OUR STAFF HERE at Men’s Health includes experts of all stripes, from fitness and style to travel and home improvement. Part of being an expert at the world’s biggest men’s magazine is keeping an eye out for the best new gear that helps us (and you) live better. That’s why we’re always looking for newly released products for our staff to personally test and share with our readers. Our testing process is thorough and honest because, above all else, we’re committed to reviewing and recommending only the best of the best gear. Here’s what you can expect from us.
Why You Should Trust Us
Retailers, manufacturers, brands, salespeople, and PR folks never dictate the products we cover. Everything we recommend is editorially selected. Occasionally, our staff receives press samples of the products we test (typically on a “loaner” basis). But it’s important to note that we never guarantee a mention, a positive review, or a recommendation for any product. In most cases, our staff personally buys the products they test. However we come about the products we review, we treat them all the same for testing purposes. They’re all subjected to the same honest review.
Diversity & Inclusivity
We’re also committed to representing the diversity of our audience and the brands you love. That means actively seeking out products designed, created, and manufactured by those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and all other minority groups whenever possible.
About Our Testing Process
Our promise is to thoroughly test everything we recommend so you don’t have to. We test all products in real-world situations. That means we test luggage by actually traveling with it; running shoes by putting them through their literal paces; and smartwatches by wearing and using them for days, even weeks, before finalizing our opinion. In addition to testing products “in the wild,” we sometimes evaluate them in the more controlled environment of our New York City headquarters.
Every product is tested based on its relevant metrics. We evaluate luggage for durability, weight, security features, and aesthetics. For running shoes, we’ll consider comfort, support, and price (all of our Home Gym Equipment recommendations are vetted at Men’s Health‘s Fitness Lab in New York City). And, for testing smartwatches, we’ll look at things like user-friendliness, battery life, health-tracking features, and how easy (or not) the setup process is.
We also consult with experts, including our own Board of Advisors, and interview relevant professionals like health care workers, licensed practitioners, and certified trainers, whenever possible. And, of course, most Men’s Health editors, staff writers, and freelancers are experts in their own right!
What Types of Product We Test
At Men’s Health, we’re always looking to find products that can improve your life, and that runs the gamut from home gym equipment to men’s clothing to mattresses. Each product we recommend has either undergone a rigorous testing process, or has been recommended by a subject matter expert whom we trust.
Fitness: Rowing machines, treadmills, workout clothes for men, running shoes, adjustable dumbbells, weight benches, running shorts, and more. Every fitness shopping recommendation is thoroughly vetted by our Fitness Director, Ebenezer Samuel, CSCS, and most of our home gym equipment selections are tested at our Men’s Health Fitness Lab in New York City. We also make sure that each fitness gear we spotlight has a level of long-term durability.
Style: Jeans, T-shirts, clothing brands, underwear, jackets, polo shirts, swim trunks, socks, dress sneakers, shorts, and more. Most of our style recommendations were tested and styled in our fashion closet in New York City.
Grooming: Electric razors, body groomers, face washes, head shavers, moisturizers, serums, body lotions, body washes, sunscreens, and more. Most of our skincare recommendations were vetted by dermatologists on our Men’s Health advisor board.
Nutrition: Multivitamins, protein powders, whey protein powders, pre-workout supplements, and more. All of our supplements are third-party tested, hold a valid third-party certification (NSF, USP, or Informed Choice) and are carefully vetted by our Nutrition Editor, Paul Kita.
Gear: Camping essentials, travel gadgets, luggage, bluetooth speakers, wireless headphones, pickleball paddles, golf clubs, camping coolers, backpacks, bikes, and more.
Home: Furniture brands, outdoor rugs, mattresses, bed sheets, coffee makers, futons, patio umbrellas, and more.
How We Make Money
Like most online publications, we earn a commission on some, though not all, products purchased through the links on MensHealth.com. Note that buying through these “affiliate links” will never cost you a premium, and we only recommend retailers with a solid track record of exceptional customer service and reliability. Our editorial opinions and testing processes are never swayed by our affiliate relationships.
How We Find Deals
Between dozens of email newsletters, social media ads, and sale recommendations from those in your inner circle, it’s hard to know a real deal when you see one these days. Our team sees thousands of product and travel deals each week, and we rely on our own expertise to find only the best ones to share with you. We work especially hard, too, around the year’s biggest holidays, like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to find the deepest discounts on the best products.
A Word About Safety & Recalls
New products debut every day, and that means an ever-changing landscape of product news and announcements. From time to time, some products—including those we may have reviewed and recommended—could be subject to recalls or revised use recommendations. That’s why we urge you to monitor the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other relevant government and consumer protection agencies related to the types of products you regularly purchase. We also suggest registering your purchases with the corresponding manufacturers, as this is often the best way to be notified of recalls and potential product issues.
Meet Our Commerce Team
Our shopping editors have over 15 years of combined experience in testing and reviewing products. Each editor specializes in their section, and are constantly trying products within their categories. Read more about them below.
Christian Gollayan, Deputy Commerce Editor
As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
Maverick Li, Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Talene Appleton, Fitness and Commerce Editor
Talene Appleton is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where she covers fitness, nutrition, health, and wellness. She was previously the Associate Editor of General Surgery News, and a nutrition writer for The Food Institute. Talene is a retired professional dancer, and loves to spend her free time cooking elaborate meals for her friends and family.
John Thompson, Gear and Commerce Editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
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