In a viral Instagram post titled “3 Things I Would Never Do as an Orthopedic Surgeon”, Dr. Jonathan Glashow, a US-based sports medicine expert, shared crucial injury-prevention advice that applies to athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. His core message? Preventable injuries are more common than you think—and often caused by avoidable mistakes.

Here are the three non-negotiables Dr. Glashow swears by:

1. Never Skip Strength Training
“Strong muscles = protected joints,” said Dr. Glashow. He emphasizes building shoulder stabilizers to avoid shoulder injuries, quad and glute strength to protect knees, and calf strength to reduce the risk of Achilles tendon ruptures. A consistent strength routine lays the foundation for long-term joint health.

2. Never Wear the Wrong Shoes for Your Sport
Dr. Glashow warns that wearing incorrect footwear significantly increases the risk of injury.

“Spiked cleats on artificial turf? That’s asking for an ACL tear—especially in female athletes.”
He stresses the importance of matching your shoes to the sport and surface—running shoes for running, turf shoes for turf, and so on.

3. Never Do the Same Cardio Every Day
Repetitive cardio can lead to overuse injuries like shin splints, nerve compression, and hip problems. His advice?

“Mix all three—treadmill, bike, elliptical. Your body won’t adapt to repetitive stress, and you’ll actually see better results.”

Dr. Glashow’s bottom line:
Strength train regularly, wear the right shoes, and vary your cardio routine to stay injury-free and keep your workouts effective.

In a related interview, Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, senior consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, echoed these sentiments, especially for weekend athletes looking to stay active while protecting their joints.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any health concerns or injuries.