January. But Better.

January isn’t a reset. It’s more of a check-in.People come back in different ways. Some push on. Some rebuild. Some are just finding their rhythm again. That’s normal. That’s training.We asked our good pal Louis, WIT Ambassador and Community Manager at JST, to share his January training essentials.

Here’s what he has to say about continuing the evolution into 2026.

“What does training in January look like for you?”

For me, January is about getting back into solid habits and re-establishing a routine after the festive period. It’s a time to set clear goals for the year ahead and map out how I’m going to achieve them. Training is something I genuinely love and has always been a huge part of my life. Right now, I’m jumping into classes more often to fit around my work schedule, but the drive and passion are exactly the same.

“Do you have any advice for someone struggling with training in January?”

Say your goals out loud. Tell the people closest to you what you want to achieve, and hold yourself accountable for putting in the work. Then make a clear plan for how you’re going to get there. Training is about stacking one good session at a time. Those days add up, and that’s where real progress comes from. Don’t get caught up in what anyone else is doing. Focus on yourself, stay consistent, and trust that the results will follow.

“What are three non-negotiables in your training bag right now?” 

Knee sleeves, electrolytes and lifting straps. But I don’t go anywhere without an Axon™ Long Sleeve to warm up in - CrossFit gyms in January are no joke. IYKYK. 

“What goals are you bringing into 2026? And how does your kit support that?” 

This year, I want to compete again. I took an unplanned step back last year and only did a few smaller competitions, so I’m excited to get back on the comp floor more consistently. The Axon™ Long Sleeve Tee has been a game-changer for my lifting and strength sessions. It’s cold at the moment, but I hate training in a jumper because I feel restricted and uncomfortable. The Axon™ tee is super soft, stretchy, and fitted in all the right places, so it stays out of the way while training and gives just enough extra warmth without compromising movement.

“One quote or tip to help people beat the January blues?” 

“If it were easy, everyone would do it. It’s going to be tough, but that’s what makes it worth it.”

“Do you have any tips for people that might be experiencing gym anxiety?”

You’re not alone. No matter what level you’re at, there are always others feeling the same way. The best thing you can do is find a community of like-minded people who make you feel comfortable, supported, and accountable. I’d always recommend jumping into a class, whether that’s CrossFit, HYROX, functional fitness, callisthenics, or a HIIT class. When you find your people, you’ll know.

“WIT’s belief is that Training Changes Lives. How has training changed yours - physically, mentally, or even outside the gym?”

I’ve been involved in sport and fitness my whole life. Growing up with my twin brother meant competition was always part of who I am. Rugby was my first sport and I still love it, but CrossFit truly changed my life. There’s something both peaceful and addictive about pushing your physical and mental limits while constantly learning new skills like handstand walks and Olympic Lifting. I loved seeing my physique change, but CrossFit is about performance, that was just a byproduct of the work I put in. Before long, training became more than a hobby. I became a CrossFit coach, moved to London after university, and turned it into a full-time career. Now, after moving out of London, I work with JST Compete. We have a WIT x JST event coming up really soon! Training didn’t just change my life, it shaped it. It gave me my career, my passion, some of my closest friendships, and experiences I’ll always be grateful for.

“One final piece of advice for those looking to level up in 2026?” 

Progress isn’t linear. Set a goal, but understand that sometimes you’ll take two steps forward and one step back, and that’s part of the process. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, trust the work you’re doing, and stay patient. If you really want it, you’ll make it happen.