''Men's Health'' (''MH''), published by Hearst, is the world's largest men's

magazine A magazine is a periodical publication, generally published on a regular schedule (often weekly or monthly), containing a variety of content. They are generally financed by advertising, purchase price, prepaid subscriptions, or by a combinatio ...

brand, with 35 editions in 59 countries. It is also the best-selling men's magazine on U.S. newsstands. Started as a men's health magazine by Rodale, Inc. in

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, the magazine currently covers various men's lifestyle topics such as fitness,

nutrition Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life. It provides organisms with nutrients, which can be metabolized to create energy and chemical structures. Failure to obtain sufficient ...

fashion Fashion is a form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle, accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture. The term implies a look defined by the fash ...

and

sexuality Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied wit ...

. The magazine's website, MensHealth.com, averages over 118 million page views a month.

History

Started by Mark Bricklin in the US in 1986 as a health magazine, ''Men's Health'' evolved into a lifestyle magazine, covering fitness, nutrition, relationships, travel, technology, fashion and finance. Bricklin, Rodale, Inc. editors Larry Stains and Stefan Bechtel produced three newsstand test issues. The results led Rodale to start ''Men's Health'' as a quarterly magazine in 1988 and begin to sell subscriptions. Bricklin, who was editor-in-chief of '' Prevention'' magazine, appointed Michael J. Lafavore (born April 28, 1952) as editor of ''Men's Health'' that year. In his 12 years as editor-in-chief, Mike Lafavore increased the circulation from 100,000 to over 1.5 million, increased publication to ten 10 times a year and expanded the magazine to Australia, France, Germany, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and the UK. The South African version, along with ''

Women's Health Women's health differs from that of men in many unique ways. Women's health is an example of population health, where health is defined by the World Health Organization as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not mer ...

'', is licensed for publication by Media24, with distribution by Magzter. He created the editorial formula, hired Steven Slon from service journalism and Greg Gutfeld from ''Prevention''. He worked with longtime staff editor Denis Boyles, a former ''Playboy'' contributing editor, to develop the magazine's voice. Lafavore left ''Men's Health'' in 2000, the same year Capell's Circulation Report named the magazine Circulation Performer of the Decade. He named Gutfeld his successor. After one year, Gutfeld was replaced by David Zinczenko. Zinczenko became editor-in-chief in 2000. Circulation increased 30 percent, ad pages by 80 percent from 700 to 1150. In 2000, the brand had 21 international editions. In 2001 the title was consistently selling 400,000 copies at newsstands and circulation was 1.6 million. In 2001, the magazine started the annual list of cities with the healthiest men, based on twenty "live-long parameters, including death rates (both homicide and disease); illness rates (high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, etc.); body-mass index; fitness training; even environmental factors like number of parks, golf courses, etc." In 2003, the circulation was 1.7 million. In 2006, the circulation was close to 1.8 million. ''Men's Health'' magazine has been criticized for its focus on physical health, which can increase men's anxieties about their bodies, making them more prone to

eating disorders An eating disorder is a mental disorder defined by abnormal eating behaviors that negatively affect a person's physical or mental health. Only one eating disorder can be diagnosed at a given time. Types of eating disorders include binge eating ...

and compulsive over-exercising. ''

The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid ...

'' stated, "Since its debut in the late 1980s, the magazine has surpassed traditional men's books like ''Esquire'' and ''GQ'' by following the formula of best-selling women's magazines—by catering to men's anxieties about their bodies and sexual performance." ''Columbia Journalism Review'' stated the magazine "deals overwhelmingly with self-care and, in fact, exaggerates the possibilities for autonomous personal transformation." Editor-In-Chief Zinczenko argued that the magazine worked toward "overcoming the resistance of the 86-percent male audience to health as a subject" and redefining health as "inclusive of everything that could improve a man's life. Great sex. Great food. Endorphin-boosting exercise. Looking and feeling your best. We turned health into a concept every guy would want to embrace, starting with the healthy guy on the cover." ''Men's Health'' has been criticized for reusing cover taglines. Zinczenko replied that 80 percent of magazine sales are by subscription, and those covers differ from the newsstand version. "Twenty years of ''Men's Health'' has certainly produced several lines that have proven themselves effective at newsstand, which makes up about 20 percent of our print run. We plan to keep using the most effective marketing tools to reach the largest market we possibly can." In July 2010, the magazine was criticized for including tiny credit lines on the cover rather than inside as a possible quid-pro-quo for advertisers. Zinczenko said the lines saved readers from having to dig for information and that ''Men's Health'' had been including the lines for over a year regardless of advertiser status. A spokesperson for the American Society of Magazine Editors said that no rules were broken. The director for print strategy at a media firm said the mention was "too small of a plug to get brands excited." In 2004, ''Men's Health'' began putting celebrities and athletes on the cover, and with their shirts on—a departure from the covers of the 1990s. In 2004, Rodale filed suit against ''Men's Fitness'' for its redesign, "a copycat version—one that is obviously intended to confuse consumers." In May 2006, the magazine published a limited edition color cover of Josh Holloway. In the first half of 2006, newsstand sales for ''Men's Health'' rose from 492,000 to 544,000 during a price increase from $3.95 to $4.50. In 2006 Rodale's properties, including ''Men's Health'', tried to increase online content by adding video to each section, telling section editors to write blogs, and hiring an online ad sales director. In 2008, the magazine partnered with Google to make back issues available. In July 2008, ''Men's Health'' became the first to "create the first fully interactive advertising magazine in America," where readers could take a picture of an ad, and a promotional "bounce-back" was sent to their phone. For its 20th anniversary issue in November 2008, ''Men's Health'' included an interview and photo shoot with president-elect Barack Obama. In 2010, Obama was again featured about health care and his plans. In 2009, ''Men's Health'' published ''Belly Off! Diet'' based on the weight-loss testimonial column in the magazine. The column "Eat This, Not That!" became a book series in 2007, written by Zinczenko and Matt Goulding), and was turned into different versions (children, supermarket, restaurant, diet book) and free iPhone applications. EatThis.MensHealth.com was the most highly trafficked section of MensHealth.com in 2009 with 1 million unique visitors and 15 million page views a month. Editor-in-chief Matt Bean led the magazine in developing over 40 mobile apps for the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. "Eat This, Not That! The Game" won an

American Society of Magazine Editors The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is an industry trade group for magazine journalists and editors of magazines published in the United States. ASME includes the editorial leaders of most major consumer magazine in print and digital e ...

award for Best Interactive Tool and was downloaded 500,000 times in two weeks. The magazine's first application, "Men's Health Workouts", was in the top 10 in the Health and Fitness category. In September 2009, the column "Ask Jimmy the Bartender" was turned into an iPhone and iPad application, which was downloaded 50,000 times in its first month. In 2010, ''Men's Health'' became one of the first consumer magazines to enter the iPad market. In 2011, David Zinczenko was replaced by Bill Phillips, who was the executive editor of the magazine and editor of MensHealth.com. In November 2014, ''Men's Health'' featured a reader on the cover for the first time with amputee and veteran

Noah Galloway Noah Matthew Galloway (born October 28, 1981) is a former United States Army soldier, motivational speaker, and extreme sports enthusiast. He was injured during the Iraq War, losing his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee. He was ...

, the winner of the first Ultimate ''Men's Health'' Guy Search. In February 2015, ''Men's Health'' won the

National Magazine Award The National Magazine Awards, also known as the Ellie Awards, honor print and digital publications that consistently demonstrate superior execution of editorial objectives, innovative techniques, noteworthy enterprise and imaginative design. Or ...

for General Excellence. In 2016, Matt Bean became editor-in-chief. He hired Creative Director Mike Schnaidt to redesign the magazine with visual updates inspired by media, such as auto repair guides, hiking maps and military field manuals, added "The Exchange", "Unfiltered", "Field Guide" and a column by Tim Ferriss. He introduced the digital franchise MH Longform. In October 2017 ''Men's Health'' began the cross-platform series "The Adventurist" in partnership with Fitbit.

Spin-offs

In 2000, '' MH-18'', a youth-oriented version of ''Men's Health'' covering teen lifestyle, was spun off but ceased publication in November 2001. In 2004 under Zinczenko's direction, ''Men's Health'' spun off '' Best Life.'' May 2009 was ''Best Life'' last issue. ''Best Life'' was published 10 times a year and had a circulation of more than 500,000. Stephen Perrine, the former editorial creative director at ''Men's Health'', was the editor-in-chief. David Zinczenko was editorial director. In March 2008, ''Best Life'' finished #2 on Adweek's prestigious "10 under 50" Hot List, which recognizes magazines with fewer than $50 million in ad revenue. In 2005, ''Men's Health'' spun off ''

''. The test-issue team was headed by Bill Stump, a former ''Men's Health'' editor who was then the head of Rodale Inc.'s New Product Development department, and included former director of new product development Andréa Mallard. Within a year the circulation was at 750,000. ''Women's Health'' magazine is now published 10 times a year. In January 2009, Michele Promaulayko was named editor-in-chief of ''Women's Health.'' In March 2008, ''Women's Health'' finished #1 on Adweek's "10 under 50" Hot List. The magazine was named #2 on Advertising Age's 2008 A List. ''Women's Health'' has a circulation of 1.1 million. In 2007, ''Men's Health'' spun off ''Men's Health Living'', a newsstand special which was named one of the 30 most notable launches of 2007 by

Samir Husni Samir Husni (Arabic: سمير حصني) is a United States–based analyst of the magazine industry. He was born in Tripoli, Lebanon then immigrated to the United States. He earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of North Texas ...

. Samir Husni stated that ''Men's Health Living'' is a "new genre of men's magazines that cater to non-woman related issues in a man's life - that has gone unfulfilled for years: interior design and home that meets the needs of the affluent man." The test issue of ''Men's Health Living'' was edited by Bill Phillips, executive editor of ''Men's Health'', and Matt Bean. The first issue sold around 200,000 copies at $4.99 each out of 375,000 sent to newsstands.Living 2.0 by Keith J Kelly, New York Post, Wednesday, 30 July 2008 In January 2009, a second ''Men's Health Living'' issue was at newsstands, 450,000 copies at $5.99 each. In 2007, they also spun off ''Men's Health on Campus'' as a test with a goal for quarterly publication thereafter. In 2009, ''Men's Health'' spun off ''Children's Health'', a special issue that was part of a Rodale publishing idea to work with President and First Lady Obama to show support for the

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formally known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and colloquially known as Obamacare, is a landmark U.S. federal statute enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by Pres ...

. The magazine published how-to stories about fitness and nutrition for children. In 2013, ''Men's Health'' launched the radio show ''Men's Health Live'' in partnership with Entertainment Radio Network. In April 2017, under Matt Bean, ''Men's Health'' released an online video franchise, MH Films, which has featured people such as Hafþór Björnsson, Erik Weihenmayer and Sam Calagione. In June 2017, the magazine launched MH Rec Room, specializing in shorter videos for social media featuring various fitness trainers, lifestyle influencers and authors.

Awards and honors

In March 1994, ''Advertising Age'' magazine named Mike Lafavore Editor of the Year.

arch 6, 1994 An arch is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may not support the weight above it, or in case of a horizontal arch like an arch dam, the hydrostatic pressure against it. Arches may be synonymous with vault ...

Four years later he won the International Herald Tribune Award for International Editor of the Year for his work on ''Men's Health'' foreign editions. The magazine was nominated for several National Magazine Awards, including General Excellence. Since 2000, ''Men's Health'' has been nominated for 17 National Magazine Awards, or "Ellies," which are administrated by

Columbia University Columbia University (also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhatt ...

's Graduate School of Journalism and presented by the American Society of Magazine Editors. ''Men's Health'' won the category of Personal Service in 2004, the first win for the magazine and Rodale. In 2010, ''Men's Health'' received the General Excellence award. Menshealth.com's "Eat This, Not That!" portion of their Web site won the 2010 Digital Ellies award, also sponsored by the ASME, for best Interactive Tool, an award honoring the outstanding use of interactive tools that enable readers to create or share content, participate in communities, improve the quality of their lives, or enjoy recreational activities. In 2010, Minonline.com deemed menshealth.com's personal trainer channel, the "Best Premium Site," an award recognizing subscription sites oriented around service. In 2011, ''Men's Health'' won an ''Ad Age'' Media Vanguard Award in the Print-to-Digital Best Reader-Service Website category, a Society of Publication Designers Award for design and photography, and an ASME Ellie in the category of Personal Service for "I Want My Prostate Back" by Larry Stains. It was also a finalist in the 2012 Ellies. In 2012 ''Men's Health'' won the Digital Magazine Awards' Magazine Launch of the Year for its iPhone edition and a 2012 National Magazine Award in the Personal Service, Digital Media category for "Skin Cancer Center". In 2013 ''Men's Health'' won the

James Beard Foundation The James Beard Foundation is a New York City-based national non-profit culinary arts organization named in honor of James Beard, a prolific food writer, teacher, and cookbook author, who was also known as the "Dean of American Cookery." The prog ...

Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards for Cooking/Recipes/Instruction and Food Coverage in General Interest Publication categories. The brand was recognized as one of min’s Top 20 Magazines on Twitter and the ''Men's Health'' "Guy Gourmet" Twitter account was included in the ''

TIME Time is the continued sequence of existence and event (philosophy), events that occurs in an apparently irreversible process, irreversible succession from the past, through the present, into the future. It is a component quantity of various me ...

'' 140 Best Twitter Feeds of 2013. ''Men's Health'' won min's Best of the Web award for Overall Digital Excellence and FAME's Best Series of Events Award for its URBANATHALON series. The brand was included in iMonitor's Best Magazine Apps for iPad list. In 2015 ''Men's Health'' won first place in the Service category for the

American Society of Journalists and Authors The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) was founded in 1948 as the Society of Magazine Writers, and is the professional association of independent nonfiction writers in the United States. History The organization was established i ...

(ASJA)'s Writing Awards for the article "Clucked" by Rachael Moeller Gorman, a min Best of the Web & Digital Award in the “Integration with Print” category, and a FOLIO: Marketing Award in the “Integrated Program” category for the Men’s Health Next Top Trainer Program. The magazine also won in the "Lifestyle" category for the

' Best Cover Awards for its November 2014 cover. It was named Reader’s Choice for men's health/fitness magazines in ''

Adweek ''Adweek'' is a weekly American advertising trade publication that was first published in 1979. ''Adweek'' covers creativity, client–agency relationships, global advertising, accounts in review, and new campaigns. During this time, it has cover ...

's'' 2013, 2014 and 2015 Hot List, and both Editor's Choice and Reader's Choice for the 2016 Hot List. It was also recognized in 2017 as an ''

Ad Age ''Ad Age'' (known as ''Advertising Age'' until 2017) is a global media brand that publishes news, analysis, and data on marketing and media. Its namesake magazine was started as a broadsheet newspaper in Chicago in 1930. ''Ad Age'' appears in mul ...

'' magazine of the year. In March 2017 ''Men's Health'' was named a Print Medal Finalist for the Society of Publication Designers' Annual Design Competition Awards; it was also nominated in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, Rodale was acquired by Hearst and ''Men's Health'' was moved to New York City.

Global editions

Although ''Men's Health'' was founded in the US, its international editions have made it the world's largest men's magazine brand. These magazines reach over 71 million readers worldwide. ''Men's Health'' is published in 35 editions. International editions account for over 80% of the magazine's trade volume. In each market, local editors commission or purchase articles for their own market and share content with US and other editions. The selected articles are then translated and edited by local staffers to make them match the style of the American edition. Usually, these editions started out as translations of the US version of the magazine, but over time many non-US editions became unique, providing material more pertinent to local readers. * Argentina * Australia ** This edition was published by

Pacific Magazines Pacific Magazines was a magazine publisher operating in Australia owned by Seven West Media. In March 2020, it was acquired by Bauer Media Australia in April 2020. In June 2020, Mercury Capital acquired Pacific Magazines as part of its purch ...

. Aimed at men aged 25 to 44, it was at one time Australia's highest selling magazine aimed at men. ''Men's Health'' was launched in Australia in 1997. The magazine was acquired by the Bauer Media Australia, which purchased Pacific Magazines in May 2020. In July 2020, publication of the magazine ceased. * Austria * Bahrain * Belarus * Belgium * Belize * Canada * Chile * China * Colombia * Costa Rica * Croatia 2004 - 2020 * Cyprus * Czech Republic * Dominican Republic * Ecuador * El Salvador * Estonia * Germany * Ghana * Greece * Guatemala * Honduras * Hungary * India * Ireland * Italy * Japan * Jordan * Kazakhstan * Kuwait * Latvia * Lebanon * Lithuania * Mexico * Netherlands * New Zealand * Nicaragua * Nigeria * Oman * Panama * Peru * Poland * Portugal * Puerto Rico * Qatar * Romania * Russia * Saudi Arabia * Serbia 2013 - 2020 * Singapore * South Africa * South Korea * Spain * Switzerland * Taiwan * Turkey * UAE * United Kingdom: see ''Men's Health'' (British magazine) * Venezuela

References

External links