FAV WAY TO WORKOUT: 

I love a 5 a.m. run through midtown before work — bonus if I catch the sunrise. 

BIGGEST FITNESS MYTH:

That exercise should always be intense, and you should be exhausted after a workout. Focus on quality movements and consistency, and play the long game so you’ll be less likely to burn out and hopefully avoid injuries. 

BIGGEST NUTRITION MYTH:

The myth that extreme diets are the only way to lose weight. No one should remove whole food groups; it’s not sustainable, and carbs and fats are delicious. 

MY TYPICAL WORKOUT DAY:

I run 8-10 miles in the morning, do resistance training at lunch, and walk my two corgis with my wife when I get home. 

MY ADVICE:

Keep showing up and stacking workouts, and then one day, you’ll realize you’re pretty fit and your quality of life has improved. 

MY FITNESS TIP:

Choose a mode of exercise you enjoy, and that fits into your lifestyle. We have more options than ever, so don’t feel like you have to join a gym or run to get in shape. Virtual platforms are great options for busy people to get a great workout with minimal equipment. 

IF I COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT:

Running shoes. I have way too many! 

ALWAYS IN MY GYM BAG:

Snacks, headphones that are never charged, several pairs of shorts and shirts, headlamps that are charged, multiple pairs of running shoes, and body glide. 

MY FITNESS IDOL:

Tommy Rivers Puzey is someone I can always draw inspiration from. He was one of America’s top marathon runners before contracting a rare form of cancer that put him in a medically induced coma for three months. He survived and has completed several marathons since. He’s a brilliant writer and chronicles his journey on his Instagram page. 

MY DIET:

I follow a balanced diet but will indulge in a burger or pizza. I have a massive sweet tooth that usually requires a cookie most days. If the training volume is heavy, my diet is heavier on the carbs and more protein-heavy if the training volume is low. 

SETBACKS:

Everyone who exercises or trains for a race will experience an injury. I give myself a day to be upset, and then I look at what went wrong and how to avoid it next time. Injuries and setbacks are learning opportunities and make you appreciate the good workouts and races. 

GOALS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD:

Having a race or competition to focus on helps me stay accountable and keeps me excited to train. A big goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon in the next couple of years. At 44, maintaining my strength and mobility is also very important to me. 

Are you a fitness trainer, workout instructor, or influencer in the industry and would love to share your knowledge with our readers? Send a brief bio and picture to: Amy@memphishealthandfitness.com. 

Photo by Tindall Stephens