Go to great strengths to get fit in 2026

Planning key to maximising New Year gym goals

- BY CAMILLA FOSTER

AS WE begin thinking about what 2026 might bring, you may have already been thinking about some fitness goals and health-focused resolutions for the year ahead.

Building strength could be high on your list, but new research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Nuffield Health suggests many people are still unsure how to get started.

The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that although 28% of respondents said strength training was their favourite type of workout, 26% said they don't feel/wouldn't feel confident using gym equipment, while 34% admitted they feel embarrassed when using it.

If you're eager to experience the benefits of strength training this year but aren't sure where to begin, Sam Quinn, personal training lead at Nuffield Health, is here to help.

Here are his top tips to help make 2026 the year you start strength training and maintain consistency and progress along the way.

Start with bodyweight exercises

“If you are starting out as a complete novice, you don't even necessarily need a gym membership,” says Quinn.

“Firstly try some bodyweight exercises such as squats, core exercises, single leg exercises like lunges or lateral lunges or press-ups - as these are all going to help begin to build fundamental physical strength.”

Set short, medium and long-term goals

“Having short, medium and long-term goals will help you stay consistent throughout the whole year,” says Quinn.