The Best Fitness Advice I’ve Ever Received…And Whether I Listened or Not
Photographer: Brittany Black
The Best Fitness Advice I Ever Received
Everyone has an opinion on fitness, but sometimes, you come across advice that truly changes the game. Here are the top three lessons that reshaped my running journey—plus, whether I actually listened!
1. You Don’t Have to Run Every Day
When I transitioned from track to road running (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth), I thought daily miles were “a must”. That mindset led straight to shin splints, and as I share later, a back injury. A fitness trainer finally set me straight: run every other day. It sounded like common sense but for a running addict? Not so much.
She designed a routine that included recovery workouts and strength training, and guess what? My injuries disappeared. Even when I ran 400 days straight for my Breonna Taylor movement, I made sure those “rest” days were easy jogs to avoid burnout.
Lesson learned: Rest days are training days, too.
2. Strength Training is Non-Negotiable
At first, strength training felt like an unnecessary extra. But once I committed—not just for injury prevention, but to get stronger—everything changed. In my 30s, I hit personal records in road running and felt better than ever. I believed in it so much that I got certified, started teaching, and became a personal trainer!
Lesson learned: A strong runner isn’t just about legs—it’s a full-body effort.
3. Nutrition Over Supplements
Even with a clean diet, I dealt with minor joint pain and stiffness. A friend suggested glucosamine, so I consulted my doctor. Their advice? Supplements should be a last resort. Most aren’t FDA-approved, and we rarely know exactly what we’re putting in our bodies.
Instead, they recommended turmeric, fish oil, and more stretching. It worked wonders for a while, but as I’ve aged, I’ve realized the real key is consistent, nutrient-dense eating. Supplements only fill the gaps—not replace real food.
Lesson learned: Prioritize whole foods, supplement only when necessary, and always consult a professional.
My final thoughts on all of this!
These three pieces of advice didn’t just improve my running—they changed my entire approach to fitness. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, remember: train smart, build strength, fuel wisely.
Now, your turn! What’s the best fitness advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments!
Here are three workouts to get your started and add to your running routine. Easy, simple, and you just needs some small weights to get started!
