David Beckham Reveals 'Cupping' is a Big Part of His Recovery Routine – Here's Why
MH cover star David Beckham's 21-year career at the pinnacle of elite football wasn't down to talent alone; you don't turn out 724 times for club and country unless you take recovery pretty seriously. But it wasn't all stretching and protein shakes. In fact, one of his go-to methods was – and still is – 'cupping', a traditional Chinese therapy.
'I love acupuncture and I love cupping,' he tells Men's Health. 'The one thing throughout my career, whenever I was injured, even now, whenever I've got an issue, I've got a guy called James who sees a lot of the rugby players. He comes down, kills me with cups and gets the needles out. It's the one thing that gets me out of it.'
The England legend, now 49, is also a fan of ice baths – preferring them over cryotherapy. 'My ice bath is at one degree,' he says, 'and I chop and change going from sauna for 15, bath for five on repeat.' The combination of ice baths and cupping forms a holistic recovery routine that Beckham swears by.
Cupping is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that's been practiced for centuries. The process involves placing heated glass cups on the skin, creating a vacuum that suctions the skin and underlying tissue upwards. This suction is believed to increase blood flow and promote healing. Beckham, who's been using cupping for years, is just one of many athletes – including Olympic legend Michael Phelps – who swear by it.
To perform cupping, an acupuncturist lights a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and places it inside a glass cup. The fire removes the oxygen, and when the cup is placed on the skin, a vacuum is created. As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts, pulling the skin and tissues upward. This stretching and contracting process is believed to increase circulation and blood flow, helping with both muscle recovery and pain relief.
Want to work out like David Beckham? Sign up below to receive a FREE copy of the Men's Health Build With Bodyweight training guide. Each of these muscle-building workouts requires zero kit and can be performed anywhere for a low-stress fitness fix.
Click here
Advocates of cupping claim it increases blood flow, which, according to Dr Houman Danesh of Mount Sinai Hospital, can 'jumpstart or restart a blunted healing response' in muscles. For athletes, this could mean faster recovery times and better muscle repair post-workout.
Dr Reid Blackwelder, past president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, tells MH US that cupping can be thought of as creating a 'sterile inflammation'. By drawing blood into the tissue, the body reacts as if it's been injured, triggering an inflammatory response. This, Dr Blackwelder says, can help mobilise antibodies and speed up the healing process.
While there's no definitive scientific proof that cupping works, some studies suggest it can help with pain relief, particularly for conditions like lower back pain and chronic neck pain. However, there's a catch: the results may be influenced by the placebo effect, which means simply believing the treatment works might be enough to experience some benefits.
Science is divided on cupping's effectiveness, as it's hard to isolate its impact in clinical studies. Dr Blackwelder notes that cupping is often used alongside conventional treatments, which makes it difficult to determine if it's the cupping itself or other therapies contributing to the relief.
Cupping therapy is generally safe, with minimal risks involved. The most common side effect is the appearance of circular bruises on the skin, which are caused by the suction. These marks are not painful and typically disappear after a few days. However, anyone with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should avoid cupping, as it can aggravate the condition.
If you're considering cupping, it could be worth trying, especially if you're an athlete or dealing with muscle pain or tension. Dr Blackwelder suggests it could be a beneficial add-on if conventional methods like physical therapy or medication haven't provided enough relief. Just keep in mind that while cupping may help some, it's not a substitute for traditional medical treatments.
Our new issue is out now, but you can read our David Beckham exclusive by heading to the Men's Health UK homepage. Subscribe now by clicking here
You Might Also Like
The 23 Best Foods to Build Muscle
10 of the Best Waterproof Boots to Buy in 2019
6 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
The best weight plates in 2025: Expert-tested for reliable, no-fuss strength training
No shade to dumbbells, but if you're ready to take your fitness training up a peg, investing in a good set of weight plates is the logical next step. The best weight plates align with your budget and lifting needs. For example, cast iron plates are a no-brainer for durability and affordability, while rubber plates are a must for powerlifters who need to drop their weights from a height. Whatever your style, weight plates can transform your home setup into a professional-level workout space. Cassandra Padula Burke, a certified public trainer, agrees, saying, "[Weight plates] can be used on a barbell but can also be used independently for exercises like overhead triceps extensions, Russian twists and shoulder presses." She also highlights that weight plates are perfect for strength building, allowing you to add heavier plates as you get stronger. "Weight plates allow you to progressively load muscles to improve strength and build muscle," she says. Plus, they're space-efficient. "They are easy to store and don't take up as much space as an equivalent variety of dumbbells would," she adds. Ready to create a gym-quality lifting experience at home? You'll need three key pieces of equipment: a sturdy weight bench, a good-quality barbell and a set of weight plates. If you're unsure of what to buy or how to start, there's good news: We did the heavy lifting for you. Over six months, we rigorously tested five sets of weight plates, including rubber, cast iron and Olympic options. We also gathered expert insights from professional personal trainers and powerlifters and drew from our own experiences as lifters to inform our recommendations. Thanks to their versatility, weight plates can be used on their own for functional training or paired with a barbell for compound lifts. Whether made from iron, steel or rubber, each type serves a purpose — from powerlifting to CrossFit. Here's a breakdown of the primary options: Standard weight plates: Designed for a standard barbell with a 1-inch diameter, these plates are best suited for casual or beginner lifters. Olympic plates: These plates fit Olympic barbells with a 2-inch diameter. They can be made from steel, iron or rubber and are known for their high weight accuracy, making them a staple for serious strength training. Training plates: Often lighter and available in smaller weight increments, like 2.5 and 5 pounds, training plates are perfect for beginners or those refining their technique and form. Because of their low weight, they help lifters gradually increase strength while focusing on proper movement patterns. Bumper plates: Thicker and more shock-absorbent than traditional plates, bumper plates are designed for exercises like deadlifts and those performed during CrossFit workouts where weights are frequently dropped from thigh height. These plates are made from all rubber or with a rubber coating over a steel or iron core, offering durability and safety. Competition and powerlifting plates: These plates are engineered for maximum weight accuracy and precision. They're typically reserved for high-level strength competitions. The best weight plates for your home gym depend on your goals, space and how you like to train — whether you're chasing PRs (personal records) or you're just trying to challenge yourself on leg day. Here's what our experts say you should keep in mind when picking your plates: According to Burke, durability is an important factor, though it may be outweighed (no pun intended) by other considerations, like your workout space and budget. Still, when possible, opt for weight plates designed to withstand regular use. Cast iron and steel plates, for example, are incredibly durable and have been trusted since the 19th century, but they can be noisy and may damage floors or walls if dropped. Rubber-coated plates are quieter and less likely to cause damage, making them a good choice for apartments or shared living spaces. Burke explains that rubber plates are still highly durable because they often have an internal iron or steel core for added strength. High-quality construction and accurate calibration are key. "Weight plates should be accurate within 1% to 2% of the specified weight," Burke notes. This accuracy ensures consistent training and prevents imbalances — for instance, poorly calibrated weights could cause problems when loaded on a barbell, causing discrepancies in load between one side and the other. Many manufacturers list their plates' weight calibration online, but you can also contact the company before purchasing to double-check. For serious lifters or those aiming for precise progression, Raymond Agostino, physical therapist and sports performance coach, recommends competition-grade plates with a weight accuracy to within 0.5%. However, he adds that standard weight tolerance is adequate for most home gym setups. Burke also points out that poor construction and damage to the plate, such as chipping or cracking, can affect the accuracy of the weight. "Damage to the rubber coating of the plate can expose the iron underneath, making it vulnerable to corrosion, which may cause weight loss," she says. This brings us to the next consideration: material and coating. Weight plates are typically made from cast iron, steel or rubber, with some rubber plates featuring a metal core. As Agostino points out, each material has its pros and cons. "Cast iron plates are cost-effective and compact, steel plates are durable [and] rubber-coated plates are quieter and protect floors," he says. If you're new to weight training, dumbbells may seem like a more approachable and versatile option. But trust us: weight plates are just as versatile. Noelle McKenzie, a certified physical trainer and correctional exercise specialist, explains that weight plates can double as dumbbells for exercises like chest flies, curls and raises, while also offering added functionality. Beyond their traditional use with a barbell for heavier lifts, weight plates can be used creatively for bodyweight exercises, like planks or wall sits, introducing variety and challenge to your workouts. Ultimately, how you plan to use the plates will determine the type of plates to buy and how heavy you need your weights to be. McKenzie emphasizes that weight plates are more space-efficient than dumbbells or kettlebells, as they can be stored on a plate tree or mounted on a wall. Umo Callins, a certified physical trainer and board-certified sports dietitian, recommends choosing a weight plate based on your budget, the floor it will be used on and how the weights will be used. "If you plan on squatting, deadlifting and doing Olympic lifts, bumper plates work best because if you drop the bar, the plates will have some level of bounce," she says. "Plus, as long as your bar has a high whip grade, they will not bend your bar over time." Overall, bumper plates are Callins's go-to recommendation. "Bumper plates are easier on your flooring, not loud when dropped and allow you to do more varieties of barbell training," she notes. While top-tier Olympic weight plates aren't necessary for most home gyms, going too cheap may sacrifice durability and end up costing more over time. Ideally, opt for a good-quality, durable set made by a reputable manufacturer. Depending on the brand, some plates are covered under warranty, providing additional peace of mind. To determine the best weight plates for every fitness level, two professional personal trainers, several powerlifters and a diverse group of casual gym-goers of varying ages and abilities rigorously tested five weight sets, providing a well-rounded perspective on each plate's performance. The plates were used regularly over six months to assess their durability and reliability with repeated use in home and commercial gym environments. Each set was evaluated based on its materials, durability, performance and overall value. Our final list was determined using a combination of tester feedback, expert insights from personal trainers and our own lifting experience. Most weight plates are designed to fit either a standard barbell with a 1-inch diameter or an Olympic barbell with a 2-inch diameter. If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm compatibility. For added assurance, consider purchasing a coordinated set of plates and barbells to guarantee a perfect fit. Cast iron and steel plates are highly durable and built to last, but they're not intended to be dropped during workouts. In contrast, rubber-coated plates are designed for high-impact movements like deadlifts and snatches, safely absorbing the force when dropped on the ground. This makes them ideal for more dynamic training styles. Most weight plates should be accurate within their reported 1% to 2% range. Some manufacturers also list the weight plate calibration for accuracy. On our list, for instance, Ethos reports that its weight plates are calibrated to +0.1% to -0.05% of 20 kg. Metal plates can be wiped down with a cloth, dried and occasionally treated with WD-40 to prevent rusting. Rubber plates can be cleaned using mild dish soap and water, then towel-dried. To prolong the life of all weight plates, avoid exposing them to excess moisture or humidity and store them off the floor whenever possible. Always use reliable equipment and regularly inspect weight plates for signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. When lifting a barbell, prioritize safety by using equipment like clips or collars, racks and safety arms and enlist a spotter whenever possible. It's also important to take care when storing weights. Improperly stacked plates can pose a falling hazard or result in pinched fingers. To minimize risks, use a plate tree or designated storage system. Raymond Agostino, DPT, sports performance coach and owner of Agostino Athletics in Fort Myers, Fla. Cassandra Padula Burke, MFS, RDN, CPT, owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg, Md. Umo Callins, MS, RD, LD, CSSD, CPT, a sports dietitian and fitness coach based in Oklahoma City, Okla. Noelle McKenzie, CPT, correctional exercise specialist and co-founder of Leading Edge Personal Trainers in New York, Tim Strunk, CPT, former head trainer at Eighty Twenty Club in Lapeer, Mich. Jason Wrosch, CPT, head trainer at Eighty Twenty Club in Lapeer, Mich. Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
USA Gymnastics President Li Li Leung To Step Down After Guiding Post-Nassar Reform
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 30: President and CEO of USA Gymnastics Li Li Leung (C-R) poses with ... More (L-R) Hezly Rivera, Joscelyn Roberson, Suni Lee, Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles and Leanne Wong after they were selected for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team on Day Four of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials at Target Center on June 30, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by) USA Gymnastics announced Thursday that President and CEO Li Li Leung will step down at the end of the year. This will mark the end of her nearly six-year tenure at the helm, during which Leung guided the organization after the Larry Nassar scandal. Hired in March 2019, the organization credits Leung's leadership for catalyzing a 'historic turnaround" and 'cultural transformation' within the sport. Leung helped the organization rebound from the blows dealt by the Nassar sexual abuse scandal, helping place athlete wellbeing and safety at the forefront. In December 2020, USA Gymnastics established its Athlete Bill of Rights, considered one of the 'first of its kind in sport,' demonstrating a commitment to 'a culture of athlete support and safety driving organizational decision-making." Leung's organization also introduced mental health visits to the National Team program Under the addition, USA Gymnastics now covers costs for regular visits to mental health providers for National Team athletes and coaches. Leung issued the following statement: 'The opportunity to lead USA Gymnastics has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. Thanks to the dedication of the entire gymnastics community, we are now in an incredible position as we turn our attention to the L.A. Olympic Games. The last several months have been a time of great reflection, and I know that now is the right time to pass the torch to the next leader, with the sport and organization thriving. I wanted to ensure the board has the opportunity to conduct a thorough search and also give my successor a long runway into the 2028 Olympic Games. I'm going to take some time to reset before determining what is next, and I look forward to USA Gymnastics accomplishing great things in 2025 and beyond.' During her tenure, USA Gymnastics surged to success on the medal podium, most notably with 11 medals at the 2024 Olympic Games. In addition to her role with USA Gymnastics, Leung was the recipient of multiple honors in sport. In 2020, Leung was voted vice chair of the NGB Council of the U.S. Olympic sport governing bodies, and was elected to the Executive Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in 2021. Leung was named a Sports Business Journal 'Power Player' in 2020 and an SBJ Gamechanger in 2024. In 2023, she was recognized on the 2023 A100 list as one of the country's most impactful Asian Americans. She would later be named a 2025 WISE Woman of the Year. Chair of the USAG board of directors, Kathryn Carson, attested to the impact of Leung's leadership. 'Li Li was the right leader at the right time for USA Gymnastics and accomplished in six years what many thought was not possible," Carson said. 'Her deep passion for gymnastics and extraordinary dedication to leading transformation has positioned USA Gymnastics to move boldly toward LA28. With this strong foundation, we are confident we will identify a leader to build on Li Li's legacy.' With a home Olympic Games on the horizon in 2028, USA Gymnastics now commits to securing a replacement in the organization's pivotal quadrennium. The organization 'has engaged CAA Executive Search to lead the search for Leung's successor,' and intends to identify a new president and CEO prior to Leung's departure at 2025's close.
CNN
4 hours ago
- CNN
Chinese researchers charged with smuggling
Chinese researchers charged with smuggling Two Chinese researchers have been charged with smuggling a "potential agroterrorism weapon" into the US in a wad of tissues, according to an FBI affidavit. CNN's Max Foster explains how laboratory testing discovered a sample containing a DNA sequence with the potential to cause a fungal disease that could decimate crops, and impact human health. 01:10 - Source: CNN Record rain floods Mexico City, traps people Mexico City was hit with record rainfall that didn't relent for more than five hours Monday night, marking the heaviest rain since 2017, according to water management officials. CNN's Valeria León walks a flooded avenue of the nation's capital after emergency crews worked through the night to rescue several trapped drivers. 00:43 - Source: CNN Gaza aid distribution turns deadly for third consecutive day For a third consecutive day, Palestinians came under fire while trying to receive aid from a distribution site in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and Nasser hospital, at least 27 people were killed and dozens injured on June 3. 00:56 - Source: CNN Analysis: Why Ukraine's drone attack on Russia just changed the world CNN's Jim Sciutto explains why Ukraine's large-scale drone attack on Russian air bases thousands of miles behind the front lines struck fear into the heart of every global superpower 01:05 - Source: CNN Tomatoes fly at Colombia's largest food fight Around 20,000 revellers gathered in Sutamarchán, Colombia, to throw over 45 tonnes of tomatoes at each other. The Gran Tomatina festival, now in its 15th year, is hosted to celebrate the economy of Sutamarchán, which is centred around tomato production. Mayor Miguel Andrés Rodríguez said "between 70 and 80 percent of families [in Sutamarchán] live off tomatoes. This is a tribute to them." The festival uses tomatoes which are overripe, or otherwise not suitable for consumption. 00:30 - Source: CNN Palestinians shot dead near Gaza aid hub The Palestinian health ministry, hospital officials and multiple eyewitnesses say deadly gunfire killed dozens of Palestinians near an aid distribution site in Gaza on Sunday, with Israel's military denying that its troops fired 'within or near' the aid site. CNN Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond brings you up to speed on what we know about the weekend chaos. 02:31 - Source: CNN Palestinians describe deadly shooting near aid center in Gaza CNN spoke to multiple witnesses who recounted the deadly chaos that unfolded near a US-backed aid center in southern Gaza after more than 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Sunday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The health ministry blamed the Israeli military for the deaths while other witnesses claimed that local security personnel had also opened fire. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which runs the aid center, said there had been no gunfire at the site and Israel Defense Forces denied firing on civilians at or close to the site, calling such accusations 'false reports.' 00:55 - Source: CNN Palestinian UN envoy breaks down talking about Gaza's children The Palestinian ambassador to the UN made an emotional address, saying more than 1,300 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel ended the ceasefire in March. 01:19 - Source: CNN Political candidate wears body armor daily CNN's David Culver met César Gutiérrez Priego as he was readying to campaign for office in Mexico City. Gutiérrez Priego, who is running for a seat on the Supreme Court in Mexico, shows Culver the safety precautions he takes with political violence in Mexico at an all-time high. See Culver's full reporting on CNN. 00:53 - Source: CNN Harvard students and faculty speak out against Trump Harvard students and faculty spoke to CNN ahead of commencement as Donald Trump said the university should cap foreign enrollment. The Trump administration has recently sought to cancel $100 million in contracts with the school. 02:03 - Source: CNN Palestinians desperate for food rush US-backed aid site Scores of people rushed over fencing and through barricades in southern Gaza on the first day a US-Israeli-backed aid site was opened. CNN's Jeremy Diamond explains the desperate humanitarian situation that remains in the region. 01:22 - Source: CNN Journalists spit on at Jerusalem Day flag march Ultra-nationalist Israeli Jews chanted anti-Arab slogans as they marched through Jerusalem's Old City to mark Jerusalem Day. CNN's Oren Liebermann describes heavy police presence on the ground. Members of the crowd were seen spitting on journalists, including a CNN producer. 01:50 - Source: CNN Finland's president responds to Russian military activity along border CNN's Erin Burnett speaks with Finland's President Alexander Stubb about his country ramping up its military to deter potential Russian aggression. 02:16 - Source: CNN King Charles stresses Canada's 'self determination' amid pressure from US King Charles III delivered the ceremonial Speech from the Throne in the Canadian Senate. The address marks only the second time in Canadian history that the reigning sovereign has opened parliament, and the third time that the British monarch has delivered the address. 00:42 - Source: CNN Huge ship refloated after nearly crashing into house A larger container ship has been refloated after nearly crashing into a house in Norway. According to local police, the navigator had fallen asleep at the helm. 00:42 - Source: CNN Vehicle plows into crowd in Liverpool Police in the United Kingdom say a man has been arrested after a car plowed into Liverpool fans celebrating during the soccer club's Premier League trophy parade. 01:14 - Source: CNN Iran's Foreign Ministry on progress of Iran-US talks Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei gave an exclusive interview to CNN's Fred Pleitgen on the progress of continuing nuclear talks with the US. Baqaei told CNN that any attempt by the Trump administration to 'deprive' Iranians of their right to nuclear energy would be 'very problematic'. But he also said that there were many ways to come to a compromise. Iran and the United States concluded a fifth round of talks in Rome on Friday. 01:16 - Source: CNN Video of President Macron's wife 'pushing' him goes viral A video of French President Macron's wife pushing him as they disembarked a flight has caught the attention of Russian trolls after going viral. While Macron himself tried to downplay the video saying it merely showed a couple 'bickering,' it's not the first time Russian troll accounts and state media outlets have tried to use videos of the French president to spread disinformation. CNN's Saskya Vandoorne has more. 01:35 - Source: CNN
