I recently asked regular reader, contributor and cricketer Danny Belo what were the top things he has learned about cricket fitness in the last year. Here is what he came up with.

1. Specificity. The main idea here is that you have to train your body as close to game fitness as possible. I.e. Don't go for a marathon run as it's not similar to anything you would do in the game.
2. Progression. If you want to build strength then using light weights and never increasing weight is pointless unless you want to be a marathon man or woman.
3. Off-season and Pre-season fitness is extremely important. I learnt this the hard way. I've had injuries my pre-season training has suffered and consequently my performance. My advice would be to take this seriously.
4. Fitness improvements go hand in hand with good nutrition. Eating the right foods is probably the most important thing you can do to improve fitness.
5. Gradually work your way into things. Whether it's fitness or nutrition I think gradually changing your habits is the best thing to do. I've tried both ways (complete overhaul vs. gradual overhaul) and I must say the gradual wins hands down. I've been trying to change my nutrition for the better and have found that gradual progression is the best way to go. I'm still trying to tweak my nutrition as we speak. In regards to fitness, it's the same principle. Going to the gym and lifting the heaviest weights you can will definitely leave you sore and possibly injured and make you not want to return.

Now it's your turn. What is the top thing you have learned about getting fit for cricket? What one tip would you pass on? Leave a comment.