The Best Fitness Advice I’ve Ever Received…And Whether I Listened or Not
Photographer: Brittany Black
The Best Fitness Advice?
Let’s be real: everyone has their two cents on fitness, but every once in a while, you stumble upon advice that can change your fitness game. Today, I’m sharing the three best pieces of fitness advice I’ve ever received, how they reshaped my running journey, and—most importantly—whether I listened.
1. “You Don’t Have to Run Every Single Day”
When I transitioned from track to road running, I thought daily miles were non-negotiable. That mindset earned me a painful case of shin splints. After confiding in a fitness trainer, she introduced me to the idea of running every other day. She also crafted a workout routine with preventive exercises and gym workouts that helped me recover and stay injury-free.
Lesson learned: Rest days are training days, too.
2. “Add Strength Training to Your Routine”
Initially, strength training felt like an unnecessary addition to my schedule. But once I fully embraced it—moving beyond injury prevention to genuine strength building—I noticed transformative results. In my mid-to-late 30s, I hit personal bests in road running, feeling stronger and more capable than ever before.
Lesson learned: A strong runner isn’t just about legs; it’s a full-body effort.
3. “Your Diet Is Missing Something”
Even with a clean diet and plenty of hydration, I was experiencing minor joint pain and stiffness. A friend recommended glucosamine, which led me to consult my doctor. They prescribed turmeric and fish oil supplements, which worked wonders for my joints and mobility.
Lesson learned: Nutrition isn’t just about food—sometimes, supplements fill the gaps.
Next Up: The Worst Advice I’ve Ever Received—And Whether I Listened
Not all advice is created equal. Join me next week as I share the absolute worst fitness tips I’ve ever been given. Did I follow them, and if so, what lessons did I learn the hard way? Spoiler: It’s going to be a rollercoaster.
What’s the best or worst fitness advice you’ve ever received? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
