Aimed squarely at young men, Maxim is a glossy magazine focused on beautiful women, slick gadgets, fast cars, sports, entertainment, and other male obsessions. In addition to scantily clad cover models and plenty of revealing photo layouts, issues include reviews of the latest movies, CDs, DVDs, and video games; articles on how to successfully seduce women; the latest styles and trends; and interviews with celebrities. Other regular features include jokes, trivia, a sex column, practical advice, a sports column, and more.

Aimed squarely at young men, Maxim is a glossy magazine focused on beautiful women, slick gadgets, fast cars, sports, entertainment, and other male obsessions. In addition to scantily clad cover models and plenty of revealing photo layouts, issues include reviews of the latest movies, CDs, DVDs, and video games; articles on how to successfully seduce women; the latest styles and trends; and interviews with celebrities. Other regular features include jokes, trivia, a sex column, practical advice, a sports column, and more.

I've been reading Maxim since about issue #3. I used to really enjoy the magazine: their witty remarks and interviews with the monthly babes and product reviews were both entertaining and interesting. However, I'm now letting my subscription run out. Maxim has went through something like 3 editors since I've been reading and the magazine is getting progressively worse.

Maxim used to taste test microwave and fast food-type items and give them real, insightful ratings/reviews...things like pizza rolls, pizza pockets, etc. Now there's a fictional person named Hiroki, who does tests on stupid foods. So instead of "One tester said, 'Red Barron pizza had a crispy crust, but was a bit greasy,'" we're left with "Hiroki said the edible panties, 'Taste like chicken. Yum.'"

I watched this video in mixed company and I ended up liking it much more than I thought I would. The movie is hosted by Melissa Keller, who is a cute-as-a-button blonde supermodel who wears a two-piece string bikini while she's hosting (which was OK by me), and Jake Johannsen, a bearded comedian who says the stupid sexist things that every guy is thinking, but that Melissa dismisses as she quickly cuts to the next scene.

Of the segments with bikinis, my favorite was the first where Marissa Miller and Melissa Keller both wake up early near Iowa cornfields - and wear gauzy see-through top swimsuits - where the girls might as well have been topless for all that was revealed. But the women soldier on despite the cold and lack of sleep, and they genuine appear to enjoy what they're doing, as do the rest of the girls in this video.

There's a nice segment with Anna Kournikova and Serena Williams also in swimsuits. Anna looked every bit as good in a white bikini as she did on the wall poster in my baby brother's room. And Serena looked like a younger - and just as sexy -- version of Tina Turner! She has Tina's great hips - and Tina's million dollar legs. (Must've come from all that tennis, huh?)

Product Description

SHAPE magazine is edited to deliver useful techniques and an understanding of fitness. Top experts from diverse fields of exercise, nutrition, psychology and beauty join forces with nationally known journalists to make each issue a how-to manual for a healthful lifestyle.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I've been a subscriber for two years, but I'm not going to renew this time. There are some great things about this magazine. There's always information about eating healthy, and many of the recipes are wonderful. Another feature is the Diary portion, where the magazine profiles individuals who have turned to fitness and healthy eating in order to lose weight. It's the most inspiring part of the magazine, and it's great that the magazine focuses on real women, not just how to tell those in perfect shape to stay in shape.

I do wish that the magazine would have a bit more variety. I feel like I keep seeing many of the same exercises repeated over and over. I also wish the magazine would realize that not all of us are in to New Age spirituality. If you do choose to subscribe, don't be surprised to see the latest issue at the newsstand before it arrives in your mailbox.

Amazon.com Review

Who Reads Runner’s World Magazine?
Runner’s World will motivate and inspire you. Each monthly issue of Runner’s World brings you advice on new running techniques, introduces you the latest running products and national and international race information. You’ll find the strategies, tips and advice to fuel your performance, prevent injuries, burn fat, shed stress, and achieve your personal goals. Runner’s World is filled with the powerful information that will help you run faster and farther and have more fun doing it.

What You Can Expect in Each Issue:
Regular section of Runner’s World include:

* Training Techniques: Tips from the Professionals to help you achieve your personal best
* Shoe Guides: Detailed Guides providing a comprehensive analysis of the newest running shoes
* Inspirational Stories: To motivate and encourage every runner
* Safety Advice: Tips to keep you safe to insure you have the run of your life
* Recipes for a Runner: Nutritional and Delicious Recipes to prepare you for any type of race
* Races & Places: Keep informed of the upcoming race events in your area
* Feature Articles: Include “Marathon Spring Training Guide,” “Food Fuel – What to Eat and When to Eat it,” “The Essential Got-to-Have Shoe Review,” and “Races & Places – Review of Today’s most challenging races and the Runner’s who tackled them.”