What it Takes to Write for Muscle & Fitness

Here’s a question I often get from coaches looking to break into the writing game:

“What does it take to write for Muscle & Fitness?”

Muscle & Fitness is one of the most prominent fitness websites in North America, boasting extensive brand awareness dating back to the time when print magazines were in front of audiences on every store shelf. So it makes sense to want to write for them and I feel honored to be part of their family.

But I didn’t start there.

I started writing for church newsletters, and then I started my blog, and that ultimately led to writing for a pay-per-view site (which is now defunct through no fault of my own, really.).

Eventually, I gathered the courage to ask coaches to write for their websites. I did that for many years before reaching out to an editor at BarBend.com, and the rest is living history.

Everyone’s journey is different, but it’s a journey all the same. What do all journeys have in common? The time it takes, which is usually a considerable amount. So, what does it take to write about fitness and have it published on major websites? 

If I told you right now, it would be no fun. First, some groundwork.

Do Writing Skills Matter?

English and reading were far from my favorite subjects in high school. I was significantly behind in English when I transferred schools in Year 9, so I was required to take an “English as a Second Language” class to catch up.

However, the struggle continued throughout high school, and I ended up failing English in my final year. Somehow, I scraped by and got into college to study accounting.

So, how much do writing skills really matter then? My partner-in-crime, Chris Colucci, may have a different opinion, but I believe basic writing skills are essential.

Know how to spell, how to structure a sentence, when to use a comma, how to use transitional words, and when to end it all with a full stop.

Nowadays, with spellcheck on every device and AI-assistance tools like Grammarly, the writing process is simpler than it has ever been. So, how critical are advanced writing skills when it comes to fitness writing?

They’re still relatively important, but when you’re looking to break into the freelance fitness writing industry, the key is not to be perfect right off the bat. Just start.

Developing your writing skills will take time and patience. Some people are outliers and they’re great from the get-go. The rest of us have to work on it.

If you’re in the latter group, right alongside me, then work on it because I didn’t let my lack of skill get in the way of sharing my knowledge.

Nick English, my first editor at BarBend, was once so frustrated by my basic mistakes that he sent me an email in all caps.

It read…

YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL WRITER, NOW ACT LIKE IT AND STOP MAKING THESE MISTAKES.

Enough said. From then on, I worked diligently to improve. So can you.

What Does It Take to Get Published?

I could answer by saying that you should start a 10-year journey by volunteering to write for your local church newsletter, and then a commit to blogging for over 500 posts, and then write dozens of guest articles on other fitness blogs. But that’s just boring, and a little conceited, because everyone’s journey is different.

The goal is not to figure out what it takes to write for Muscle & Fitness, but rather to understand what it takes to convey your knowledge on paper and share it with the world.

I only write about two things: what I know and what I feel. That approach hasn’t served me wrong so far.

However, I know that I haven’t answered the question you’ve been waiting for: What does it take to get published on major websites? 

Your passion for health and fitness. That’s all. Because when you’re passionate about something, you’ll be willing to put in the work and absorb the hard knocks that come with trying to get your name out there.

Sorry if you were hoping for something different, like a shortcut or a clean four-step process.

Writing for a major outlet like Muscle & Fitness is no different from hard training. Not many people will pull four plates within a month of lifting. First, you have to learn good deadlift technique. Then you develop your foundation and gradually improve. Eventually you figure out how to warm-up for a big 1RM. Over time, you go for the big lift.

If you need help developing your passion and building your base, The Write Spotters are ready and willing to help. You can hit us up here.