your peak aerobic capacity), then switch to three minutes of slow walking (about 40 percent of your peak aerobic capacity). You keep repeating these intervals for the full 30 minutes. While this walking method has recently gone viral on social media, Nose's original research was published in 2007 in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. In this study, he and co-authors recommend doing this type of interval walking five days a week. What Are Its Benefits? Compared to regular walking, the Japanese Walking Method can offer a few extra benefits, according to Groves, like better cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, improved muscle strength, better functional fitness, and even changes in body composition. Science backs this up: In the Mayo Clinic Proceedings study, the participants who adhered to the Japanese Walking Method (as opposed to lower-intensity continuous walking) saw reductions in blood pressure and body weight and improvements in leg strength and aerobic capacity (where your body is using as much oxygen as it can, as efficiently as it can, during exercise). Newer research, like a 2018 study in The FASEB Journaland a 2024 review in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolismsupport the above findings and also show that the Japanese Walking Method can also improve blood sugar levels and protect against age-related declines in physical fitness in older adults. 'If you're not doing much exercise at all, even traditional walking will give you some of these benefits to start with,' Groves says. 'But if you've been walking regularly for a while, you might hit a bit of a plateau. That's where the Japanese Walking Method can help.' Switching up your pacing keeps your body guessing, improves your heart health, and ultimately gives you more bang for your buck, he adds. Plus, it's low-impact and doesn't require any equipment, so almost anyone can give it a try. Who Is It Best For? The Japanese Walking Method is perfect for beginners, older adults, or anyone getting back into exercise after a break, according to Groves. 'From my experience as a personal trainer, I've also seen that some people just don't enjoy being in a gym environment, and this method is ideal for them. It gets you moving, builds fitness, and can be done anywhere,' he says. On the flip side, if you're recovering from an injury or dealing with serious joint pain, the Japanese Walking Method might be a bit too intense for you, and steady walking could be a better fit, Groves explains. Additionally, if you're already lifting heavy or training hard in the gym five or six days a week, this workout probably won't challenge you much. 'It's just not intense enough to make a big difference at that level,' Groves says. Tips for Getting Started You don't have to jump straight into 30 minutes of walking if you're not ready, and there's no need to start with strict intervals like three minutes fast, three minutes slow, according to Groves. 'Take it at your own pace—even alternating one minute of slow walking with one minute of faster walking is a great place to start,' he says. Another pacing pointer Groves recommends: Don't go too hard on the fast intervals and burn yourself out early. If you do that, you'll likely struggle to finish the full 30 minutes, he says. Groves also recommends keeping an exercise diary or using an app to track your progress. 'It's a great way to stay motivated and see how far you've come,' he says. Finally, if you feel like you can't continue during a session, stop, rest, and try again next time. 'It's all about building consistency, not perfection,' Groves says. The Bottom Line The Japanese Walking Method is simple, effective, and doable for most people. You don't need a gym membership, any fancy equipment, or hours of free time to get a solid workout in. 'You head out for 30 minutes, do five rounds of walking, and by the end, you feel like you've achieved something,' Groves says. 'And once people start seeing results from the Japanese Walking Method—which they will if they stick with it—they tend to keep coming back to it.'The Japanese Walking Method Boosts Fat Loss and Heart Health—Here's How to Get Started first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
