Category: Health & Fitness

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If you start putting all of your lawn gear in your garage, it’ll eventually become so clogged up with yard equipment that you won’t be able to park your car in it. A strong outdoor shed can help expand your storage and keep your tools organized in a central location. If you’re starting to see that this is what you need, you really ought to check out this storage shed that Walmart has discounted by nearly 70%.

The Elposun 6×4.5 Resin Storage Shed is marked down to $280 in both gray and beige from its regular price of $900. You can also get a 6×6 model marked down to $530 or a 5×3 shed marked down to $190, but be warned that other sizes have already begun to sell out. Elposun Resid Sheds are a Walmart bestseller and have earned over 225 five-star ratings on the platform.

Elposun 6×4.5 Resin Storage Shed in Gray, $280 (was $900) at Walmart

This waterproof and UV-resistant shed is made of a hard resin material, features two swing-open doors, and has a window on the side. Additionally, there’s a small vent at the top, under a slanted roof that discourages debris buildup. Finally, there’s a small sliding lock mechanism on the two doors, keeping petty thieves and pesky teenagers out of the shed.

One shopper who described the 6×4.5 as the “perfect size” for their small yard mentioned that it “holds more than expected.” Despite the manufacturer recommending two people be involved in the shed’s construction, this shopper finished by saying that “one person assembled it in 4 hours.”

Elposun 5×3 Resin Storage Shed in Gray, $190 (was $570) at Walmart

Another shopper had a few short words about the overall experience of using an Elposun shed. “The price, appearance, and ease of assembly are all appealing. Additionally, it is completely impermeable. I employed two of them to safeguard my outdoor furnishings. It functions flawlessly. I am grateful.”

To get your Elposun shed and save around 70%, be sure to act now. While the 5×3, 6×4.5, and 6×6 sizings are still available, other sizes of this bestselling shed have already sold out, and the size you want could easily be the next to go.

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The department store has been a part of American culture for years. As for a little history, the first American department store was Arnold Constable, which was founded in New York City in 1825 as a dry goods store, so department stores have been alive and well in the U.S. for two centuries now.

But, times change, and retails stores have been struggling as online shopping has pushed some shoppers to stay home and shop and scroll in their pajamas. Now, one of America’s most well-known department store chains has announced that it will close more stores by May 25.

According to USA Today, JCPenney is coming up on closing dates for seven of its stores that were selected to close earlier this year. “The latest JCPenney closures, which were initially announced in February, come after more than 200 U.S. locations shuttered when the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2020,” USA Today adds. “The chain was later acquired by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Asset Management Inc. in December 2020.” So, these closings are part of a larger reorganization that has been taking place since JCPenney filed for bankruptcy roughly five years ago.

According to USA Today, the stores that will close on or before May 25 include The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California; The Shops At Northfield in Denver; Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho; West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas; Fox Run Mall in Newington, New Hampshire; Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina; and Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

On the up side of things, an eighth JCPenney location in Annapolis, Maryland, that was scheduled to close will now remain open through August, if not longer.

Regarding the closings, a Catalyst Brands spokesperson told USA Today that “the umbrella company is ‘optimizing’ its structure, resulting in the cut of about 9% of its corporate roles.”

Related: Trusted Toilet Paper Supplier Files for Bankruptcy

The 2021 Disney+ series Hawkeye seemed to have everything going for it: A star-packed cast led by Jeremy Renner and Hailee Steinfeld, stellar reviews from both critics and audiences, and an official place in the vaunted MCU. So why didn’t we ever see a second season?

It turns out it wasn’t for a lack of trying, at least not on Disney’s part. But did they try hard enough? If you’re asking Renner, the answer would seem to be a resounding “no.”

Related: Jeremey Renner Says He Briefly ‘Died’ During Infamous Snow Plow Accident

In an interview with High Performance, Renner said that he was asked to make a second season of the series—but for “half the money” he made to make Season 1. Which understandably didn’t sit well with The Avengers star.

“I’m like, ‘Wow. It’s going to take me twice the amount of work for half the amount of money,’” Renner explained. “So eight months of my time, essentially, to do it for half the amount.”

Renner was perplexed, and began to think that his near-fatal 2023 snow plow accident—which left the two-time Oscar nominee with more than 30 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and approximately one year of recovery time—might have had something to do with the lowball offer.

@high_performance

Jeremy Renner reveals why Hawkeye Season 2 never happened… 👀🏹 Jeremy’s episode with us is available now, exclusively on the High Performance App! 🙌 Jeremy Renner’s ‘My Next Breath’ is available in all formats now, published by Simon & Schuster UK #avengers #jeremyrenner #hawkeye #hawkeyeseason2 #disneyplus

♬ original sound – High Performance – High Performance

“I’m like, ‘I’m sorry. Why? Did you think I’m only half the Jeremy because I got ran over?,’” he wondered aloud in the interview. “Maybe that’s why you want to pay me half of what I made on the first season?”

Renner went on to clarify that the disrespectful offer wasn’t coming from Marvel directly, nor was it really even Disney’s stance. “It’s just the penny pinchers,” Renner said.

Renner was very clear in his answer: “I told them to go fly a kite,” he said.

The actor said the “insult offer” saddened him. As he says in the above video: “I still love the character; I’d still love to do it. But I had to defend myself.”

“I didn’t ask for any more money, mind you,” Renner added. “Just pay me what I made the first season. So it’s all disheartening that that didn’t happen, but that’s fine. I’m happy to let that go, because my body’s probably thanking me, time and time again, that I’m not doing it right now.”

Still, Renner doesn’t seem to be giving up all hope that they can come to an agreement—at least not yet. “But we’ll see,” he concluded.

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

The call of the wild sounds louder when springtime weather rolls around, and the only way to properly hit the trails is in a great pair of hiking shoes. Whether you’re a trail runner, an urban hill climber, or enjoy traversing paths with no cell signal, one thing is true—your shoes need to be ready for anything. Luckily, REI has a great pair from Hoka with a very rare discount right now, and they couldn’t be more versatile.

Hoka’s Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes can be had for just $135 right now, a seldom-seen 25% discount from their normal $180 price tag. The sale is only valid for the Outer Orbit/Lettuce colorway, a funky mix of gray and green, in sizes 8 to 13. Reviews at REI seem to be mixed, but at Hoka, where they’re still full-price, shoppers say these “just right” trail shoes are “very comfortable” and offer “excellent support, traction, and stability.”

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes in Outer Orbit/Lettuce, $135 (was $180) at REI

These shoes are built with GORE-TEX, the legendary waterproof, windproof, and breathable synthetic fabric membrane. It makes them great for running through puddles or snowbanks. They come with a protective toe rand (top side of the shoe) that’s an extra layer of defense against rough terrain and a compression-molded EVA midsole for much-needed lightweight cushioning. A Vibram Megagrip outsole rounds things out, providing tons of traction, including enhanced bite on loose soil.

Reviews of this iteration of the beloved Speedgoat seem to be mixed, but from what we’ve read, it’s all about how you use it. Over on the Hoka website, an avid runner wrote, “With some preliminary miles on these shoes, I am very happy” with them. They cited the “awesome traction” even on 15% inclines and the additional stability these shoes offer over Hoka’s previous efforts. On a rocky and twisty descent, “I realized I could just relax my foot and run, the shoe handled the occasionally gnarly and uneven terrain with aplomb.”

Related: REI Is Selling ‘Comfortable’ Hiking Pants for Nearly 30% Off, and Shoppers Say They’re ‘Impressed’ by the Quality

“I’m 80, my running days are over, and I now hike in all kinds of weather and all conditions,” wrote one impressively active user on Hoka’s site. “I find myself hiking along mountain streams and swampy areas, ending up with wet feet. Snow in winter is another challenge,” they continued. “The Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX meets the challenge and more” for all the conditions they’ve faced.

If you’re in the market for a great pair of hiking shoes, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX Hiking Shoes fit the bill. This is a solid discount for Hokas, so we’d recommend scooping up a pair ASAP so you can get outside, well, ASAP.

The next huge phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is upon us. After the surprising ending of Thunderbolts* the true post-credits scene of the movie sets up the next Marvel movie, which is actually only a few months away.

Here’s what happens in the Thunderbolts* post-credits scene and why it’s an exciting game-changer for the entire franchise, and will get even the most jaded moviegoer ready to see The Fantastic Four: First Steps in July. Spoilers ahead.

After being named “The New Avengers” by Valentina (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), we find Yelena (Florence Pugh), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Bob (Lewis Pullman) hanging out in the Avengers tower over a year after the events of Thunderbolts*. Quickly, we learn there’s been a schism between Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky, and that Sam is challenging the legitimacy of these New Avengers. 

This suggests we could be headed for a similar situation that existed in Captain America: Civil War (2016), in which competing superhero teams face off for dominance and true authority.

Related: ‘Thunderbolts*’ Review: Marvel Is Back, Baby

But then, after talking about some strange happenings in outer space, the New Avengers pick up a disturbance. Something is entering the MCU universe from a different dimension. And…it’s a retro rocket with a giant “4” painted on it!

Clearly, that’s the rocket being flown by the Fantastic Four in all the trailers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The post-credits scene of Thunderbolts* ends before we meet any of the members of that superhero team, but now, the stage is set for Avengers: Doomsday in 2026.

But, perhaps the most crucial detail of this post-credits scene is that whatever we’re seeing happening to the Fantastic Four is probably not even something that will occur until the end of First Steps.

So, this Thunderbolts* post-credits scene is clearly the set-up not just for First Steps, but more urgently, likely connected to the opening of Avengers: Doomsday next year.

Thunderbolts* is in theaters now. The Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025. Avengers: Doomsday is out May 1, 2026.

Related: The One Thing to Remember Before You See ‘Thunderbolts*’

JetBlue has a new snack lineup coming for customers on board, starting later this month.

On May 1, the official JetBlue Instagram account confirmed that things will be changing when it comes to passengers’ options for mid-flight snacks.

“They passed security. They made the cart. They’re stealing the spotlight. Coming to a snack cart near you this May,” the company captioned a post. JetBlue will soon offer Goldfish, Biscoff cookies, plantain chips, and Chewy granola bars.

Many fans reacted in the comments section of the post, letting the company know they are pleased with the change.

“Finally the granola bars are back!!!!” one person wrote.

“When I feel a little down, I put on my favourite high heels and dance,” someone else added.

“This is huge,” a third comment read.

“I love me some biscoff omgg,” a fourth Instagram user said.

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JetBlue has long offered free snacks onboard, though the options have changed over the years. The company once offered Cheez-Its, Terra Blues Potato Chips, Craisins, PopCorners, animal crackers, and even mini chocolate chip cookies. 

Related: JetBlue Airways Expected to Announce Major Partnership

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services.  If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Kettlebells are some of the most versatile and functional training tools you can use to get stronger, shredded, and improve your cardio. Getting the right set can be somewhat of an investment—good ones generally run well north of $2 per pound—unless you know where and when to look for a good deal. Luckily, that time is now, as Walmart just slashed the price on its bestselling 3-piece set—and it’s currently well over half off.

The BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece 45-Pound Kettlebell Set is on sale for just $20 at Walmart, a 60% discount compared to its full price of $50. This is an absurd deal, as it averages out to about 45 cents per pound—an unheard-of cost for a set like this. Shoppers have given this set nearly 2,000 five-star ratings, accompanied by numerous positive reviews saying that they’re “perfect set for a quick workout,” with handles that are “easy to grip.”

BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece 45-Pound Kettlebell Set, $20 (was $50) at Walmart

This 45-pound kettlebell set includes 10-, 15-, and 20-pound bells, and is crafted from sturdy, well-made iron coated with a high-quality rubber vinyl—the same material you’ll find at your local commercial gym. Their wide-grip handles ensure that even bigger hands can easily handle and use them, despite their lighter weight. This makes them particularly useful for single-arm work, isometrics, and conditioning work, helping you to tone up and shred fat.

One shopper loved that they were crafted with “wide handles.” They stated, “I only use these for kettlebell swings at home, so the larger size and wider handles mean a full grip with both hands. This product likely has gone through several revisions, and the current one doesn’t seem to be filled with beads or sand. Instead, it is solid…and doesn’t rattle.”

Related: Walmart Is Selling an $800 Cable Machine for $220 Right Now, and Shoppers Say It Works ‘Exceptionally Well’

Another shopper also noted that they were “well-made.” They said, “They’re sturdy (they’re dumbbells) and have a protective covering.” A third shopper echoed those remarks as well. “These have a great handle, good grip even with bare hands. Well-made and sturdy.”

This set is quite the hot seller at this price—hundreds are selling every day. Don’t miss out and grab yourself the BalanceFrom Wide Grip 3-Piece Kettlebell Set before it’s gone.

In the world of fitness, opinions vary wildly on what it takes to get healthy. Some swear by daily two-hour bodybuilding sessions for sculpted abs, while others champion quick, full-body workouts that improve everyday movement. But it turns out you may not need nearly as much time as you think to get fit—a new study found that just an hour a week can make a real difference in your health.

In the study, originally published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers followed 42 healthy adult men and women for eight weeks as they did two resistance training workouts per week lasting 30 minutes each. The participants were broken up into two groups: a group that trained to failure on all exercises (FAIL) or a submaximal effort group (2-RIR) that trained with two repetitions in reserve for the same exercises.

During each workout session, participants completed just one set of nine common gym exercises that targeted both the upper and lower body. For each movement, they performed between eight and ten repetitions, focusing on proper form and controlled effort.

Related: The Science-Backed Benefits of Running on Empty

To measure the impact, researchers tracked changes in muscle thickness in the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, and quadriceps femoris before and after the study. They also assessed improvements in muscular strength, power, endurance, and the participants’ ability to gauge how many reps they had left (RIR) in both the bench press and squat.

The results showed that both kinds of exercise—going to failure and submaximal effort—had positive impacts on overall fitness markers. Muscle growth was slightly higher in the group that trained to failure, but the overall differences between the two methods were minuscule. Those who trained to failure also saw a slight improvement in their vertical jumps, but again, it wasn’t anything to write home about. 

It’s worth noting that the participants in this study were already healthy, and the workouts they followed targeted most major muscle groups. The study was also relatively short, lasting just eight weeks. While many experts agree it takes about 6 to 8 weeks to start seeing initial muscle growth, more noticeable gains typically show up around the three-month mark.

The takeaway? No matter what kind of resistance training you choose, just 60 minutes of full-body exercise a week is enough to build muscle. Even with school drop-offs, packed workdays, and everything else life throws your way, real gains are still within reach.

One of Japan’s busiest bullet train lines screeched to a halt Wednesday after a snake tangled itself in a power line, triggering an outage that froze the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka at peak travel time.

The trains stopped around 5:25 p.m. local time and didn’t resume until 7:00 p.m., stranding thousands during Japan’s busiest holiday stretch. Golden Week, which consists of four national holidays in seven days, and will see trains, airports and holiday hotspots hit their peak. And the World Expo, which is being hosted in Osaka this year, bringing millions of foreign and domestic visitors to the city it concludes in October.

The snake entanglement occurred between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara stations, which suspended Tokyo-bound trains between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya, and the Osaka-bound trains between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, according to Kyodo News.

While authorities worked to get power restored, passengers formed long queues and gathered around flustered station staff. One frequent shinkansen traveler, who was returning to Tokyo, said it was the first time he had experienced this. “I use the Shinkansen several times a month, but this is the first time I have experienced suspensions due to a power outage,” said Satoshi Tagawa, 46. 

Other passengers like Kazutoshi Tachi, 26 were less forgiving and expressed their frustration, “I’m fed up with the troubles. I want them to run on time.”

Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time a snake has brought the shinkansen service to a halt. Last April, CBS News reported authorities had to remove a 16 in (40.6cm) snake from the train between Nagoya and Tokyo, which caused a more minor delay of 17-minutes. 

It seems Japan has a new, scaly threat to punctuality.

We’re living in the golden age of running—you can try HYROX, local run clubs, high-tech shoes, and all the gear you could ever want. But whether you’re jogging around the block or training for your tenth marathon, one thing remains essential: proper running technique. And at the core of good form is one often overlooked factor—your running cadence.

Cadence might sound simple (it’s just steps per minute, right?), but there are plenty of myths and misconceptions that can trip up even seasoned runners. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this fundamental aspect of running mechanics—why it matters, how to fine-tune it, and how it can help you avoid injury, run more efficiently, and maybe even shave some time off your next 5K.

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What Is Running Cadence?

Strictly speaking, running cadence is the number of steps you take per minute (SPM). But more than that, it’s “a measurement that reflects how frequently you contact the ground,” says Mario Castellanos, a running coach based in Spain. For that reason, it’s a critical component of your overall running performance.

Why You Should Focus on Your Running Cadence

When it comes to assessing your form, cadence is one of the key metrics, says Castellanos. “Improving your cadence can help you to run more efficiently, optimize your economy of motion, and reduce the risk of injuries,” he adds.

In general, he says, a higher cadence is associated with less contact time with the ground. That makes sense because you’re taking more steps per minute, so each one lasts for a shorter amount of time and therefore produces less impact on your body. It can also increase your overall speed because every time your foot hits the ground, it propels you forward.

That being said, you don’t necessarily want the highest SPM possible.

Related: These Are the Best Pre-Workout Snacks to Fuel Your Training, According to a Sports Nutrition Coach

How to Measure Your Running Cadence

Most running apps and smart watches (like Garmin or Apple) automatically measure your running cadence. However, if you want to do it manually, the process is easy: Find a relatively straight, flat patch of ground, time yourself for 30 seconds, count the number of steps you take, and then multiply that number by two. If you want an even more accurate SPM, time yourself for the entire minute.

Castellanos recommends measuring your SPM at a light pace and also at your competition pace. If you want even more insight into your gait, you can also measure the cadence of your walk, jog, and sprint. All of these metrics may help you as you consider modifying your cadence.

Is There An Ideal Running Cadence?

Since the 80s, conventional wisdom has said that 180 SPM is the ideal running cadence. This idea is based on a study of runners from the 1984 Olympic Games, but newer studies have shown that some elite runners have an SPM as low as 155 or as high as 203.

That variability makes sense for a number of reasons. For one, a higher SPM may result in less impact on your joints, but it also has a drawback, says Castellanos. A longer stride covers more ground, but it also requires more energy, meaning you’ll end up feeling more fatigued. Secondly, a number of factors influence running cadence, including height, weight, stride length, speed, fatigue, and even the shoes you’re wearing.

Castellanos agrees that there’s no ideal SPM but offers a rough guide as a point of reference: “Many studies have found that, for long-distance runners, between 170 and 190 steps per minute is usually what’s efficient,” he says. “That being said, what’s most important is finding a range that’s natural for you and that allows you to run comfortably and efficiently.”

Related: This German Strength Training Method Is 2X More Effective for Muscle Growth

How to Increase Your Running Cadence

Generally, runners with less experience are closer to the ground while they run and spend more time in contact with the running surface, which means they have a lower SPM.

If you want to work to increase your cadence, Castellanos recommends doing so gradually, with a five to ten percent increase to start with. To hit the right rhythm, he advises using a metronome or music at the target tempo. For example, if you want to hit an SPM of 180, you can run to music with a BPM of 180 (there are plenty of playlists on sites like YouTube and Spotify.

To really feel that new tempo in your body, you can run in place for a minute or two before starting your run in earnest. Then, incorporate the following drills into your warm-up or cool-down:

1. Fast Feet — 3 sets of 15 seconds

Stand tall and run in place with very fast, small steps—aiming for speed, not height. The goal is light, quick foot contact.

2. A-Skips — 2 sets of 20 meters

Skip forward with high knees and rhythmic arm swings. The goal is a quick foot strike and a powerful knee drive.

3. Butt Kicks — 2 sets of 20 meters

Kick your heels toward your glutes as you run forward. The goal is quick foot turnover.

4. Strides — 60-100 meters

Gradually accelerate to ~90% of max effort. The goal here is a smooth, fast cadence under light fatigue.

Then, as you’re cruising around the track, the trails, or the HYROX course, think about your stride becoming quicker but not necessarily shorter. The goal, after all, is to be in contact with the ground for less time overall. If you’re really struggling to get the higher SPM, also consider running up a hill, which will naturally force you into a higher cadence.

Increasing your cadence will likely feel uncomfortable at first, which is why you should start drilling the new technique well ahead of your next race. But if you can adapt to the new rhythm, the potential benefits are huge: You’ll likely not only lower your risk of injuries, but also score a faster race time overall. 

Related: How to Do Hanging Leg Raises for Rock-Solid Abs