Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics.This week’s Tuesday Topic: What’s the best fitness advice you’ve received? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
Don’t forget strength training
I’ll admit that I was a ‘cardio bunny’ at one point in my life. I thought that doing more cardio would automatically result in weight loss and more endurance. A few years ago, probably over 6 years ago years ago, I incorporated strength training (via bootcamp) and I was automatically hooked. Now I do strength training at home and go to Orangetheory Fitness classes. I will always keep strength training in my routine because it not only makes me feel stronger, but I think it has helped me stay relatively injury free.
Don’t Overtrain
When I first started training for long distance races (half marathons and marathons) I was SO strict about following my training plan. I thought that if I missed a scheduled workout that my training would suffer a lot. At the time I didn’t know it but I was more than likely overtraining, which can definitely lead to injuries. Now when I train I really spend time listening to my body to make sure that I’m not overdoing it.
Don’t forget to have fun
This is probably the most important piece of advice that I’ve been told over the years. Once fitness stops being fun, it’s not worth doing. I want to continue to stay active for many years to come so I have to enjoy it. If working out becomes a chore, then I would look for new ways to move my body – biking, swimming, etc.
Tell me: What’s the best fitness advice you’ve ever received?
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Topic for next week – How do you stay motivated to run? Feel free to write about any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Catrina says
I agree! Strength training is so important. It took me a few years to realize this.
Oh, and overtraining! I think this is the most important advice I have ever received, too. I am not very good at listening to my body. I have to keep on reminding myself that rest days are ok.
Excellent advice, Kim!
kookyrunner says
Yup, I agree – over training was the biggest lesson I’ve had to learn in my fitness journey!
Kimberly Hatting says
I think you highlighted the top three 😉 Running cannot survive just on running alone…strength training is vital to keeping all “the parts” functioning well. Over-training is a big no-no, and it’s such an individual level for everyone. I try to listen to my body as well, and if my gut tells me I’m doing too much, I scale back. And, if it ain’t fun, why do it? 😉
kookyrunner says
Thanks Kim! And you know I totally agree with “if it’s not fun, why do it”!
Coco says
Great advice! I was a reluctant convert to strength training. I think it took a few injuries to make me see that just running wasn’t going to work. Fun is always a good idea. Like Jess Sims says, you have to fall in love with the process. I feel like that’s all the fun I’ve got these days.
kookyrunner says
That’s one of my favorite Jess Sims quotes!
Darlene says
I think you’ve nailed it.
If only I could get started with ST.
kookyrunner says
You’ll get there! It takes some time to find the right strength training program that will work for you.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I think listening to your body is really key. No matter what type of fitness is your jam!
kookyrunner says
I couldn’t agree more!
San says
Strength training is so, so important… but all three things are great pieces of advice. Never forget to have fun when you’re out there 🙂
kookyrunner says
Exactly! We have to have fun in order to want to keep doing it, lol.
Deborah Brooks says
Adding strength training to my life was a total game changer for me. That and finding my tribe have been life changing. Yes always have fun and love what you do. Exercise is not a punishment.
kookyrunner says
Totally agree with finding your tribe too. Those are the people that motivate you to get out and workout even when you don’t want to!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
All good advice! I think a lot of runners are reluctant to strength train but it is so important! I also think it is really important to listen to your body – gotta know when to push and when to take a rest day!
kookyrunner says
Exactly! I’ve gotten a lot better at listening to my body and not pushing through discomfort.
Zenaida Arroyo says
Great tips here too but and not because I have similar ones but because they’re true. 🙂
kookyrunner says
Exactly!!