18/08/2026
Why is it good to be strong?
I have this conversation with many clients - runners, cyclists, rugby players, cleaners and builders.
They love what they do. So when I say we need to add some strength training, they quite reasonably ask:
“Why? I love what I do. If I wanted to go to the gym, I’d do that!”
The answer is capacity.
Every time we use our body, we place demands on it. The greater our capacity, the more demand we can tolerate before we become overwhelmed.
Think of strength like the size of a car engine.
A 1 litre car travelling at 70mph may be working pretty hard. If it then has to climb a steep hill or overtake, it may struggle to find that extra capacity.
A 3 litre engine travelling at the same 70mph is using a much smaller percentage of its available power. It has more reserve when the demands increase.
The same applies to us.
If our everyday activities, work or sport regularly push us close to our physical capacity, everything becomes more demanding. We may experience more aches, minor strains and fatigue, and our ability to perform can suffer.
Strength training helps build that “reserve”.
For athletes, that can mean usual efforts and intensities feel more achievable and sustainable, with more “gears” available when they’re needed.
For people at work, it can mean everyday tasks place less strain on the body.
The goal isn’t to become a powerlifter. It’s to build enough capacity that you’re thriving at your activity rather than just surviving it.
And you don’t need huge weights or 5–6 hours in the gym every week.
Start small.
Apply progressive overload.
Give the body a reason to adapt.
Build the engine, and the things you love doing become easier to sustain.
If you need help putting a plan together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
