Holly Brooks, a runner and founder of Strong Girl Society, has transformed her fitness philosophy from chasing performance at all costs to prioritizing a balanced, sustainable routine. This approach isn’t about restricting yourself to one discipline; it’s about layering activities to build resilience, prevent burnout, and enjoy the process.
The Problem With All-Or-Nothing Fitness
Many fitness trends, particularly on social media, promote unrealistic ideals and unsustainable practices. Restrictive diets and excessive training volumes are often presented as empowerment, but they can lead to injury, exhaustion, and disordered eating. Brooks herself experienced this firsthand, dropping out of the Chicago Marathon with a stress fracture after years of overtraining.
This is a critical issue because fitness culture often equates intensity with progress, ignoring the body’s need for recovery. Ignoring these signals can lead to chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and a disconnect from your own physical limits.
The Layered Approach: Strength, Endurance, and Recovery
Brooks’ current routine integrates three key elements:
- High-Intensity Competition (HYROX): Provides a mental and physical challenge, pushing her to peak performance.
- Strength Training: Acts as an “insurance policy,” reinforcing muscles and connective tissues against the demands of running and competition.
- Pilates: Offers a restorative, controlled movement practice, reconnecting her with her body and promoting mental clarity.
This layering is crucial because it prevents over-specialization. Focusing solely on one discipline increases the risk of overuse injuries and burnout. By diversifying, Brooks mitigates these risks while maximizing her overall fitness.
Listening to Your Body, Not Just Pushing Through It
Brooks’ mindset shift—prioritizing rest and recovery—was a game-changer. She realized that taking extra rest days doesn’t equate to weakness but rather enhances productivity.
“I used to think I was letting myself down if I took extra rest days… Now taking that extra rest day when needed makes me feel more productive. Rest is productive!”
This is a counterintuitive but vital lesson. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor; it’s a sign of imbalance. Prioritizing recovery allows the body to adapt, rebuild, and perform better in the long run.
Beyond Performance: Redefining Strength
Brooks now defines strength not by physical metrics but by consistency, self-belief, and pushing beyond comfort zones. This broader perspective is at the heart of Strong Girl Society.
The key takeaway is that sustainability hinges on enjoyment. If you don’t enjoy your training, it won’t last. Find movements that fit your lifestyle, fuel your body properly, and nurture your social well-being.
Brooks’ approach emphasizes that fitness isn’t about perfection or rigid discipline; it’s about working on yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually to become the best version of yourself. By embracing this holistic mindset, you can build a routine that supports your life, not consumes it.
