Magazine Research - Men's Health

Men’s Health is a magazine published by Hearst Magazines that stands out as a top lifestyle publication aimed at men. It emphasizes fitness, health, nutrition, and self improvement, combining practical advice with inspiring role models.

This magazine falls under the lifestyle and fitness journalism category. Its conventions include a prominent cover star, eye catching headlines, a focus on body transformation, and health tips. In this issue, actor Tom Holland is featured as the main image, appearing in a vest in a rugged environment, which reinforces themes of masculinity, strength, and authenticity.

The cover features a straightforward and industrial backdrop, with muted colours that contrast sharply with the bright, bold fonts. This design choice positions Holland as an “everyman” while highlighting his transformation story. His casual vest and natural appearance suggest approachability, yet his muscular build still embodies aspirational ideals.

The representation of individuals is evident: Holland symbolizes discipline, transformation, and determination. He is depicted as both an average guy (sweaty, in casual attire) and an exceptional figure (fit, strong, and famous). Social groups are portrayed in ways that celebrate male physicality, resilience, and self-improvement. The narrative of “changing his life” suggests that men can and should strive for continuous self-improvement, aligning with cultural notions of masculinity.

The media language employs contrast effectively: a raw, rugged image is paired with vibrant, impactful cover lines. Phrases like “Body Recomp Challenge” and “Changed His Life (and you can, too)” serve as motivational and directive, using second-person language to engage readers directly. The typography in red and yellow creates a sense of urgency, reflecting advertising techniques.

The target audience consists of men, especially Gen Z and Millennial readers who are keen on fitness, energy, and lifestyle enhancement. The magazine attracts readers by combining celebrity endorsements with practical advice, implying that they too can achieve similar outcomes.

Using David Gauntlett's Identity theory, this cover presents Holland as a role model who is both relatable and inspiring. Readers can look to him for motivation in shaping their own identities related to health, masculinity, and personal growth.

This cover showcases techniques that can be borrowed, including blending relatability with aspirational concepts, striking cover lines that give clear direction, and employing transformation stories to engage readers.

Double Page spread

This double-page spread in Men’s Health highlights actor Hugh Jackman, titled "Hugh’s X-Factor." As part of Hearst Magazines, Men’s Health aims to showcase male role models through fitness, lifestyle, and celebrity culture.

The piece falls under lifestyle journalism with a focus on celebrities. It features a prominent image of the cover star, striking pull-quotes, and concise sections of text. Instead of dense writing, the spread uses colourful speech bubbles to present Jackman’s insights in easy to understand tips. This format is appealing to readers looking for quick and accessible information.

The setting is both dramatic and cinematic. Jackman is depicted in a sharp suit against a deserted road, symbolizing strength, ambition, and sophistication. The car in the background suggests wealth and status, while the black-and-white photography adds a touch of seriousness and glamour.

Representation plays a crucial role. Jackman is shown as confident, stylish, and authoritative, representing ideals of masculinity that blend toughness with sophistication. He is positioned as a role model who has achieved success through both his career and a disciplined mindset. This reinforces Men’s Health’s ongoing message self-improvement and resilience are essential to the ‘male’ identity.

The target audience which is men looking for fitness tips, lifestyle advice, and role models, they are drawn in by Jackman’s star power and his motivational insights. The friendly tone of his "life lessons" strikes a balance between the distance of celebrity and being relatable.

Richard Dyer’s Star Theory fits well here. Jackman is portrayed as both exceptional and down to earth. This mix lets readers look up to him while still feeling a connection, which is a crucial strategy in media that focuses on celebrities.

This article showcases techniques that can be borrowed, like using bold designs to emphasize advice, blending inspiring photography with easy to understand content, and showing celebrities as both motivating and approachable.

Social groups are depicted in an aspirational light, especially men who aim to merge physical fitness with professional and personal achievements. The glamorous portrayal of Jackman contrasts with the more rugged, relatable images seen on some covers, illustrating how the magazine navigates between accessible and aspirational male ideals.

The media language employs both visual and textual strategies. The bold, colourful speech bubbles emphasize key advice, making the page lively and easy to read. The monochrome photo contrasts with the bright colours, ensuring Jackman stays the centre of attention while also providing visual energy to the spread.

Website

The Men’s Health website, created by Hearst Magazines, brings the brand’s print identity into a digital and interactive environment. Like the magazine, it emphasizes fitness, health, nutrition, and self-improvement but is tailored for online audiences with regular updates, video content, and product integration.

The genre falls under lifestyle and fitness journalism, featuring distinct digital elements like scrolling navigation, clickable articles, embedded videos, and sponsored content. Sections such as Fitness, Health, Style, Nutrition, and Grooming organize the material, catering to men looking for various lifestyle advice.

The representation highlights male strength, fitness, and resilience. Celebrities like Austin Butler and Noah Ohlsen are showcased as aspirational figures, while ordinary men receive less attention. The focus is on physical transformation and achievement, portraying masculinity as linked to discipline, muscularity, and performance. Articles like “How Austin Butler Rebuilt His Life and Body” support the idea of overcoming challenges through self-improvement.

Social groups are depicted in a limited yet aspirational manner: men are shown as aiming for control over their health, bodies, and lifestyles. There is some diversity, but the emphasis remains on elite athletes, actors, and high achieving men. This reinforces traditional masculinity while neglecting alternative masculinities or broader health perspectives.

The media language is striking and energetic. Eye catching images of shirtless men are prevalent, accompanied by brief, impactful headlines meant to drive clicks. Vivid colours, sponsored product placements like fitness apps, supplements, and grooming products, along with fitness videos, enhance interactivity and commercial appeal.

The main audience consists of guys from Gen Z and Millennials who check out digital content every day. The website grabs attention with its quick tips, relatable fitness advice, and grooming hacks, along with inspiring stories that make personal change seem possible.

David Gauntlett’s Identity theory fits well here: the site gives men role models to help shape their own ideas of masculinity through fitness, grooming, and strength. Henry Jenkins’ Convergence Culture also plays a part, as the site mixes videos, articles, online shopping, and social media links, promoting active participation.

Some useful techniques include striking visuals of inspiring figures, blending commercial content with editorial pieces, and short, easy to read stories that match Gen Z’s fast-paced digital media habits.

Toby Braithwaite