Beth Skwarecki Beth Skwarecki Senior Health Editor Experience Beth Skwarecki is Lifehacker’s Senior Health Editor, and holds certifications as a personal trainer and weightlifting coach. She has been writing about health for over 10 years. Read Full Bio April 13, 2026 Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google Credit: Rocksweeper - Shutterstock Table of Contents Not everybody has the same reaction to noticing a new muscle pop up on their body. Some love it: “Great, I’m getting jacked!” Some are discouraged: “Oh no, I’m getting bulky.” But everyone should know that building muscle has its benefits, both beyond looks and in spite of looks. Here are seven ways your newfound muscle is a big plus, both for your health and your fitness goals. Strength and muscle size go together Being strong makes us more athletic, more functional in everyday life, and may help to prevent injury, as I'll talk about shortly.…