The best newsletters of the past year 🙌

There is so much noise in the fitness industry.

So much “Don’t do that” or “You’re wrong if…” So much fear-mongering and finger-pointing. And honestly, it frustrates the hell out of me.

It’s overhyped, overblown, and not all that useful. Especially for those of us who just want the strength, energy and health to pour in everything we’ve got.

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

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

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

So to celebrate one year, here is a list of my best newsletters. These are the ones worth a refresher or a second look if you missed them the first time.

💙 Those who go home

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

“Thank you for helping me subtly throw myself into gear. I don’t put pressure on myself, I just allow myself to take each day as it is and do the best I can. And thank you for being vulnerable. You learn that vulnerability like this is something beautiful. It has more impact than any advice because it is real and raw.” -W

.NAWs: The Art of Getting Back on Track If you are in the midst of disruption right now – illness, travel, life – this is for you.

“This mail came at the perfect timing! For March, I had a whole fitness structure planned and I could not adhere to it for medical reasons… During the past week, I tried to appear independently. No PR, no new exercises. The only victory was showing up and trusting the process. Ending the night with this reading was so comforting. Thank you!” – L

.Feeling drained? Try this. Because when your tank is empty and the answer is not “push harder”. Sometimes the most important training decision you make is the one that protects your energy.

“This was really helpful, a pick-me-up at a difficult time.” -J

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

“Matt, you speak to my soul with this email today! This is exactly what I need to hear to remind me that I am not alone, I have not completely failed and there is still hope! Thank you!” – St

🔧 The practical Playbook

.How to be stronger if you feel stuck Another live session with a reader, Rosanne and I break down exactly what to do when your progress stalls. If you have plateaued, this is for you.

“I’ve seen a lot more progress. Actually, I think I’ll need to buy some heavier weights soon to have at home, since in a few moves I’ve blown what I have, which is a big problem to have!” – R

.What is “Just” Fitness?(plus the 5 minute mobility routine) Answering one of the most common questions I get: “How do I know I’ve done enough?” This couple of posts gives you a real answer and a concrete example that you can do today.
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.The exercise for beginners with dumbbells The most clicked workout of the year – and a great companion to our Beginner Bodyweight Workout.

🏆 The most read of the year

.3 Lessons from Coaching Thousands of Nerds The foundational frameworks I return to over and over again. It’s worth a re-read whenever you feel off track, just to check: Do I do these 3 things?

.What if I fail again? One of the hardest mental hurdles I see people face. If you’ve struggled to maintain fitness habits before, it can be almost impossible to believe that you’ve succeeded. this time You are not alone in this. This post is the first step I have taken people to break that cycle.

Phew, we covered a lot of ground last year!
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Once again, I want to say thank you.

Thanks for the questions. Kind words. The “hey Matt, that hit different” answer. If you’ve ever written, you know I read them all. It really makes my day to hear from you, solve the problem together, and inspire you from afar.

That’s what this whole thing is.

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

– Matt