fitmuncher

Saturday, 3 January 2026

One of Columbia's Most Beloved Jackets Is 40% Off During Its Annual Winter Sale

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.

Why We Love This Deal

Columbia kicked off its Annual Winter sale last week, offering customers up to 40% off seasonal must-haves and anytime favorites, but a few long-standing staples are worth a closer look. One of them is a jacket that’s quietly become a cornerstone of Columbia’s lineup thanks to a design that can be worn virtually year-round. It's the Ascender jacket, and now, you can score it for $50 off.

Now just $75, the Columbia Ascender Softshell Jacket embodies supreme versatility and dependable performance. At its current sale price, it’s a practical pickup for everyday winter wear that you’ll keep reaching for, deep into spring and again in the fall. All seven colors are on sale, and sizes small through 2XL are ready to take home across the board.

Columbia Ascender Softshell Jacket, $75 (was $125) at Columbia

What Shoppers Should Know

Type: Softshell zip-up
Colors: 7
Sizes: S to 2XL
Omni-Shield: Water- and stain-resistant
Materials: 100% bonded polyester
Best For: A mid-layer in the winter, a top layer in the fall and spring

Built as an all-purpose outer layer that’s designed to handle light rain, wind, and fluctuating temperatures, this softshell protects you from the elements without unnecessary bulk. Its bonded softshell construction is treated with the brand’s Omni-Shield tech to repel water and stains, while zippered hand and chest pockets keep essentials secure. Adjustable cuffs, a drawcord hem, and a chin guard help seal out cold air during brisk winter conditions.

What makes the Ascender so popular is when and how it’s meant to be worn. This isn’t a deep-winter parka or a summer shell—it shines in fall through early spring, and during mild winter days when temperatures hover above freezing (you can easily layer it in frigid temps as well). It’s ideal for commuting, walking the dog, travel, light hikes, and layering. It’s the jacket you’ll reach for when heavier insulation would be overkill.

Now that Columbia has dropped the price of this jacket, it's happening elsewhere, too. You can also snag it at Bass Pro Shops and even Zappos for the same price.

What Wearers Are Saying

This jacket has nearly 1,500 five-star ratings from owners who rave about its performance. One noted that it’s perfect for fall and spring, saying, “It's incredible how the water just beads right off of the fabric,” while providing "a fair amount of warmth in winter if you layer up underneath.” They said that if you’re looking for a lighter jacket that keeps you dry yet winter-warm, this is the one.

While you may have until Jan. 14 before the sale ends, sizes on this Ascender jacket could vanish well before then. Don’t wait, and make sure you grab your favorite color(s) before this one disappears.

Shop More Deals

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/CDZr5PF

The Top 5 Video Games Releasing in January 2026

Believe it or not, 2026 is upon us. For some, that may mean resolutions to exercise more, eat better, get organized, or save money. For gamers, however, it means one thing: more games. While the gaming calendar takes a little time to really get going, there are still some promising titles coming to consoles in January.

Before we get into the list, a couple of bonus games/honorable mentions. First, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that promises better graphics and smoother performance among other things. A version 3.0 update is accompanying it as well, adding new features, most notably a new hotel. Second, rumors persist that a Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake is coming out in early 2026, perhaps in January.

While Sands of Time would’ve absolutely found a spot here, there’s nothing official, so for now it’s just something to keep an eye on. With that in mind, here’s my top five video games that are coming out in January:

5) Highguard

There seems to be a lot of negativity toward Highguard, a free-to-play raid shooter, which I’m guessing stems from it being the final game revealed at The Game Awards 2025 when gamers were hoping for something bigger. It has a good pedigree, having been developed by veterans of Respawn Entertainment, which created Titanfall and Apex Legends, and features an interesting--looking world. I’m not big on F2P, but why spend the money for such a choice spot at The Game Awards if you didn’t think you had something? We’ll find out on January 26.

4) Cairn

Six months ago, this game wouldn’t have even been on my radar. Then, I decided to check out Jusant on Xbox Game Pass, and wound up enjoying it. While Jusant was quite mellow, Cairn looks like a much more hardcore climbing experience, and it reportedly incorporates survival elements (both psychological and resource-based) as well.

3) Code Violet

A last-second delay pushed Code Violet from a December launch into 2026, so it’s possible that it could happen again. For now, however, it’s set for release on January 10. Looking at the trailers it’s impossible not to see a Dino Crisis influence, a series I have all manner of nostalgia for, and third-person survival horror games are among my favorites, even if this sounds like it’ll veer more action-heavy. I’m cautiously optimistic about this one.

2) Code Vein II

The second installment of the Soulslike anime-styled game (and second game in a row on my list with the word “code” in it), Code Vein II promises to add more customization and an expanded focus on exploring an open world in its vampire setting where you acquire skills by draining the blood of your enemies. Sounds a lot like the real world, to be honest.

1) MIO: Memories in Orbit

The only game to land a spot on my 26 Must-Play Games of 2026 list, MIO features graphics and level design that stir memories of Ori and the Blind Forest,and the boss battles shown in the trailer give off some serious Hollow Knight vibes. For a Metroidvania platformer, those are two of the best games to draw influences from, and it helps it land the spot as my most anticipated game for January.

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/plVtIRu

Friday, 2 January 2026

This 'Heavy Duty' Electric Snow Shovel That Actually Makes Shoveling Fun Is Nearly 50% Off on Amazon

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.

Why We Love This Deal

Amazon is showcasing dozens of big deals on electric snow shovels as snow continues to fall across the country. If you haven't heard of these devices yet, they're essentially motorized, battery-operated snow movers designed to make shoveling far less labor-intensive. For homeowners who need help clearing snow without wrestling a heavy machine, they're a smart choice, and one of Amazon’s bestsellers, this 60-volt rig from Senix, is nearly half off for a limited time.

The Senix 60V 15-Inch Electric Snow Shovel is on sale for $289 on Amazon, a 47% discount off its full price of $549. It’s a compelling upgrade for anyone who needs help clearing snow and offers premium portability, all without committing to a full-size snow blower. This model is also notably popular, ranking among the top 15 bestsellers on Amazon’s marketplace.

Senix 60V 15-Inch Electric Snow Shovel, $289 (was $540) on Amazon

The Senix 60V 15-Inch Electric Snow Shovel.
Courtesy of Amazon

What Shoppers Should Know

Motor: 60V electric
Battery: 6Ah
Runtime: 37 minutes
Snow Clearance: 15 inches
Snow Depth: 6 inches
Snow Throw Distance: 33 feet
Weight: 19.8 pounds
Snow Throw Angle: Listed at a 75-degree adjustment (virtually straight ahead)
Added Specs: LED light, Dual-speed modes, telescopic handle
Best For: Small to large properties with a driveway, walkway, and steps

This compact, yet heavy-duty snow thrower bridges the gap between a manual shovel and a traditional electric snow blower. It clears a 15-inch wide path and up to 6 inches of snow (though it's said to handle well beyond that limit) using a brushless motor and dual-blade auger, while integrated wheels and a 75-degree rotating guide help throw snow up to 30-plus feet away. For driveways, walkways, decks, and steps, it dramatically reduces the lifting and twisting that usually strain your back and shoulders.

Where this model really earns its keep is power and runtime. The included 60V battery with a 6Ah capacity puts it well above many entry-level electric snow shovels that rely on lower-voltage packs and shorter runtimes. Reviews consistently point to sufficient power and endurance to clear a medium-to-large driveway and walkways on a single charge, especially when using Eco-speed mode for lighter snow, with a runtime rating of up to 37 minutes.

Most cordless snow shovels in the $150 to $250 range use lower-voltage systems that struggle with wet, compacted snow and die quickly. Stepping up to a 60V platform with a 6Ah battery is the difference between a novelty tool and something you’ll actually rely on during repeated storms.

The only trade-off is control: unlike a full snow blower, this one has a single discharge direction (the 75-degree rotational guide doesn't vary much) and requires some battery awareness so you don’t run it dead mid-job. For many homeowners, that’s a fair compromise for the weight savings, quiet operation, and reduced physical strain. Plus, you can easily lug it from the driveway to your back deck and use it there.

What Owners Are Saying

Almost all reviewers who gave this snow shovel a 5-star rating were impressed by its “powerful” performance and motor. One said that even without wheels it slid pretty smoothly on concrete, mentioning that the “snow shot out at least 20-feet,” and noted that while it does only shoot straight forward, “it cuts like butter in 6-inch deep, heavy snow.”

Another said it's “freaking sweet” while noting this heavy-duty shovel is “on par” with gas-powered models. “I was plowing through 8-to-12-inch snow rapidly and effortlessly,” they said.

With snowstorms continuing to touch down across the U.S., and winter only being half over, this Senix cordless snow shovel is well worth picking up, especially while it's over half off.

Shop More Deals

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/NdnK1Em

Just 10 Minutes of Intense Exercise Can Help Fight Bowel Cancer, Study Says

Workouts don't have to be lengthy to offer significant health benefits. In fact, just 10 minutes of intense exercise may be enough to help fight bowel cancer, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer. Researchers found that short bursts of hard exercise can trigger rapid changes in the bloodstream, making it harder for bowel cancer cells to grow and easier for them to repair DNA damage.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among both men and women combined, with about 150,000 Americans diagnosed each year, according to Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

The study looked at blood samples from 30 overweight adults taken before and immediately after a max-effort cycling workout, which lasted about 10 to 12 minutes. They then exposed human colon cancer cells to the participants’ blood serum, either from before or after exercise.

Cancer cells treated with post-exercise blood showed less DNA damage and repaired that damage faster than cells exposed to pre-exercise blood. Unrepaired DNA damage is a key driver of cancer growth and progression. Exercise also increased levels of 13 different proteins in the bloodstream. Together, these changes appeared to lead cancer cells to a less aggressive state.

At the genetic level, cancer cells exposed to post-workout blood switched on genes that help repair DNA and produce energy, while switching off genes linked to tumor growth.

"Even a single workout can make a difference. One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It's a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health," says Sam Orange, PhD, lead author of the study, per Medical Xpress.

Additionally, the research team wrote that their finding offer a "potential mechanistic explanation for the protective effects of exercise against" bowel cancer.

Most importantly, these benefits came from just one intense workout rather than weeks or months of training. So, never underestimate the power of short workouts because even a quick burner sessions could benefit your health far more than you might think.

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/wBqE1xn

Thursday, 1 January 2026

Popular Theme Park Closing After Cold Weather Threatens 22 Rides

Dollywood is music legend Dolly Parton's popular theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN. The theme park's president wants it to eventually be open year-round but cold weather is intervening.

"Spanning 160 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood theme park offers more than 50 world-class rides, high-energy entertainment, award-winning dining and the friendliest theme park atmosphere in the world!" the park trumpets on its website.

According to Knox News, Dollywood is in its "landmark" 40th season. The newspaper noted that Dollywood President Eugene Naughton has a "long-term goal" of having Dollywood open year-round, but the park is headed instead into its offseason. The theme park will close on January 4, 2026, for the winter, according to Knox News.

Dollywood Closes 22 Rides Due to the Cold Weather, Its Website Says

Groups of guests get photos taken in front of the Showstreet Palace Theater at the Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, TN.
(Photo by: Ron Buskirk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The beloved theme park closes completely in the winter because the cold weather can negatively affect some of the rides, Knox News reported. In addition to the seasonal closure, 22 Dollywood rides shut down depending on an individual day's temperature.

Dollywood lists the temperature at which each ride closes. "We value your safety at Dollywood. In the event of occasional inclement weather we adhere to the following guidelines listed below. During these times we invite you to visit indoor attractions, shops or restaurants until weather passes," the theme park wrote.

In addition, some rides close during lightning, precipitation, and high winds.

The park listed these temperatures for ride closures:


Ride or Attraction	Temperature
Amazing Flying Elephants	32 degrees
Barnstormer	32 degrees
Big Bear Mountain	36 degrees
Black Bear Trail	23 degrees
Dragonflier	36 degrees
DropLine	5 degrees
FireChaser Express*	39 degrees
Frogs & Fireflies	32 degrees
Great Tree Swing	32 degrees
Lemon Twist*	32 degrees
Lightning Rod	34 degrees
LumberJack Lifts	32 degrees 95 degrees
Mystery Mine*	34 degrees
Shooting Star	36 degrees
Sky Rider	36 degrees
Smoky Mountain River Rampage	32 degrees
Tennessee Tornado	34 degrees
Thunderhead	35 degrees
Tree Top Tower	32 degrees
Waltzing Swinger	23 degrees
Whistle Punk Chaser*	36 degrees
Wild Eagle	34 degrees

"One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40th season in 2025," a Dollywood press release says. "Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when it opened on May 3, 1986, but the mission at its heart remains the same—to create a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together."

“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Parton said in the release. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget."

Related:

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/ia8JBZI

Tom Brady, Alix Earle Get Close on Video in St. Barth's

Are NFL legend Tom Brady and podcaster Alix Earle Dating? That's what fans are wondering after a video emerged showing them getting close on St. Barth's.

"Tom Brady may have rung in the new year with a new catch ... the G.O.A.T. was seen getting real cozy with influencer Alix Earle!" TMZ wrote, sharing a video of Brady and Earle together. It shows them at a nightclub. At one point in the video, Earle rubbed the back of Brady as she leaned in close to whisper in his ear as music blared.

Fans Responded With Jokes & Questions

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Tom Brady may have rung in the new year with a new catch ... the G.O.A.T. was seen getting real cozy with influencer Alix Earle! pic.twitter.com/aJ9xPHePeP
— TMZ (@TMZ) January 1, 2026

TMZ also published a second video showing the pair on the dance floor. According to Page Six, Brady and Earle spent time together at a yacht party.

Fans responded in different ways on X, with some making jokes, others praising Brady, and some raising questions about the age gap between the NFL broadcaster and Earle.

Brady is 48 years old and divorced with kids; Earle is 25 years old.

"Still throwing touchdowns even in retirement," wrote one. "He was a senior in college when she was born," another person wrote. "She is still older than Jordon Hudson," joked another observer, referring to Coach Bill Belichick's girlfriend. "She going for the big fish now," wrote another person.

Alix Earle Recently Split With Another NFL Player Because They Weren't Seeing Each Other Much

(L-R) Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios attend Kentucky Derby 151.
(Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for Churchill Downs)

Earle's last boyfriend was also an NFL player: Braxton Berrios. In December, the social media influencer and former Dancing With the Stars contestant explained the breakup in an Instagram video.

“It’s just been really hard to process in general, and I think why I’ve been scared to say something is because I feel like it just makes it more real,” Earle said. “Braxton and I are no longer together. We have been doing long distance since basically June and we haven't gotten to see each other that often.”

She revealed that she came to like Los Angeles while there for DWTS, noting that she “really liked it and I thought maybe I wanted to stay there.”

She added: “I think that was a scary thing for me to realize because it meant us not being in the same place. A part of me just also really wants to be focusing on myself right now and I just feel like I can’t be what Braxton needs. I want him to have someone with him 24/7 who can support him and be there for him — and he wasn't really expecting that of me, I think it was more a me thing — but I constantly felt guilty.”

Earle said they were on "two different paths."

She said that she was questioning her feelings a lot and wasn't sure if they made sense, calling that "scary."

According to TMZ, Brady was most recently linked to model Irina Shayk in "an on-again, off-again relationship," and his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen recently married Joaquim Valente, the father of her new baby. Brady was also linked to Brooks Nader, according to People.

Related:

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/aJKLsWm

REI's 'Multi-Use' Moisture-Wicking Base Layer Shirts Are Now on Sale for $20

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.

Why We Love This Deal

REI is getting ahead of 2026 fitness goals with a short but product-packed sale that'll help resolutioners gear up with the right stuff to help them exceed their own expectations. From now through Jan. 4, shoppers can score discounts on all-terrain Saucony running shoes, fleece running jackets from Arc'teryx, and even bounce-free hydration packs. But the best deal we're seeing is on the Co-op brand's moisture-wicking shirts, which are now half off.

REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirts are on sale for just $20, a 50% discount off their regular price of $40. This style was a smash hit with shoppers this year. It's earned a "Top Rated" badge and has over 150 five-star ratings. More importantly, it's still available in four colors and a decent range of sizes.

REI Co-op Sahara Long-Sleeve T-Shirts, $20 (was $40) at REI

What Shoppers Should Know

Colors: Black, gray, blue, white
Sizes: S to 2XL
Lengths: Regular
Materials: 55% polyester, 37% recycled polyester, 8% spandex
UPF Rating: 30
Best Use: Hiking, running, travel, base-layering, fishing, working out

Part of the brand’s Sahara line, these long-sleeved shirts are technically designed for warmer months, for rigorous activities like hiking and travel. That’s thanks in part to their (and all other Sahara products) stretchy, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. These are also rated at UPF 30, making them an ideal option for blocking the sun. They have rolled-forward shoulder seams that reduce friction and chafing, and they dry pretty fast, too.

That said, nothing is stopping you from wearing them beyond summer—in fact, we'd recommend it as a performance base layer. For example, if you're looking to stay active with snowsports, running, general workouts, or winter hikes, this T-shirt is hard to beat. They excel at moisture management, helping to keep the sweat off your skin, which matters as much in the cold as it does in the heat, allowing you to stay warmer in the long run.

Most base layers, including those made by REI Co-op, are made from merino wool, are fantastic, but they can be expensive. The Sahara shirt won’t regulate temperature or resist odor like merino can, but you’ll end up saving anywhere from $70 to $100. At $20, this gives you 80% of the functional benefit for a fraction of the price, making it one of the best value-based layers REI has available right now

What Shoppers Are Saying

The good news is that among the things adventurers rave about, the shirts' versatility in colder winter months is mentioned. One called these “multi-use” shirts awesome for hiking and biking, noting that they hold up even after taking a beating. And as for warmth, they handle cool weather “very well,” keeping a comfortable temperature in cooler climates.

To keep things simple, another buyer stated they’re “great, comfortable, and durable as all Hell.”

If you want to score one of these do-it-all Sahara shirts, make sure to get your order in before Jan. 4, because they may go off sale at that point.

Shop More Deals

from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/EvJplGI