How Apple’s Most Uncool Product Become My Favourite
How Apple’s Most Uncool Product Become My Favourite

In 2016, Apple launched its AirPods to mixed reviews. In theory, the product was revolutionary. Small white earbuds that seamlessly connected with your iPhone. Genius. However, when it came to the crunch, the original Airpods were little better than standard earbuds with the cables chopped off.And that’s before we mention the elephant in the room salesman on the train: the original Airpods were, in my opinion, the ugliest product Apple ever created. These things are in-ear contraceptive, reserved for car wholesalers and real estate agents. Part Something About Mary and part original Bluetooth headset that would fall out of your ear with the slightest breeze or gym workout. Yep: their advertising with people doing backflips was utter bullshit. The actor’s ears were clearly magnetic or something.Considering that vitriol, I was shocked when the recent 72 hour trial of the Apple Airpods Pro changed my mind. Here’s how it went down.

Their half-cooked original design has been given a stormtrooper-esque upgrade.

More black. Less white. Less length. Same girth. The Airpods Pro is a more aesthetically pleasing device. Shorter antennas no longer protrude past one’s ear lobe, and the streamlined design makes a real difference to your appearance. It may not look like much, but that’s the point: it makes you feel significantly less self-conscious. I now feel less like a real estate agent and more like a travel blogger or mediocre influencer who takes semi-important calls while powerwalking with my oat milk latte.

No iPhone, no worries.

I’m not an iPhone guy. Google Pixel 4 to be exact. I broke free of the empire’s stranglehold last year and realised switching is no big deal. The good news for those like me is the Airpods Pro work just about as well with the Pixel 4 as they would with an iPhone. Agreed, there’s simpler connectivity with the iPhone, which I miss, but you still get most of the benefits.

Noise-cancelling makes them an in-flight essential.

Now I’ve got over how they look, I’ll be wearing them on my next flight. This means carrying around my bulky Bose headphones may soon be a thing of the past. While the noise cancelling is not as good as the big Bose cans, it’s a worthy alternative for drowning out crying babies and airsick passengers alike. Plus, if you ever need to hear an inflight announcement, this feature can always be turned off.

They’re as losable as ever.

All the benefits notwithstanding, my pet peeve remains. I’ve lost three pairs of the original Airpods to date, and the Airpods Pro will be no different. What’s worse, being a Pixel user, I don’t benefit from Find My Phone. Take it from me: at a punchy AU$399, you’re not going to want to leave them on the bus, plane or cafe table.

The right fit.

Whether you have small ear canals or vacuous ones, Airpods Pro come with detachable inserts. Like most noise-cancelling earbuds, you get a small pack of replaceable rubber inserts. Be warned that these can go walkabout quite easily. So take care, or Apple will charge you a pretty penny for replacements.

New sound, who dis?

It’s safe to say the sound quality has improved a lot thanks to the snug fit of the soft inserts. This means podcasts and music is a more enjoyable affair and something I’ve found myself seeking more often with the Pros.

Not a single connection drop out. 

Having recently taken part in Sydney’s City To Surf I discovered that my Bose Soundsports don’t stay connected all that well. Running 14 kilometres with the sound constantly dropping out is a real pain in the brain. We’ve found the Airpods Pro don’t (so far) have this issue. Yes, even with the Pixel 4. That means they’re runner approved.

They passed the workout test with flying colours.

Whether you’re deadlifting, bench pressing or shadow boxing in the mirror you’ll find the Airpods Pro stay in place much better than the original version. Not only are you assured they won’t fall out, but the noise-cancelling will also drown out local gym heroes’ grunting and swearing. C’mon, more energy.

Lastly, the price. They’re a bit punchy.

You’re buying quality but, as mentioned before, the A$399 price tag means these earbuds are not for everyone.It would be good to test the Airpods Pro with an iPhone to maximise the functions and see how they perform in their natural habitat. Stay tuned for that.

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Gains Coach Reveals Exactly How Often You Should Train To Failure 
Gains Coach Reveals Exactly How Often You Should Train To Failure 

Unless you crawl out of the gym in a puddle of sweat, you haven’t worked hard enough. That’s the stereotype anyway, blasted out by ‘motivational’ speakers and personal trainers who, after doing a two-week diploma (if that), consider themselves qualified to teach the masses about fitness.Fortunately, there are some evidence-minded fitness coaches out there, with PhD holder and Instagram gains coach Brad Schoenfeld being one of the best. Even better (especially for your fear of lactic acid), Brad says there’s no need to train to failure every time you enter the gym.So what’s the ideal number of times a week to train to failure? Well, there’s no generic amount, because each person has different bio-makeups, but according to the latest research, you should train to failure only so often as it allows you to maintain a good volume of workouts (which, from our personal experience, is no more than once a week).This idea is backed up by numerous sources, the first of which is a study published in the Strength & Conditioning Journal, which – according to Brad – showed that “failure training doesn’t have to be an either/or choice.” In other words: it’s not a mindset you have or you don’t. It’s something you can sporadically implement over the course of a training cycle.

This idea is also backed up by Firas Zahibi, trainer of Georges St Pierre, a former UFC welterweight and middleweight world champion, who – as we reported earlier this year – revealed on the Joe Rogan podcast that when it comes to performing at the highest level, volume beats intensity (for most workouts).

“Let’s say the maximum amount of pull ups you can do is ten. If I pointed a gun at you you couldn’t do eleven. Should I make you do ten pull ups on our workout? No, I’m going to make you do five. Why? Because I’m setting you up to work the next day. And the next day we’re going to do five. And then the next day we’re going to do six. And then when six is really easy we’re going to do seven.”

Using the example of two gym goers keen to increase their gains, Firas unpacked his ‘consistency over intensity’ philosophy like this: “If you did ten pull ups on Monday, you’re going to be sore ’til Thursday – if it is really your max. So between Monday and Thursday you’ve only done ten pull ups. Me? I’ve been doing five pull ups every day, so I’m at 20/25 pull ups already; I have more volume than you.”

“Now if you add up at the end of the year, who trained more, I’ve trained way more than you.”

According to him, success at the gym comes down to how much training you can pack into the week (without getting sore), and how much volume can you expose yourself to – as getting this right can spark more energy, as opposed to over-training, which can induce lethargy.

“Let’s say I’m feeling a seven out of ten. If I get up and I do the right amount of exercise, I can feel like an eight point five – exercise can give me a tonic effect. But once you get that high: shut it down. Don’t go into that phase where your body is beat up, tight and broken up; don’t redline the body – that’s only for training camps [or for the rest of us, ad hoc moments] for a small period of time.”

However, before you replace every chest-bursting drop set with some casual Instagram scrolling, remember: just because you’re not training to failure doesn’t mean you shouldn’t train with intensity…

 
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The overall takeaway? The ideal frequency with which to train to failure is that which enables you to maintain sufficient volume for your fitness goals (to work it out, consult a qualified personal trainer). In other words: treat training to failure as a tool, not a staple.Gains await.

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Jeff Goldblum Can’t Stop Wearing His Favourite Saint Laurent Jacket
Jeff Goldblum Can’t Stop Wearing His Favourite Saint Laurent Jacket

Jeff Goldblum may be a man of flamboyant flair, but stepping out at SiriusXM’s Real Jazz Channel Studios in New York City on Monday he proved that you don’t always need an assault of colour to impress.The American actor and musician was attending the studio to put on a performance that included piano and singing (for those at home) and flashing his signature smile and charm for the select crew that were there in the radio station.The man who seems to possess a fountain of youth turned up in style, rocking black dress shoes, dark skinny jeans, a black leather belt, a black collared shirt, a fine zebra stripe tie, clear glasses and his favourite Saint Laurent Varsity jacket.

With its leather trim around shoulders and striped ribbed collar, cuff and waistband, this Saint Laurent Varsity jacket is a classic.
Jeff has been seen rocking this AU$3,310 jacket on numerous occasions, including alongside Roland Emmerich, Liam Hemsworth, Jessie T. Usher and Vivica Fox at the AOL Build Speaker Series studios in New York for an “Independence Day: Resurgence” event, all the way back in June 2016.At this week’s radio performance, Jeff wore the jacket with the same pair of glasses he paired it with in 2016, but upgraded his pants, shirt and shoes.Jeff also admired the floral prints of his host – two-time Emmy winning broadcaster and journalist Mark Ruffin – whose ensemble perhaps reminded Jeff of some of his most outlandish (and iconic) style moments such as pairing a Cartier with a Mickey Mouse dress shirt, pulling off the hardest trouser colour for men, wearing insane safari pants and matching an outrageous flower-y shirt with Prada reading glasses.All this in mind, it’s little wonder Jeff looked comfortable (if mildly covetous) next to his gracious broadcaster, who played jazz on the radio in Chicago for over 25 years before joining the Real Jazz airwaves.Having an eye for fashion helps put one at ease in any situation, and in that respect, Jeff was far from done. In fact, his heart-and-sleeve-warming Saint Laurent jacket was only the second classiest part of his New York winter outfit.Why? On his wrist, he rocked the dependable Tank de Cartier, a watch which exudes all kinds of vintage cool. How? The black leather strap makes for a great complement to Jeff’s tie’s intricate detailing, while the timepiece’s signature square steel case, beaded crown and Roman numeral adorned dial perfectly complement Jeff’s timeless style.In the market for a timekeeper? Depending on the size, the Cartier Tank Solo can be acquired for between AU$3,750 and AU$5,100.May Goldblum be with you.

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Score This $145 French Terry Sweat In 18 Cool Colours
Score This $145 French Terry Sweat In 18 Cool Colours

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If there is one item everyone can agree is a wardrobe essential, it's an ultra-comfortable sweatshirt. They're perfect for wearing around the house, pair easily with jeans and can be used as a layering piece underneath a jacket.

Whilst they won't cut it for more...

↬ Click here to view the full article/gallery on D'Marge

 

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The Ugly Truth About Virgin Voyages’ Adults-Only Cruise
The Ugly Truth About Virgin Voyages’ Adults-Only Cruise

Tabletop dancing. Champagne shake offs. No minors. Reading headlines like ‘Branson Spills Secrets Of Adults-Only Cruise’ and ‘Adults Only Cruise Comes To Australia’ (ok, we added the italics), both of which appeared online today, and you are left to think that either old mate Richard is hankering for a different kind of knighthood or some kind of X-rated attraction will soon be available to Australian travellers.

Sadly (or not, depending on which way you swing), neither one of these things is true. What is happening is Virgin Voyages’ first-ever trip is set to take place next year in the form of an adults-only cruise that will go from Miami to the Caribbean. The problem is that – contrary to how it is being marketed – it will likely be full of middle-aged people trying to re-live their youth; not young people broadening their bedroom horizons.

To that end: Branson today dropped into Sydney to promote the venture, claiming that Australians will make up much of this market (as we – apparently – love to party, and hate rules) and predicting Virgin Voyages will disrupt the cruise ship industry, making it less about retirees drinking their inheritance, and more about young people ruining their chances of ever owning a home.

Speaking to News.com.au, Branson hyped the ‘rock star’ vibes of the cruise: “She is very ‘Virgin’,” he said. “She’s going to be a fun cruise for people to go on. If they want to dance, there’s plenty of dancing. If they want to chill, there’s plenty of chilling.”

Hip.

“I think there are some people who would never dream of going on cruises and all our research suggests people are willing to give Virgin a try when we launch a new business and generally they’re happy with the results,” Branson added.

Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages chief commercial officer Nirmal Saverimuttu told News.com.au, Virgin Voyages’ debut vessel, Scarlet Lady, would be mid-sized to allow for intimacy, and designed to cater to young’uns’ penchant for eating in bars.

“Virgin is a mindset, it’s for people seeking that cooler, hipper, younger-feeling experience… A lot of people afraid of ‘mass’. We’ve seen a trend in the industry towards bigger and bigger ships, so we built mid-size ships so we can offer more intimate spaces.”

In any case, the 110,000 gross tonne, Italian-built Scarlet Lady — the first of four ships on order by Virgin Voyages — will set off on her maiden voyage to the Caribbean from Miami in April 2020.

“Accommodating 2770 passengers… the ship is designed to look more like a sleek, luxurious yacht than a mega-cruise ship,” News.com.au reports. It will also feature 1330 stylish cabins with mood lighting, 78 ‘Rock Star’ suites and four ‘Mega Star’ suites that come with standing hot tubs and guitar-lined music rooms.

There is a tattoo parlour on board, as well as a vinyl record store, and – according to Sir Branson – much on-board revelry: “I’m a great believer that every table should be made to dance on and in our Rock Star suites we even have stairs going up to the table so people can get up there and dance.”

There is one awkward problem, however, which Virgin Voyages chief commercial officer Nirmal Saverimuttu hinted at when he told News.com.au that The Scarlet Lady was “a ship for people who would not typically consider a cruise holiday.”

A lofty aim – and one we doubt a company that uses the word ‘hip’ non-ironically will ever achieve.

And it’s not just our speculation: while Virgin Voyages is not yet operational, a report by journalist Stephen Brook for travel publication Escape revealed earlier this year that just because a cruise is marketed as young and self-indulgent, that won’t necessarily be the case.

In a piece entitled, “Six Pairs Of Bathers & Unicorn Pants: A 10 Day All-Gay Cruise From Hong Kong To Japan,” Stephen Brook wrote about how his holiday of hedonism – the 2019 Atlantis Events Asia 10-day all-gay charter cruise – turned out to be quite a refined and classy affair.

In fact, to Stephens horror, when Atlantis Events’ age-defying US founder Rich Campbell welcomed guests “from the ’60s’, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s”, he wasn’t referring to gents in their 50s down to 20-somethings.

“Hold my mai tai. In a depressing moment of clarity, I realised that I had misheard. Campbell was actually welcoming guests not from the 1960s, but aged in their 60s, as well as in their 70s, 80s and 90s. I had been hoping for a cruise just like Sex in the City, but was this going to be more like The Golden Girls.”

Not only that but, “on the voyage’s informal Facebook group,” Stephen writes, “ordinary Joes were much more interested in posting photos of their business class airline berths and flutes of champagne than their torsos.”

“But both the gym junkies and elder statesmen, found funds for one essential budget line item … the amazingly regenerative powers of Botox.”

So: though we lack a crystal ball, as D’Marge sees it, this will prove the case with Virgin Voyages too. But who knows: maybe they will start a trend and in 100 years our grandkids will be dropping their inheritance on the trip of a lifetime.

Maybe.

In any case, if your interest has been piqued, from today, Australian travellers can book through Virgin Australia Holidays to experience the Scarlet Lady for themselves.

These packages include return flights with Virgin Australia from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Miami, a night’s accommodation in Miami, and the cruise, with prices starting at $3420 per person twin share, departing Sydney for a four-night cruise voyage.

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Kanye West Commits The Only Footwear Sin Worse Than Socks & Sandals
Kanye West Commits The Only Footwear Sin Worse Than Socks & Sandals

He may not have the humility of Jesus, but he certainly has the faith: Kanye West just wore a shoe that would make even the most hardened hypebeast wince: pond-sourced crocs. Though they weren’t dripping in slime, America’s favourite mad professor still managed to make the move worse, pairing the dodgy footwear with a pair of your grandma’s thick grey socks.

The 42-year-old rapper then stepped out, like this, to perform at Astroworldfest, a Texas festival featuring the likes of Pharrell, Marilyn Manson, Gucci Mane and Travis Scott, and – despite committing a fashion atrocity – displayed his signature showbiz upon the stage. While not exactly unusual for Kanye, this confidence in the face of such absurdity led us to believe this must be no ordinary crocs and socks abomination (a la Justin Bieber’s recent widely mocked downtown LA ‘big rubber energy‘).This assumption proved correct, and a little digging around revealed these ghastly ‘foot maisons’ are in fact a preview of the soon-to-be-released Adidas Yeezy Foam Runners, which are made from pond-sourced algae, and will allegedly retail for US$75.Kanye did little to redeem the look, pairing the ‘crocs’ with baggy navy track pants (plain, not the three-striped Calabasas), an oversized blue hoodie and a light-grey gilet (all of which appear to be part of his signature Yeezy range). While this classic apparel looks good on the street (or with a pair of proper sneakers), we’re casting a “hard no” on combining it with anything suspicious and rubbery.Commenters on Upscale Hype, an Instagram style page who posted the photo, have also condemned the ensemble, calling Kanye’s kicks everything from “janitor shoes” to “fake ass crocs.” One particularly mean user even wrote: “Wait… he paid someone to design that? Those look like something kids draw in kindergarten.”Admittedly, there was one positive comment, which said: “Jesus Walks 4’s.” If you are of this school of thought and are interested in getting a pair for yourself, they are expected to be debuted early next year, after being initially unveiled (in White colourway) back in September.

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First spotted on West’s daughter, North, earlier this year, the moulded and futuristic looking ‘sneaker crocs’ will also be available in Khaki (and, of course, both designs have ventilation slits for days).Also of note is that, while officially unveiling the model (with his head designer Stephen Smith), Kanye revealed plans to start producing products in the United States and maybe even to have a Yeezy headquarters on a 4,000-acre ranch in Wyoming.Talk about big rubber energy.

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‘Candy Corning’ Is The Naughty New Dating Trend No One Can Resist
‘Candy Corning’ Is The Naughty New Dating Trend No One Can Resist

Currently gracing multiple sets of linen with your presence? Forget ghosting, breadcrumbing and even Tinder roulette; there’s a new dating trend on the market – ‘candy corning’ – which you are probably falling for, and which is even more addictive than the rest of them.Not to mention: if you pride yourself on seeing through other people’s antics then you’re in for a rude awakening.Why? Because, as New York artist and social commentator illustrator Samantha Rothernburg recently pointed out (and as sex therapist Heidi Gee has confirmed to D’Marge), ‘candy corning’ is self-inflicted.

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While ‘candy corning’ is often described as ‘dickmatising,’ anyone can make the mistake of returning mattress and mattress again to someone with whom they have a less than ‘wholesome’ relationship – not just women.

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Tfw you can’t take your own damn advice 🤦‍♀️

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Not to mention, there is a wealth of Reddit literature dedicated to discussing why it is that, far from being deterred by red flags, many men are actually drawn to them like moths to a flame. This in mind, D’Marge got in touch with couples counsellor and Sydney sexologist Heidi Gee, to ask what exactly the deal is with ‘candy corning.’Heidi told us that insulin-spike relationships are one of the defining themes of 2019, and that we keep returning to them “because of fear and insecurity.” In fact, Heidi has a lot of clients who have told her they know their relationship is going no-where but that “fear of the unknown, [of] not having that person in their life” stops them calling it quits, even though they know ending it “might be good for them.”As for ‘candy corning’ specifically, Heidi breaks down the trend into two categories. First are the serial daters, who find it especially difficult to be on their own, and are scared of dealing with the pain of their last relationship ending, and so jump straight onto the next piece of ‘candy corn’ they can find.Heidi says these daters need to learn and grow, else they will end up attracting the same kind of person as the last time: “Something I’ve been telling clients and friends is that you need to ‘feel to heal’ – go through that, learn and grow.”

“If you don’t go through that then you’re only going to be attracting the same type of people that got you in trouble.”

To do this, Heidi suggests asking yourself, “What is it about the person that’s wrong, and why am I attracting (or attracted to) these kinds of people?” She also says going to therapy can be useful to work through these issues and get to the bottom of your motivations and tendencies, as well as helping you consider what you really want and deserve.

“Going to therapy helps break those patterns.”

Then, Heidi says, there are those that simply like the chase, and are not attracted to the ‘candy corn’ per se, but its unattainability: “Some people see red flags and say I’m going to try anyway.” And while Heidi says that’s all well and good while you are enjoying yourself, she also sheds a word of warning for those that hope their ‘candy corning’ will end in a relationship.

“When things don’t flow as they should then you need to really question it. I’m not saying you should sit back, but if things seem forced you should ask yourself if it’s worth it.”

“If you see red flags and are still drawn to that person then you need to ask yourself – what am I [really] drawn to? Am I attracted to that, or is it the chase?” Heidi continued. “You might be ignoring the signs or thinking you could change the person.”

“These red flags are doing you a favour. Sure: if this person is not emotionally available, it might not be their fault – but to avoid that potential bullshit and heartbreak, don’t force things.”

According to Heidi, some red flag deal-breakers that suggest you are dating a piece of candy are: being on the rebound, lying around who else they are dating, being dishonest about being hung up on heir ex, or hiding the fact that they have a child: “If they’re doing that initially, what are they going to be like a few years down the track?”There are also some more forgivable potential red flags, Heidi says, which can be overlooked. For instance: “If someone is shy or introverted, why not give them a chance?” Heidi also understands how hard it can be to reject someone after noticing a red flag, but encourages you to bite the bullet (and send the ‘your services are no longer required’ text) anyway.

“It can be really hard if you feel like you’ve got a connection with them, but if someone hasn’t been totally honest with you then you need to remember: for a longer-term relationship there needs to be communication as well as chemistry. People get so hooked.”

“You could be in contact with someone for months and have amazing conversation and sexual attraction, and suddenly things turn pear-shaped without you seeing it,” Heidi adds. When we asked her why this is increasingly the case, she said it comes down to new technology and changing social patterns.“The temptation has always been there, but with dating apps, it’s easier to date a few people on the go and be a bit deceitful because you’re behind a screen. And there are a lot more options now. With the internet, you can be whoever you want to be and talk to as many people as you want to date.”“That’s fine, but if you’re not being totally honest or if you have someone who really likes you and yet you’re talking to five other people that’s when problems can occur.”This, Heidi said, leads into a broader discussion around how dating apps have changed our standards, and limited what we are (initially) able to look for in a partner: “We’ve become fussier in what we want – physical appearance is definitely a big thing, because we have swipe-based apps like Bumble, Zoosk and Tinder, and you’re going on pictures so you are judging a person on their looks.”

“This is potentially limiting our options; the person who might not be our ‘normal’ swipe who we are always attracted to might be something that we connect with amazingly but we don’t give that chance as we’re focussed on a certain type.”

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Score 50% Off One Of Seiko’s Best Diver Style Watches
Score 50% Off One Of Seiko’s Best Diver Style Watches

Time and time again Seiko stuns us with watches that seem too good to be true. Not only are they beautifully and carefully designed, but they’re also made from high-quality material, built to exacting standards, and functional. All of this for a sub $500 price tag? It definitely seems too good to be true, yet they continue to provide the watch community with great watches for great prices.How could an already sweet deal get any sweeter? How does an additional 50% off sound? For a limited time, you can score one of Seiko’s infamously good Seiko 5 Sports SNZF Automatic watches for $164 – 50% off their already very reasonable $324 RRP.That isn’t just a sweet deal, it’s an absolute steal. Whilst on the surface the SNZF might just seem like any other affordable diver style watch, when put under a magnifying glass you’ll soon realise it’s anything but. Constructed from Stainless Steel and powered by a Seiko Caliber 7S36  with a 40-hour power reserve, the SNZF is reliable, tough and will perform day in and day out for years (if not decades) to come.From an aesthetic standpoint, the SNZF stands out from the crowd with it’s Rolex GMT-esque red and blue rotating bezel that can be used for timing. If you’re looking for something a little more subdued you can also get the SNZF with a black face and dial. No matter which colourway you decide on, the watch comes with a day-date function, 100m water resistance, luminescent hands and markers and the choice of a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap.No matter what angle you look at the SNZF, it’s a steal; for a mere $164 you’re getting yourself a quality watch with timeless styling that will perform like nothing else in its price bracket. This really is a deal you cannot miss – hurry though, the sale is only on for four days, so you’d better be quick.Shop Seiko 5 Sports SNZF Automatic Watch $325 $164

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Why Australians Will Never Understand The British Attitude To Exercise
Why Australians Will Never Understand The British Attitude To Exercise

Australia is seen by the British as a cancerous paradise. But as long as you remember your zinc, every “sun, sea, sand” stereotype is yours for the taking – or so I was told. There is, however, an even trickier cultural kink to navigate: Australia’s fitness fetish. Having hopped off a plane hoping for a laidback lifestyle, only to be greeted by an army of fitness influencers and gym bros (such is Bondi), this is something I can personally vouch for.It’s not all bad though. In fact, in my year and a half here, I’ve noticed a lot of positives about the Australian attitude to health and fitness, which many Britons can learn from. For instance: I always thought I looked after myself well, especially considering the vast quantities of fast-food, microwave dinners and belly-busting beers on offer in my hometown of Essex. But after moving to Australia, I soon realised my “one more slice won’t hurt” mentality just won’t cut it in the land of Crossfit and Athleisure.Visit any beachside suburb in Australia, and you’ll see perfectly sculpted bodies in every direction. This may be intimidating (and many of them will be accompanied by dodgy haircuts, god-awful tattoos or skinny legs), but it’s also inspiring. Compare this to Essex, where you’re more likely to see the pubs full and long lines outside the chip shop. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle isn’t a priority for so many (and we’re hardly immune to dodgy haircuts and tattoos, either).

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Us Brits love our snacks and treats, so much so, that the NHS says around two-thirds of the adult UK population (40 million), are classified as overweight or obese. Interestingly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics says around 12.5 million Aussies (also about two-thirds of their population), are similarly overweight or obese. Maybe the grass isn’t always greener; I’ve just happened to find myself in a more health-conscious suburb in Cronulla.

And there lies the real difference between Australia and England’s attitudes to exercise: Australians feel vindicated to be seen doing it, whereas the English (and many other expats) would sooner admit to spending the weekend at the pub.That said, the UK is seeing a boom in its health and fitness industry, and it’s no surprise that much of its marketing draws from the Australian conception of health. Around 10.4 million British citizens (5% of the population) are members of a gym and the industry as a whole is worth £5.1 billion, according to a report from Leisure DB.By contrast, in Australia, it seems virtually impossible to not be a member of some sort of club. In my first few months of being here, I lost count of the number of people who asked me, “Do you train?”. “No, I’ve got a car” was a reply often met with a dumbfounded stare.

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What I can say, is being in Australia has made me want to better myself, much more so than living in the UK. I’m out and about an awful lot more than I was back home, so naturally, I want to be more aesthetically pleasing to the opposite sex, especially with so much competition around. Maybe a good haircut will do me just fine.

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