After religiously wearing my Apple Watch 4 for most of last year (and seeing some of the best progress of my life) this was a big jolt to the system.Problem was, it wasn’t a sudden shock, or I might have got back on the wagon. No, getting out of shape doesn’t work like that — it’s more of a frog in a saucepan scenario (but instead of hitting boiling point you realise your expertly tailored pants have become the masculine equivalent of a corset).Suffice to say; it’s no coincidence I lost my six-pack when I stopped wearing my Apple Watch. And while the decision was based on fashion, not fitness (even Jeff Goldblum struggles to look stylish wearing two watches, and there was no way I was going to stop wearing a traditional timepiece), I ended up learning a lot about my willpower, calorie intake and workout routine in the process.So, before submitting to the siren call of the au naturale movement, I’d encourage you to arm yourself with all the facts (or at least, my insights). Keen? Here’s what happened when I stopped wearing an Apple Watch.

I didn’t stop training but I became less accountable

Two months prior to Christmas, in the peak of my Apple Watch stage, I would focus on burning 700 calories every workout (and ensuring I did at least 1,000 calories per day) in addition to maintaining a reasonably healthy diet. This fell by the wayside once I got rid of the Apple Watch, however, as I found myself leaving the gym early and training without watching my calories.

My body fat percentage went up… A lot

At my tech-based zenith, I was a lean 9-10% of body fat with a four-pack I could confidently rock at Bondi Icebergs. Two months after Christmas though, and the influencers were suggesting I consider eating some iceberg lettuce (and my body fat percentage went up to 12-13%).

I put on weight, but not good weight

While this might not happen to everyone (muscle weighs more than fat), as giving up the Apple Watch coincided with silly season (and then the end of summer) I managed to put on almost 6kg (from 81kg), and I’m pretty confident it’s not all muscle…

My diet slipped too

Not only did my training lose intensity (despite following the same workout routine) but this dip in motivation also impacted my diet, leading to several more fried chicken blowouts than planned. Chicken and chips from The Char was my go-to.

However, it was a relief not to have to charge it every night

While there were a number of downsides, one positive was that I didn’t have to stress (or forget entirely) about plugging my Apple Watch in each night. Also wearing my IWC Big Pilot and the Apple Watch did make me look like a bit of a good during the day.

Biggest takeaway from these 30 days?

The most surprising thing for me throughout this process has been that — contrary to popular belief — tracking your calories on a daily basis is actually good for you, providing a real sense of accountability, finish workouts, keep moving and extra motivation to stay strong (or flip around a bad day).While counting calories may be unnecessary if you live in a hunter-gatherer society where you eat nothing but whole foods, as I — like the vast majority of human beings — live surrounded by temptation, I have found tracking calories gives me peace of mind (and fitness results) rather than stressing me out as many argue it must.

Read Next

• This Is What Happens When You Train Like Chris Hemsworth For 30 Days 
• I Wore Stupidly Expensive Gym Shorts For A Month & This Is What I Discovered 

The post What Happened When I Stopped Wearing My Apple Watch For 30 Days appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

You can’t put a price on hedonism, but you can bottle it. However, limited as most are by their 9-5, we only get to express our Babylonian side once or twice a week.Which means you really ought to make the most of it.Before you mind or stomach goes to the gutter — we aren’t talking about getting twisted on the way home from the wine store (and then watching re-runs of the bachelor). We’re talking about maximising taste (both in terms of class and sensory perception).However, while most amateur wine experts know minutiae-specific info about the red stuff they drink, including background, region, cellaring, vintage and even decanting, there is one mistake most of us consistently make — after going out and buying a sublime bottle of Shiraz, we’ll go and serve it in whatever glasses we have in the cupboard.Why are we willing to spend $80 a week on wine, and yet we rarely — if ever — invest in renewing, replenishing — or even considering — the glassware we drink it from?Well, for starters, it’s counter-intuitive. Glass is glass is glass, right? Wrong. And we have St Hugo’s chief winemaker, Peter Munro, to explain why the vessel it is carried in affects both the taste and the smell of your wine, to the point where it is “on par with decanting” in terms of how much it affects your wine’s taste.

“Obviously they are acting in different ways but I am continually surprised on the impact of the right glassware and it’s design on highlighting varietal characteristics.”

In a recent interview, Peter told us, “Grape varietals carry unmistakeable flavour profiles, and the size and the shape of your glass will impact how you perceive them.” Which means, “For a wine lover, investing in good quality, functional wine glasses will never be a waste of money.”So, what glasses go with what types of wine? Look no further.

Full-Bodied Red Wine

These bad boys should be served in a full, round, tall ‘Bordeaux’ glass with a wide opening at the top all of which directs wine to the back of the mouth and allows the bitter flavours of full-bodied reds like Cab Savs and Syrahs to shine.

Delicate Red Wine

For more delicate reds (Pinot Noir, for instance) you should use a ‘Burgundy’ glass, which has a bigger bowl but is not as tall as a ‘Bordeaux’ glass, to help you pick up on their more subtle aromas (and to direct the wine to the tip of the tongue).

White Wine

White wines do not need as large a glass as reds to release their aroma and flavour, which means they are suited to glasses with a more U-shaped, upright bowls (something which also helps keep them cooler).RELATED: Professional Sommeliers Reveal Their Favourite Australian White Wines

Rosé

Rosé is produced similarly to white wine so you can get away with using the same glasses for them both. However, if you are a keen connoisseur there are glasses made specifically for rosés, whose shorter, tapered bowls and flared rims are supposed to better allow the fruity characteristics of a good rosé to shine.Oh, and as a #bonus piece of advice, we asked Peter, “Is it still worth cellaring your wine if it has been exposed to heat before you get a chance to store it away?” (yes we committed this cardinal sin). While we were half hoping he would tell us to drink it straight away, that’s not quite how he responded…

“Wine that has been severely heat effected will always show premature development and is probably not best suited to long term aging. However great wine is extremely resilient and mild heat exposure may not have a noticeable effect on the wine and it’s aging ability.”

While this guide should serve you as a decent template, if you are interested in learning more; we highly recommend you check out some of the dynamic wine glassware (and tasting) tours on offer next time you are in one of Australia’s big wine-producing regions.

Read Next

• The Biggest Difference Between An $800 & An $80 Bottle Of Red Wine
• The 7 Best Shiraz Wines In Australia, According To The Experts 

The post Wine Glasses: The Best Wine Glass To Use For Different Wine Varieties appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Ever wondered how to get David Gandy style? People still talk of that David Gandy summer campaign back in 2007; boat-stranded for Dolce and Gabanna in nothing more than tighty-whites and vicious abs that could cut a diamond in two. The thirty-something British lad made 'strong the new thin' on the m...

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When you get back from a hard workout, stomach sore, biceps burnt, and chest tighter than a professional cyclist’s shorts, you might forgive yourself the lactic acid build up only to resolve to stretch properly tomorrow.

But what if there was another way? What if you could incorporate functional and flexible movements into your weight-bearing workout? Of course, most of us already do compound exercises in the gym — which is great — but if you are looking to take it to the next level then you might want to look to surfers for inspiration rather than your ripped-but-rigid PT.

Case in point? The man-crush-inducing workouts of Italo Ferreira, the number 6 ranked surfer in the world who yesterday beat GOAT Kelly Slater to progress to the Quarter Finals of the Corona Open J-Bay in South Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Italo Ferreira (@italoferreira) on Mar 5, 2019 at 5:09am PST

As the iconic shots above of Italo’s upper body rotations, intense battle rope steeze and pentatonic kettlebell swings show, Italo is one of the strongest and most explosive surfers in the world.

His workouts also prove you don’t need a gym to get ‘swole’. Also also — as a bonus, these compound exercises promote flexibility, agility, core strength and balance in real-time. So — especially if you go to the gym in aide of some greater athletic goal (and hate stretching) — they are definitely worth adding to your routine.

Then all you need is 25 years of practice and some preternatural talent and you’ll be making some jumps like this…

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Italo Ferreira (@italoferreira) on Feb 27, 2019 at 3:45am PST

Of course this isn’t an excuse to tear up your Anytime Fitness membership — Italo loves a good deadlift as much as the next well-built-lower-back dude — but it is a suggestion that you broaden your horizons if you feel like giving your flexibility, balance and explosive-ness a boost, or if you are simply bored of staring at the fluorescent lights of your gym’s ceiling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Italo Ferreira (@italoferreira) on Feb 15, 2019 at 6:07am PST

And if you think you have the motivation to keep it up at home, it may even be cheaper, in the long run, to buy the basic equipment and complete your workouts al fresco.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Italo Ferreira (@italoferreira) on Nov 22, 2018 at 11:43am PST

Read Next

• If You Are Going To Follow One Fitness Influencer In 2019, Make It This 33-Year-Old ‘Cardio Strongman’
• Professional Surfers Train Like This To Get Their Insane Strength, Agility & Reflexes

The post Italo Ferreira Training: Professional Surfer Proves You Can Get Strong At Home appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Ah, the leather belt. It's one of the most underrated and crucial items in the menswear space and yet many of us still find it impossible to find the right one...or really bother to wear one. That changes today. Aurelien are offering one of their most stylish and affordable suede belts via Bombi...

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The post We Can’t Get Enough Of This $95 Men’s Belt That Comes In 8 Cool Colours appeared first on D'MARGE.

Azure waters. Greek demi-gods. Whitewashed buildings. Ice-cream dropping views. Instagram. Santorini is one of the most picturesque — and romantic — destinations in the world.

However, numerous publications (from The Economist to The New York Times) have reported that Santorini locals are fed up with over-tourism.

Suffice to say: while it remains an excellent place to get married, it is more difficult than ever as a tourist to test your charm on the Athenas and Zeus’s of Santorini.

So — whether you’re in Koo Club at 3am or the corner cafe at 10am, here are 10 Greek slang words and handy expressions for you to separate yourself from the selfie-stick hordes.

Of course, unless you take a crash course in Greek you are not going to be able to carry a conversation — so think of these as ice-breakers and one liners to elicit a laugh (and show you have gone to the effort of learning at least a little Greek culture), giving you a slightly better chance at eros. 

How’s It Going?

“Pos pa-ee?”

How are you?

“Tee ka-nees?”

You Look Good

 

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A post shared by . (@briannabordette) on Jul 18, 2019 at 4:12pm PDT

“Faínesai kalá.”

I’m Hungry (always useful in Greece)

“Peináo.”

Come

“Éla.” The swiss army knife of Greek slang, ela literally means ‘come’ or ‘come now’, however it can also be used to say hi, to ask a question, or as an expression of disbelief (as in “are you serious?”). So feel free to use this one liberally and playfully.

Let’s Go Chill At Your Place

 

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A post shared by Life Art Fashion (@mylifeartandfashion) on Jul 18, 2019 at 4:10pm PDT

Lounging with a date at the beach and things going well? Try “pame gia aragma spiti sou”; which means “let’s go chill at your place.”

Hello/Goodbye

Another (abbreviated) multitool is: “Ya.”

Cheers

 

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A post shared by CacioePepe Santorini (@cacioepepe_santorini) on Jul 15, 2019 at 12:55am PDT

“Yamas!”

Mate

While “Malaka” might sometimes translate as wanker, much like the c-word in Australia, Malaka is used among Greeks as a friendly, affectionate term (but can still be offensive if you say it to someone you don’t know).

Perfect

“Telios/Telia”

Read Next

• Iconic Santorini Photo Reveals How ‘Insta Tourism’ Is Changing Greece
• Local Slang That Will Score You A Date On The Amalfi Coast 

The post Local Slang That Will Score You A Date In Santorini appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

You might not think about them all that often, but socks are some of the most important items in your closet. You should wear them whenever you wear an enclosed shoe, like a sneaker or dress shoe, because they are responsible for separating your stinky, sweaty feet from your shoes’ interiors.

If you spend a bit of money on your footwear (which you should, as high-quality shoes are imperative to protecting your feet), you should also be splashing out your cash, every now and then, on good quality socks, as they will not only protect your shoes but will give extra protection and comfort to your feet as well.

Using socks as an accessory

Aside from their functional role, socks are an accessory; meaning they can be a great (but subtle) way to show off your personality to those around you. If you’re that clean-cut American Psycho-esque banker, you’ll probably go for a classic black pair, but if you’re the resident larrikin in your office, you might want to go for something with a funny meme printed on them.

And hey, if you’re a simple man with simple interests, you can show that off as well! Do you love beer? Get socks with beer on them. Honestly, just have fun with it! If you see a pair with a colour scheme, pattern, or print that you love, go for it and rock them proudly.

Different sock types

In this day and age, it’s no surprise that there are many different types of socks for men available, but it can be tricky to decide which style is best for your lifestyle. Invisible, ankle, crew, and mid-calf are the most popular options.

Socks For Men FAQs

You May Also Like:

• Best Underwear Brands To Buy Right Now
• How To Rock Shoes Without Socks Like A Sartorial King

Whether you live in Australia or the United States, we’ve rounded up the leading brands that produce the absolute best men’s socks. Whether you’re looking for plain white and black, or you’re after something a bit more fun, and no matter what length you need to add to your sock drawer, these brands have everything you need. But above all, all of the following brands produce high-quality socks that are durable and will keep your feet comfortable.

The post 23 Best Socks For Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

He’s just been signed to the L.A Lakers so he should be smiling but we suspect it also has something to do with that $350,000 timepiece wrapped around his wrist. Welcome to NBA star Anthony Davis’ first wardrobe breakdown on D’Marge, one of many to come.Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles this week to officially announce his sign on to his new team, Davis stepped out in a simple yet stylish smart casual suit which wouldn’t put him outside the ranks of Russell Westbrook and LeBron James.Davis threw a simple navy pinstripe suit over a plain white t-shirt and paired it to white sneakers – textbook stuff elevated with a few minor details. A subtle heritage necklace, lapel badge and pocket square finished things off nicely, but not before Davis flexed some serious wrist candy – a Richard Mille RM11-03 in rose gold which currently retails in the region of AU$350,000 – $400,000 (it’s RRP was US$160,000 at debut).The flyback chronograph piece is visually striking to look at and is easily the most ostentatious item in Davis’ look. Inside the 49.94 mm x 44.5 mm rose gold case is layers of titanium components to make for a super light timepiece. Maybe keep this one off the training court though.

Read Next

• Pharrell Casually Rocked His $1,000,000 Watch With A Summer Tuxedo

The post Anthony Davis Rocked A Baller's Smart Casual Look That Takes Zero Effort appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

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There is no other journey quite like an adventure into space....

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