Why Building Muscle Should Be Your New Year Priority

Prepare to get bigger & stronger for 2026

Personal Trainer Julien Bertherat

Every January brings the same predictable wave: detoxes, extreme diets, endless cardio challenges and promises to burn away the Christmas calories.

But if you really want to transform your fitness this year, your energy, your metabolism, your confidence and your long-term health, there’s one goal that stands above all the rest: Build strength.

Here’s why.

Muscle Supports Everything You Do

Strength training improves your posture, mobility, stability and balance. Whether you’re lifting weights, carrying shopping, playing sports, or simply moving more comfortably day to day, muscle makes life easier.

For clients in their 40s, 50s and beyond, this becomes even more important.

Strength is the foundation of healthy, independent, pain-free ageing.

Strength Training Boosts Metabolism More Effectively Than Cardio Alone

Cardio is important, but muscle is what drives your resting metabolism.

More lean tissue = more energy burned, even when resting.

In January, when many people focus solely on calorie burning, they often overlook the most powerful long-term tool for body composition: building and maintaining muscle mass.

It Helps Prevent Injury, Not Cause It

Many people think lifting weights is risky. In reality, when coached correctly, strength training is one of the best ways to protect your joints, your back and your long-term movement.

It strengthens connective tissue, improves joint stability and reduces the risk of all kinds of common injuries.

It Builds Confidence and Motivation Quickly

Strength training delivers measurable progress:

• Heavier lifts

• More reps

• Better movement quality

• Greater control

• Improved posture

Seeing progress (even little progress!) is motivating.

This builds momentum, especially crucial during the early months of the year.

Strength Supports Every Other Goal

Looking to lose fat? Build strength.

Want better fitness? Build strength.

Improve energy levels? Strength.

Age well? Strength again.

A strong body performs better in everything else.

Where to Begin

A simple strength-based routine built around compound lifts: squats, deadlifts, rows, presses and carries, will serve you well all year.

You don’t need extreme weights. You need consistency, progressive overload and good technique.

If you’re ready to build a strong, capable, resilient body this year, I’d be happy to help you get started.

Strength first. Everything else follows.

Contact me to find out more.

Julien

Julien Bertherat is a London-based personal trainer working with private clients of all ages and fitness levels.