The best newsletters of the last year 🙌

There is so much noise in the fitness industry.

So many “Don’t do that” or “You’re doing it wrong if…” So much scaremongering and blame. And honestly, it frustrates me deeply.

It’s overrated, exaggerated and not particularly helpful. Especially for those of us who just want strength, energy and health to flow into everything else we do.

One year ago today I took over writing this newsletter from Steve with one goal: I bring you practical, real-world lessons from my 15+ years of coaching experience that you can actually use.

I wanted to show you how fitness can be a part of your life without taking over your life. AND that we can also have fun with it. 😊

I am so grateful for the answer. For every note and reply telling me about your goals, your struggles, and what resonated the most.

To celebrate this anniversary, here is a list of my best newsletters. These are worth a refresher or a second look if you missed them the first time.

💙 Those who hit the mark

Turns out I needed my own advice last week (twice!) Sometimes we need to hear the same advice we give to others. As I often say: “Trainers need trainers too!” If you’ve held yourself to an impossible standard, start here.

“Thank you for helping to subtly get me going. I won’t pressure myself, but rather allow myself to take each day as it is and do my best. And thank you for being vulnerable. I’m learning that such vulnerability is a beautiful thing. It’s more powerful than any advice because it’s real and raw.” -W

NAWs: The art of getting back on the right path If you’re in the middle of a disruption right now – illness, travel, life – this is for you.

“This email came at the perfect time! I had a complete fitness structure planned for March and couldn’t stick to it for medical reasons… For the last week I’ve been trying to show up anyway. No PRs, no new exercises. The only gain was showing up and trusting the process. Ending the evening reading this was such a comfort. Thank you!” -L

Are you feeling drained? Try it. In case your tank is empty and the answer is not “press harder”. Sometimes the most important training decision you make is the one that protects your energy.

“It was really helpful, a pick-me-up in a difficult time.” -J

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. The post that got more “I felt like you were talking directly about me” responses than anything else I’ve written. Thanks again to Charlie for sitting down to record this live coaching session with me.

“Matt, you spoke to my heart with this email today! This is exactly what I need to hear to remind myself that I am not alone, I have not completely failed and there is still hope! Thank you!” -S

🔧 The practical playbook

Here’s how to become stronger when you feel stuck In another live session with a reader, Rosanne and I explained exactly what to do when progress stalls. If you’ve hit a plateau, this is for you.

“I’m seeing a LOT more progress. I actually think I’m going to have to buy some heavier weights to have at home soon as I’m maxing out what I have on a few moves, which is a big problem!” -R

What does “sufficient” fitness look like?(plus the 5 minute mobility routine) Answering one of the most common questions I get: “How do I know I’m doing enough?” This pair of posts will give you a real answer and a concrete example that you can do today.

Dumbbell training for beginners The most clicked workout of the year – and a great partner to our beginner bodyweight workout.

🏆 Most read book of the year

3 Lessons From Coaching Thousands of Nerds The basic framework that I keep coming back to. It’s worth reading again and again if you feel like you’re not on the right track, just to double check: Am I doing these three things?

What if I fail again? One of the biggest mental hurdles I see people face. If you’ve previously struggled with maintaining your fitness habits, it can be almost impossible to believe you’ll succeed The Time. You are not alone in this. This post is the first step through which I accompany people to break this vicious circle.

Phew, we accomplished a lot last year!

I would like to say thank you again.

Thank you for the questions. The kind words. Who replies “Hey Matt, this one hit differently.” If you’ve ever written back, you know I’ve read every single one. I really enjoy hearing from you, solving problems together, and cheering you on from afar.

That’s what this whole thing is about.

Here’s to another year of cutting through the noise together. 🥂

– Matt