Strava, one of CNET’s top workout apps, announced on Thursday that members will be able to sync 14 new fitness partner integrations and receive strength training upgrades, including a workout log, auto-populated muscle maps and the ability to track, log and share their lifts alongside other activities they already record on Strava. The rollout will take place over the coming weeks.
“This overhaul brings the same depth, motivation and shareability that Strava is known for to a myriad of strength activities,” Strava Chief Product Officer Matt Salazar said in a statement.
This addition is meant to support members who are training for a race, as well as those who enjoy lifting for fitness or strength. “They now have tools that meet them where they actually are, and this is only the beginning,” Salazar adds.
The partner integrations make this transition easier because athletes can connect popular fitness apps and devices they already use directly to Strava. The new partners include Garmin, Amazfit, Runna, Whoop, 24 Hour Fitness (coming this summer) and more.
Strava acknowledges that strength training is becoming an integral part of most people’s workout regimen. “Strength has been one of the fastest-growing sport types on Strava for some time, with over 500 million uploads in 2025 alone, and our community has been clear about what they need from us,” Salazar said.
New updates members can expect include:
Auto-populated muscle maps: The strength-training workouts they log will show a visual muscle map of the muscle groups trained based on the data they share.
Workout log: Members can record their sets, reps and weight in a log designed for strength training. The log is meant to help track strength exercises over time, so it’s easier to review and repeat workouts.
Five new shareables: Similar to the recognition other activities receive in Strava, there will be five new strength-specific shareables that celebrate members’ lifts and progress with friends, clubs and the Strava community.
Strava is my go-to app for tracking my runs, and as a fitness expert, I find it helpful to have a space where I can include strength training workouts as well. Strava is recognizing that strength training has become more popular, and it will be interesting to see how other athletes respond to the updated feature.
Digital marketing changes fast. One minute a platform is hot, the next it’s outdated. Consumer habits shift quickly, and the strategies that worked last year might not work today. If you’re trying to stay relevant in this ever-evolving field, the big question is: how can you level up your skills without going back to school?
Whether you’re brand-new to marketing or a traditional marketer moving into digital, here are seven practical (and proven) ways to sharpen your skills, no formal degree required.
1. Take Online Courses That Actually Teach You Something
Not all online courses are equal. The best ones are built by marketers who actually do this stuff every day not just teach theory. These courses blend hands-on learning with real-world projects that help you build skills employers care about.
What to look for:
Instructors with real industry experience
Projects based on actual campaigns
Updated content that reflects current tools and platforms
Want to know what’s working in digital marketing right now? Follow the experts who are already doing it. They share not just tactics but also insights into the strategy behind successful campaigns. If your goal is to become an SEO expert in Nepal, seek out local professionals who are ranking well or leading agencies you’ll gain insights that are specific to your market.
How to get the most from them:
Follow a mix of global and local thought leaders
Subscribe to their newsletters and podcasts
Ask questions and engage with their content
Join their webinars or virtual events
Tip: Pick experts in areas you want to master—SEO, social media, email marketing, or AI tools.
3. Use Free Resources to Explore and Learn
You don’t always have to pay to learn. There’s a ton of free, high-quality content online that covers everything from the basics to advanced strategies.
Top free resources to check out:
Coursera & edX: Free courses from top universities
Google Digital Garage: Solid fundamentals in digital marketing
YouTube: Tutorials, breakdowns, and real case studies
Blogs: Keep up with Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Content Marketing Institute
4. Get Hands-On with Personal Projects
Reading is helpful, but doing is where the real learning happens. Try testing strategies on a personal blog, passion project, or fictional brand.
Simple project ideas:
Start a blog and learn SEO by optimizing your posts
Run a small Instagram or Facebook campaign
Build an email list for a hobby or passion project
Try a basic Google Ads campaign with a tiny budget
5. Join Online Communities and Connect with Others
One of the best parts of digital marketing is the community. There are countless online (and offline) spaces where marketers help each other grow.
Where to find them:
LinkedIn groups: Look for niche-focused communities
Slack groups: Many cities and marketing niches have active ones
Local events: Don’t underestimate the power of in-person networking
6. Get Certified (It’s Worth It)
Certifications show that you’ve taken the time to learn and understand the tools. They’re especially helpful if you’re transitioning from another field or just getting started.
Top certifications to consider:
Google Ads & Google Analytics
HubSpot Inbound Marketing
Meta (Facebook) Social Media Marketing
Salesforce Marketing Cloud (for advanced roles)
7. Analyze Real Marketing Data
Looking at real-world data helps you understand what works—and what doesn’t. Try working with small businesses or nonprofits to get your hands on real campaign results.
Where to find real data opportunities:
Help a local business improve their online presence
Volunteer for a nonprofit’s marketing team
Freelance on small gigs to build a portfolio
Ask your employer to let you assist on a digital campaign
The Skills That Will Make You Stand Out
To be great at digital marketing, you need a mix of creative and analytical abilities. The top marketers are flexible, data-savvy, and constantly learning.
Here’s what to focus on:
Analytics: Know how to read and act on data
Writing and content: Craft messages that get attention and convert
Tech skills: A basic understanding of HTML, email tools, and CRMs
Strategy: Know how to align marketing goals with business objectives
Adaptability: Be ready to pivot with new trends and tools
Start Small, Learn Fast
You don’t need a fancy degree to break into or level up in digital marketing. What you need is consistency, curiosity, and a bit of creativity. Pick one or two of the strategies above that fit your style, and commit to them for the next month.
Most importantly, don’t just learn—apply. Watch a course, then launch a mini-campaign. Read a blog, then try out the strategy on your own site. Digital marketing rewards action, not just knowledge.
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