In a world overflowing with information about nutrition and fitness, the ability to think critically has never been more essential. Whether you are navigating diet trends, fitness regimens, or wellness advice, critical thinking empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your personal goals and health needs.
In the summer of 1986 I was preparing to run Cross Country & Track at the University of Minnesota. John my boyfriend at the time, was preparing to play football for Lake Forest College.
We both had workouts from our new college coaches and those workouts had to get done everyday. However, in my case I was not your typical distance runner (I had a gymnasts body and I was 5ft tall.) I had to find every trick I could to keep up with the veterans that were already on the U of M team. I searched for any information I could get my hands on to help my performance. The book Eat to Win by Robert Haas had a drink that was supposed to help you with performance. It was orange juice, salt, and water, it was considered a pre-workout drink. (there was no Gatorade then.) So I started drinking it before practice and after and it helped tremendously.
The high carb-no fat craze was in full swing, and I was a follower of that way of eating, but my running wasn’t getting faster. John, started looking farther into the why. He found eating protein would help my muscles get stronger, and strength training would help me get faster as well.
At that time you had to weigh in everyday and send your weight to the coach. The U of M coach followed the guidelines for weight and according to that I couldn’t weight more than 110lbs. I have more muscle mass then most woman so that weight was very hard to stay at especially strength training. By adding in lean protein I increased my speed and my weight stayed within range.
Critical thinking made a difference. Asking the WHY made a difference.
John also believed in grocery shopping just the outside permitter of the grocery store not the inner isles because all the processed food was in those isles. Which I’ve been doing since that time.
We crossed trained a lot that summer, in order not to get injured and build strength. That was the summer I started teaching aerobics. The entire US was no fat-high carbs at the time but we knew by critical thinking and testing different foods out with our training what worked and what didn’t.
We also had different goals, different sports we were preparing for and adding in more lean protein worked for both of us. On top of all of that we didn’t drink alcohol, we researched that alcohol and its effects took 2 days off your training, so we did not drink.
By fostering a critical mindset, we took control of our heath and training to optimize it, but you can use critical thinking with your training NOW. If a personal trainer or coach is telling you to load up on protein and you aren’t feeling good doing that, question it and find out the WHY and what works for you.
Research and dig for answers.
Today John and I remain friends and we are both very active in the fitness world.
Recently, I asked John how he felt strength training and having an active lifestyle has benefitted him through the years.
“Weight training is something I have always truly enjoyed, but in my 50s it has also become something I believe I must do. In addition to the obvious physical benefits (looking better, being stronger), I find it increases my metabolism, builds confidence, and increases longevity.
Liffting has helped me increase my insulin sensitivity, which maintains healthy blood sugar levels. This helps me maintain my weight without resorting to calorie-cutting or eliminating entire macros from my diet, and most certainly keeps me from the weight-loss drugs that have become so popular.
I also believe more muscle will help me avoid the physical decline that comes with age and will ultimately keep me out of assisted living long-term. Muscle-loss comes with age, but weight-training slows (even stops) the process.
Lastly, my mental health benefits greatly from lifting. Yes, it builds confidence and pride, but there is a chemical component too. Lifting heavy sh*$ releases feel-good hormones.
Although I have been a lifelong weightlifter, I fully believe anyone can benefit from it” -JOHN
I’m 57 years old and I have no plans of slowing down. Critical thinking has made me stop and think, research and figure out what works and what doesn’t. The way I approach fitness now verse when I was 20 verse when I was 40 is totally different.
I truly believe critical thinking has kept me in the game of fitness for longer than 38 years. So I encourage you, the next time you encounter a new diet or workout trend, pause, reflect, and maybe research the WHY before jumping in.
Let’s be the oldest people in the gym, not the youngest people in the nursing home.
