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I used to be a personal trainer, and I’ve been a fitness enthusiast for around 10 years.

I’ve learned that most people’s version of “Fit” is not fit at all.

For example, if you’ve ever been to a commercial gym, you’d have seen the meat heads clearly on a boatload of steroids.

The common misperception is that having more muscle means being healthier.

It doesn’t. And trying to gain muscle to no end resulted in me having to undergo 2 wrist surgeries in a year.

From experience, to stay fit, you must do the following:

Lift weights but stay injury-free

When you’re injured, life isn’t fun. Chronic pain is debilitating; I know I’ve been there.

Stay fit by working out 2 or 3 times per week with weights, but make sure your form is perfect and don’t lift too heavy.

I would hate for you to get injured.

To avoid injury, always make sure you can control the weights you lift.

I tore my wrist ligament from descending too fast while doing weighted pull-ups.

I’ve been in pain for 2 years, but I’m recovering from my second surgery now.

Don’t neglect cardio

Lifting weights is essential for maintaining strength and reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life.

But it’s also just as essential to maintain good cardiovascular health.

On the days I don’t lift, I go for a 30- to 45-minute brisk walk.

Maintain a healthy body weight

Don’t be overweight or underweight; both are bad for your health.

To understand what a healthy body weight is for you, search “Body mass index calculator ” on Google, and you’ll be able to determine if you’re over or underweight.

Sleep well

Get at least 7 hours of high-quality sleep each night. This is the bare minimum, but 8 hours of sleep per night is optimal.

Stay hydrated

I drink around 3 litres of water per day.

Your body is mostly water.

And every physiological process in your body works better when you’re hydrated.

Eat a healthy diet

Eat the majority of your diet through whole foods. Limit fast food and junk food to no more than 10-20% of your diet.

Your body will thank you.

Limit alcohol consumption

The odd glass or two of wine with your meal is fine.

Binge drinking is not okay and increases the risk of you getting several different cancers.

I’ve done my fair share of binge drinking in my earlier years, but that life is behind me now.