Category: Health & Fitness

As expected, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the release of one of the most-buzzed-about movies of the spring, Michael. Not only does the biopic cover the life of the “undisputed” King of Pop, Michael Jackson, but it is also stacked with actors Colman Domingo, Nia Long, Miles Teller, and MJ’s own nephew, Jaafar Jackson. Additionally, it was directed by Antoine Fuqua, who is best known for his brilliant work on Training Day and The Equalizer. Now, only time will tell if Michael proves to be a box office hit and a biopic ranking among the greats like Ray, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Walk the Line, but Netflix has timely added the real Michael Jackson’s first feature film to its streaming lineup on April 1. 

In 1978, Jackson joined legends Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor in an onscreen musical that may not have done blockbuster numbers in theaters, but has become a classic for countless movie-watchers. 

‘The Wiz’ Starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross Is Now on Netflix

A twist on the iconic The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz puts an updated spin and adds a new perspective to the original story, with newer songs to boot. As described by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, here is the official synopsis of the film: 

“This beloved Motown musical version of L. Frank Baum’s classic fantasy book is an adaptation of the popular Tony Award–winning stage musical that originated on Broadway in 1975. Noted for its lively score and all-Black cast, director Sidney Lumet’s film features a stellar array of iconic entertainers including Diana Ross as Dorothy (reconceived for the film as a shy Harlem school teacher), Michael Jackson as Scarecrow, Lena Horne as Glinda, and Richard Pryor as The Wiz. Embraced by generations, The Wiz was nominated for its art direction, cinematography, costume design, and adapted score at the 51st Oscars.”

Although The Wiz predates me, watching it as a kid, I recall fond memories. I thought Michael Jackson did a solid job for someone whose career is really grounded in music, not acting. 

‘Michael’ Debuts in Theaters on April 24

Michael hits theaters on April 24. If you’re interested in purchasing tickets, you may do so now by visiting the website of your local theater or purchasing through Fandango.

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Why We Love This Deal

Whether you’re considering a spring camping trip or just need something strong to use around your home, having a good spotlight is a smart idea. Brand-name models can quickly get expensive, but today, you can find decent-enough generic models at very affordable prices. This pick at Walmart is one of them and is well worth considering, especially since it’s 65% off. 

The 1,500-lumen Ezby Rechargeable Spotlight is normally $100, but it’s currently on sale for $35 at Walmart. This light boasts a near-perfect 4.8-star rating, likely because of its versatility. It’s a rugged flashlight that doubles as a power bank, and since it’s marked for clearance, this could be your last chance to grab this specific model.

Ezby 1,500-Lumen Rechargeable Spotlight, $35 (was $100) at Walmart

What Shoppers Should Know

• Light Source: LED, 32 side LEDs
• Battery: 12,800 mAh rechargeable (10-36 hours), USB and USB-C ports
• Max Brightness: 1,500 lumens
• Light Colors: White, red, and blue
• Best For: Camping, hunting, boating, emergencies

This spotlight is a powerhouse for outdoor and general use. It has a 1,500-lumen LED output that emits light over up to 800 meters, and a 12,800 mAh battery that runs up to 36 hours while doubling as a USB power bank. Waterproof and impact-resistant, it comes with six lighting modes and extras, like a tripod, strap, and three color lenses, making it a great pick for camping when you want warm light, or power outages when you need something bright. 

Spotlights in this price range don’t vary too much, but the ability to use this one as a power bank to keep your phone/other devices charged on the go is a big plus. It’s also waterproof and built to take a few knocks, so it’s overall a good tool to have around the house. 

Related: 8 Tactical Flashlights That Turn Night Into Day

What Shoppers Are Saying

One reviewer wrote, “Overall, it’s a powerful, well‑built light that delivers great value for the price.” A second reviewer actually took the flashlight with him on a camping trip, and wrote, “It holds a charge extremely well, and I can use it for several nights of camping without needing to recharge.”

The different lighting options and portability make this spotlight super versatile, and one shopper wrote that it’s “great for photography” and that the “light modes are a fun bonus and surprisingly useful for signaling or visibility at night.”

This clearance deal may not be around for much longer, and the Ezby Spotlight might be gone for good after supply runs out, so now’s your chance to grab one for just $35. 

Shop More Deals

• MoonSun Rechargeable Flashlight, $11 (was $29) at Walmart
• Ambler LED Flashlight, $23 (was $44) at Walmart
• Juyafio Rechargeable Flashlight, $26 (was $102) at Walmart

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. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

Many pre-workout powders have reputations that precede themselves. Think: itchy tingles all over your body, paired with a heart rate that climbs faster than it does during your first working set. For a beginner lifter or someone totally new to the pre-workout landscape, it’s difficult to know where to start. After all, you don’t want to end up with a tub that collects dust on your shelf because it’s too intense and leaves you with an uncomfortable case of the jitters.

If you’re looking for an easy entry point into the wide world of pre-workout, Raw Nutrition Essential Pre-Workout gets our vote as the best option for beginners. Co-owned by six-time Mr. Olympia Chris Bumstead, Raw Nutrition’s formula keeps it straightforward with key ingredients and moderate doses that won’t overwhelm you on day one. It comes in a range of flavors for every palette, providing steady energy for a great lift while keeping your focus sharp and locking in a solid pump. And though it’s great for beginners, it’s also a solid choice for anyone in need of a clean formula that simply gets the job done.

Want the inside scoop on the best fitness gear of the year? Check out the rest of Men’s Journal 2026 Fitness Awards, where we’ve tested everything from hydration supplements and protein powders to cross-training shoes and workout apps.

Related: Looking for the Best Pre-Workouts of 2026? These Deserve a Spot in Your Supplement Stack

Best Pre-Workout for Beginners: Raw Nutrition Essential Pre-Workout

If you’re new to lifting or just new to pre-workouts, it’s best to start with the basics. Tons of pre-workouts have a laundry list of ingredients, but Raw Nutrition Essential Pre-Workout focuses on exactly what you need and nothing you don’t (hence the name). Despite its simplicity and straightforward ingredients list, this pre-workout isn’t weak. In fact, this formula works well for both beginners and experienced lifters alike.

Each scoop delivers clinically effective doses of key ingredients like L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and caffeine, providing steady energy and performance without overdoing the stimulants. On top of that, with around a dozen flavors to choose from, including Peach Mango, Raspberry Creamsicle, and Sour Watermelon, it’s easy to find one you’ll actually enjoy drinking.

It’s also third-party tested and Informed Sport Certified, banned substance-free. This makes it a trusted choice for athletes and anyone looking for a safe, pure, and reliable pre-workout.

Key Product Features

• Caffeine Per Serving: 200mg
• Key Ingredients: L-citrulline (4,000mg), beta-alanine (3,200mg), L-tyrosine (2,000mg), taurine (1,000mg)
• Flavors: Champion Mentality, Red, White & Bum, Sour Watermelon, Grape, Raspberry Creamthickle, Orange, Peach Mango, Blue Raspberry, Citrus Grapefruit, Sour AF, Cotton Candy, Guava Passionfruit, Watermelon Grape
• Price Per Serving: $1.00, $0.85 buy 2 discount, $0.80 buy 3 discount

Why You Should Trust Us

Men’s Journal has spent over three decades as a leading authority on fitness and outdoor gear. We don’t just summarize product specs. Our recommendations come from legitimate hands-on testing and the direct guidance of industry experts. We constantly refine our buyer’s guides, ensuring every pick remains the absolute best available.

Related: I Tested Gorilla Mode’s Highest-Dosed Pre-Workout. It’s Built to Help You Crush High-Rep Sets and Build Lean Mass

The list of Playstation Plus Monthly Games for April is out, and it includes one series that will get the attention of any gamer from the late 1990s. 

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered is one of the three set to be available to download April 7, but that’s not all.

Fans of co-op and action RPGs will also find something to dig their thumbs into.

Paging Lara Croft 

Whether you missed the original run of Tomb Raider games on the first PlayStation or just miss playing the original run of Tomb Raider games on the first Playstation, Sony has great news for you this month. 

Tomb Raider I-III Remastered will bring all expansions and secret levels from Lara Croft’s first three games to modern game platforms for the first time. 

That also means upgraded graphics, though the option to play with the original polygon look is also available. 

A new challenge mode is also available with customized modifiers and complete achievements to unlock 10 new outfits that enhance Lara’s abilities.

The original Tomb Raider game was released for the Playstation, Sega Saturn and PCs in 1996 with II and III following before the end of the decade exclusively on the Playstation.

What else is coming in April to Playstation Plus? 

If you’re not needing to scratch the vintage game itch, there are two other options. 

Lords of the Fallen is a third-person action role-playing game that allows players to use both magic and melee weapons. It has both co-op and player-vs.-player multiplayer modes.

Nine character classes are available along with hundreds of weapons as you play as a Dark Crusader tasked with bringing an end to the reign of the evil demon god Adyr. 

Sword Art Online Fracture Daydream is an action co-op raid game that lets gamers join a raid party and prepare for a fight with high difficulty bosses as a team.

In all, 21 characters from different story arcs of the SAO series are available, including different worlds and timelines. Characters come from both the anime and movie series, and each has a unique fighting class with its own attributes. 

It was originally released for PS5, XBOX Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Steam. 

What is Playstation Plus? 

Playstation Plus is a 3-tiered subscription service from Sony.

Players on the “Essential” play get monthly game downloads, exclusive discounts, cloud storage, the ability to play against others online and other exclusive content. 

Subscribers on the “Extra” tier get all that plus access to the Game Catalog and Ubisoft+ Classics. 

RELATED: These games were added to the Game Catalog in March

People who go all the way up to the “Premium” tier get the above benefits plus access to the Classics Catalog, game trials and cloud streaming. 

As of this writing, the four monthly game downloads for March are still available: PGA Tour 2K25, Monster Hunter Rise, Slime Rancher 2 and The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Golden Road. 

Those will not be available to download after April 6, but they remain on your system as long as you don’t delete them. 

You may want to check your freezer. A recall has been issued for frozen pizzas and focaccia bread sold by the major retailers Trader Joe’s, HelloFresh, and Meijer, due to fears over metal fragments.

Which Frozen Pizzas Are Affected

The Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) has announced that certain frozen pizzas and focaccia products sold by several retailers are the subject of an ongoing voluntary recall. A total of 25,000 cases of those items were named in the recall. The following list of products were all included:

Hello Fresh Basil Pesto & Mozzarella Pizza

• Lot Code 20367483 and Use-By Date June 29, 2026
• Lot Code 20367483 and Use-By Date June 30, 2026
• Lot Code 20377537 and Use-By Date Sept. 4, 2026
• Lot Code 20377821 and Use-By Date Sept. 5, 2026

Frederik’s by Meijer Slow Roasted Tomato & Parm Focaccia 

• Lot Code 20359045 and Use-By Date April 27, 2026
• Lot Code 20360217 and Use-By Date April 28, 2026
• Lot Code 20367746 and Use-By Date July 3, 2026
• Lot Code 20373614 and Use-By Date Aug. 3, 2026

Trader Joe’s Focaccia Bread Roasted Tomato & Parm

• Lot code 20366937 and Use-By Date July 26, 2026
• Lot 20367144 and Use-By Date July 27, 2026
• Lot 20367326 and Use-By Date July 28, 2026
• Lot 20367484 and Use-By Date July 29, 2026
• Lot 20369659 Use-By Date Aug. 11, 2026
• Lot 20370576 Use-By Date Aug. 13, 2026

Fresh & Simple Roasted Tomato Parmesan Focaccia

• Lot Code 20370988 and Use-By Date July 19, 2026

The affected products have been confirmed to have been shipped to stores in the following states:

• Arizona (AZ)
• California (CA)
• Connecticut (CT)
• Florida (FL)
• Illinois (IL)
• Michigan (MI)
• North Carolina (NC)
• New Jersey (NJ)
• Texas (TX)
• Virginia (VA)

Why the Recall Was Issued

The recently recalled frozen food items were manufactured by the Charlotte, North Carolina, company Bakkavor. People are being warned not to consume the products due to the possibility that they may contain metal fragments in slow-roasted tomatoes that were used as ingredients.

The recall initially was issued on January 19, but it has been upgraded in recent days. This is now classified as a Class II recall. The website for the F.D.A. explains how serious the possible effects of a recall of that level can be.

“Class II recall: a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

What to Do If You Bought These Products

Anyone who believes they have one of the affected pizzas or focaccia products in their freezer is first and foremost being instructed to not eat it. Instead, they should return it to the retailer they purchased it from for a refund. In the case of HelloFresh, they are being asked to contact customer service to seek their refund.

It was just December 14, 2025, when beloved and highly-regarded actor/director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were murdered in their home. While their son Nick is currently suspected of committing the heinous act and is standing trial, he’s officially entered non-guilty pleas.  

Given Rob and Michele’s stature in Hollywood, it comes as no surprise that they were beloved by many actors, directors, and producers in the TV and film industry. Case in point, Oscar-winner Jamie Lee Curtis was a longtime friend of the Reiners. Curtis recently sat down with Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson for their IMO Podcast to discuss the shocking death of the Reiners and how grief was even more complex to navigate for her due to her daughter, Annie. 

The Reiners Were the Godparents of Jamie Lee Curtis’ Daughter

In an emotionally charged part of the discussion with Obama and Robinson, Curtis talks about the “greatest gift” is having children and having the “privilege of raising them.” That’s when she makes the revelation that the Reiners were Annie’s godparents and actually died on her birthday. Specifically, fighting back tears, Curtis stated:

“The greatest gift is a child, and getting the privilege of raising them and learning how to help someone through their life. And my husband and I became grandparents to our eldest daughter and her husband. And their baby boy was born in December. And it was a week after Rob and Michelle. And Rob and Michelle are her [Annie] godparents, and they died on her birthday. And my beautiful daughter, who loved them, as we all did, managed to be able to metabolize that grief and sadness, as we have all had to do.”

The tender moment was overall just a brief part of the interview. Curtis also discussed her time in Hollywood, her thoughts on her Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and more. You can check out the full interview below.

It wouldn’t be an episode of First Take if Stephen A. Smith wasn’t calling out someone in the sports world. On Wednesday, the longtime ESPN personality turned his focus to Tiger Woods.

In the wake of Woods’ March 27 arrest on suspicion of DUI, Smith took aim at Woods’ decision to eschew hiring a driver out of concerns over “privacy” and admonished the golf legend for putting people’s lives at risk by “being behind the wheel of a vehicle inebriated.”

Smith also theorized that Woods “must have a very suspect life” if he is trying to hide something from a driver.

‘Damn that privacy’

Woods blew a 0.00 on a breathalyzer at the scene but refused a urine sample and told police in Jupiter Island, Florida he had taken pain medications earlier in the day. Two loose hydrocodone pills were found in the 50-year-old’s pocket.

According to a PEOPLE source, Woods, who was previously charged with DUI in 2017 and has a history of car accidents, refuses to hire a driver because he “doesn’t want anyone to watch over him or know what he is doing,” and “he think he is fine to drive.”

That’s not good enough for Smith.

“Damn that privacy. I don’t give a damn what you worried about,” Smith said , via the New York Post. “You must have a very highly suspect life that you as a billionaire don’t even want to hire a driver. Something wrong. Something with that. You want your privacy. Privacy from what? What’s the driver gonna do? Because he dropped you off at some place he’ll know where he dropped you off? I mean, damn. What are you trying to hide?

“The point is a rhetorical question because I don’t care and none of us should care, it’s not our business. What is our business is you staying away from being behind the wheel of a vehicle when you’re inebriated.”

Smith later told Woods he was “lucky you didn’t kill somebody, if not yourself.”

Tiger taking time away

Woods pleaded not guilty to charges of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. He also waived his arraignment hearing, which had been scheduled for April 23.

On Tuesday night, the 15-time major champion announced he was taking time away from golf in order to “prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health,” Woods said in a statement. “This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery/

“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

No doubt, the bench press is one of the most popular exercises in the gym. Trying to snag a bench on International Chest Day is tougher than finding a parking spot at the gym during the first week of January. Part of the appeal is just how many variations you can implement to build a well-rounded, superhero-like upper body.

Take the incline barbell bench press, for instance. According to exercise scientist Mike Israetel, PhD, of Renaissance Periodization, a well-controlled incline bench press with a moderate-to-wide grip is one of the most elite and underrated exercises for growing the pecs.

“If you do this exercise with good technique, you do it with a pause, and you get stronger at it for sets of 10 to 15 for months at a time, your upper chest is likely to experience growth,” he shared with Men’s Journal. “That’s based on all the biomechanical inference we have, and based on the experience of very many people—including myself.”

A traditional bench press primarily targets the chest, front shoulders, and triceps. Setting the bench to an incline of at least 30 degrees shifts more of the workload to the upper portion of the chest. But grip width also plays a big role in which muscles are most activated. A wider grip, for instance, increases shoulder abduction, bringing the front shoulders more into the picture. That said, the chest remains the primary driver. Medium to wide grips tend to activate the pecs most effectively, allowing you to produce the most force during the lift.

Related: Doing This Simple Exercise Daily Can Fix Chronic Upper-Back Pain and Undo Years of Slouching for Men Over 40, Physical Therapist Says

How to Do Incline Wide Grip Barbell Bench Press

1. Set an incline bench to about 30 to 45 degrees, lie back, and assume a grip that’s wider than shoulder width on the barbell. Keep your feet planted and chest up before unracking.
2. Lower the bar under control to your upper chest, keeping your elbows flared slightly out and wrists stacked over your elbows throughout the descent.
3. Press the bar back up in a straight path until your arms are fully extended, and return back to the start position with control.

Related: I’m an Exercise Scientist. This is the Perfect 30-Minute Arm Workout for Busy Men With No Time

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.

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Why We Love This Deal

In a time when the best sneakers could easily go for three-digit prices, it’s nice to see a name-brand favorite under $50. And that’s exactly what we’re seeing right now at Nordstrom, where an ’80s-style shoe’s modern re-release is getting a discount of up to 40%.

The Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker is now selling for as low as $48, a price that has clearly landed with consumers. Though this is a “New Markdown” in the eyes of Nordstrom, it already appears like something that’s been shopped over, with select sizes already displaying low stock notices. We’re not at all surprised, either. For years, the Adidas Samba has been one of the most trendy sneakers for men. It only makes sense that this similar-looking shoe from Puma—the brand founded by the brother of the founder of Adidas—is getting this kind of attention.

Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker, From $48 (was $85) at Nordstrom

What Shoppers Should Know

• Sizes Available: From 7 to 14
• Color Options: White on black, or green on white
• Materials: Leather upper, textile lining, rubber sole
• Best Use Case: A casual yet stylish sneaker that looks great for everyday wear.

This is a well-built shoe with a streamlined top that still pulls off the retro charm with ease. Where something like the New Balance 574 dives headfirst into chonky textures and fuzz, the Palermo gives off primarily relaxed and sleek vibes, with highlights of thickness via suede overlays and soft, beefy laces. Another distinguishing mark of the shoe is the gold-lettered Puma Palermo tag on the side of the shoe.

Related: Jordan Fleece Hoodies Are on Sale for Only $40 at Nike

Style-wise, we’d call the Puma Palermo an ’80s throwback shoe, but it traces its roots even farther back to the days of the classic German Army Trainer (GAT) style, immediately noticeable by the brown rubber mid and outsole and compact upper. 

The Puma Palermo also bears a strong resemblance to the Nike Killshot 2 (imagine the white highlight as a “Swoosh”), a popular release that—alongside the Palermo—has had so many releases and rereleases that it becomes hard to tell who influenced whom. Ultimately, this is a shoe style that just keeps winning.

The Puma Palermo Leather Sneaker is just $48 while this deal lasts, but sizes may not be around much longer. Grab one while you can.

Shop More Deals

• Puma H-Street Premium Sneaker, $54 (was $90) at Nordstrom
• Cole Haan Ledley Grand Wingtip Oxford, $200 (was $310) at Nordstrom
• Converse Chuck Taylor All Star 70 Low Top Sneaker, $59 (was $90) at Nordstrom

Jon Bon Jovi just won a prestigious award — and it has nothing to do with music.

The “You Give Love a Bad Name” singer won the 2026 James Beard Impact Award for his philanthropy work with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and his nonprofit restaurant, JBJ Soul Kitchen.

“Since 2006, the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation has worked to break the cycle of hunger, poverty, and homelessness,” the James Beard Foundation wrote in a statement announcing the honorees, noting that the foundation has built housing for thousands of people in need.

The singer and his wife, Dorothea Bongiovi, have also operated JBJ Soul Kitchen since 2011. With four locations in New Jersey, the “community restaurant” offers donation-based meals to families and individuals, along with a Pay-It-Forward program where patrons can make an additional donation to subsidize food for a neighbor in need. The restaurants serve up full three-course meals, with a soup or salad, an entree, and a dessert.

“JBJ Soul Kitchen offers more than just a meal,” the James Beard Foundation wrote, “it fosters meaningful connections with guests through community outreach including job training, resume support, employment assistance, partnerships with local mental health providers, and access to housing resources.”

In the food and drink world, a James Beard Award is the highest honor you can get. The Impact Award is new, introduced only last year. The “Livin’ on a Prayer” singer will be recognized along with this year’s other honorees at a ceremony in Chicago on June 14, as well as at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony the next day.

Other Impact Award honorees include the Coatlition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, ReFED, and the Southern Smoke Foundation. No Us Without You, an organization in Los Angeles, has won the Humanitarian of the Year Award.