If you are anything like me when you view the mirror you wonder how this guy got here? How did you let yourself become an out of shape unhealthy dad and husband instead of a fit dad. When I reflected on the thought I realized being a good father and a good husband is one of the key factors that helped me get this dad bod. I have spent all my energy on making sure my family has everything they need and my own health never really became a priority.
Also realize that Happiness was a major factor in your newfound body, at least for me. When I was a young man trying to impress women and show off for the guys I knew, I had no choice but to be in much better shape. I also ate whatever was available or tuna from a can when I had no other options. Now I have a beautiful wife that takes care of me and four kids who need pieces of my time for this and that all day. Looking at that is one of the major motivations I have to become a fit dad.
Need motivation here are 10 reasons to change your lifestyle and become a fit dad
Keep up with your kids energy
I watch my 3 year old run around and play full speed ahead. I get my lazy self off the couch and join in with the games. After a little while, I find myself back sitting down with my little girl pulling my arm to keep going. For the 30 mins or so that I am playing with her, it’s the best time she has had all day. I can see it in her eyes and then when I’m done it’s very sad. When our kids are little we have a small window of time to influence who they will become. If you need just one piece of motivation on becoming a fit dad let it be playing with your kids and
Tired of seeing the weight on the scale going up
For some reason even though I know I am heavier than I want to be I still step on the scale. I see the weight either stay the same or go up. Sometimes it may dip a little and I have a small celebration in my own mind. I wonder why I check and hope it is going down when I have not changed my lifestyle in any way. Then when I do have a small bit of motivation and do some exercise for a few days I check my weight and get upset because it does not change at the speed I want. I know it took me years and years to become the man I am today but for some reason its hard for me to accept that it may take years to go the other way. A good tool to help you accept the speed at which your weight on the scale will drop is to make a calendar. On that calendar make 1 pound a week of weight loss and see when you will hit the goal you want. By seeing how long it will take you will be a little discouraged. You may even not get started due to the time it will take. So in a few weeks when you start to think about it again look at what your weight would have been. Let that motivate you to get started and then hit the small goals. 1 pound a week is a good goal but also document in some way what you are able to do. Can you walk on the treadmill for 20 mins and in a few weeks you are going for an hour? These small things on your health tell a lot more than what the scale says.
Tired of being Tired, Get Better Sleep
The majority of dads I know laugh at the getting 7 to 8 hours sleep idea. I am included in the group because I probably average 5 to 6. I use that as an excuse for why I can’t wake up in the morning to go exercise. I am so tired in the morning it takes me two cups of coffee just to put my shoes on. On the other hand, I have no problem staying up an extra hour to watch a show on Netflix with the wife or kids. Sometimes I will catch myself watching a show or movie I have already seen past when I should be in bed. A lack of sleep hurts the ability of your body to repair and recover. It also has vast impacts on mood, stress levels, and of course weight loss. Time to get yourself onto a better routine and make sure you put your health above watching that same movie again.
Knees hurting, time to get rid of the pain
Just like with any machine your body is designed to deal with a specific amount of weight and stress. By adding more and more weight to your body you are wearing down things like your knees and lungs and even your heart. You kind of need these things if you plan to be around long and if you plan to get around while you are here. Drop 5 or 10 pounds and you will see significant relief on your joints. You will also be able to do more which in turn should help you push yourself a little further on your exercises and path to becoming a fit dad.
Need a way to unwind and relieve stress
You have had a long day and so many things have tried to beat you down. You need a way to just let it all go and push the stress out of your body. Exercise can be a great stress reliever. I find that lifting weights, the focus and strength being poured into something clears my mind. On the other hand, I find Cardo workouts almost stress me out at first. I realized a long time ago that just because I am out of shape. As I get in better shape, I find even cardo helps me unwind. So my advice is to do a balanced workout. Lifts and do cardio, even if you prefer one over the other. In time your body will adapt and you will improve your weight loss dramatically but including them both.
Get Rid of Discrimination Holding you Back at Work and Increase your Paycheck
It’s a shame but studies show that people who are out of shape and obese make less money than people who are in good shape. So like it or not when you are competing for a new position or a raise at work your looks and your weight are factors in the decision. If you have spent time to make your resume stronger but have let yourself go in the process, then you are limiting your potential. Becoming a fit dad will not only help your health but will also help with your bank account. Forbes has a good article on this subject HERE.
Stick Around a Little Longer, Healthy People Live Longer
This one is very simple as you get older you start to realize how short life really is. When you are young 70 years seems like an eternity. When you are in your 40s you realize you may have had more years behind you than you do in front of you. This is especially true if you do not change some of your lifestyle.
Even writing this paragraph puts it in front of me. We need to get our health together so we can be here as long as possible. The extra plate of food and staying up late to watch a movie that you already saw seem like pale reasons to shorten your life.
Stop Having to Wear a Shirt This Summer, Gain More Confidence
On the lighter side, when is the last time you had the confidence to take your shirt off in front of people. Some of us don’t care but the majority of not so fit dads will keep their shirts on. So it’s time to get some confidence back and be able to cool off during the summer.
To help you with your weight loss journey take a picture of yourself today. This will give you something to compare to later when you need a little motivation. Seeing the changes is hard when you see yourself daily, but a picture can help give you some real comparison.
Your Kids are Watching Your Lifestyle, Being Healthy Will Teach Them to Live a Healthy Lifestyle as Well
Take a look around at the families that you see. Do you notice a pattern? If the parents are fit and lead healthy lifestyles then the kids seem to all follow along. They will be riding bikes together and playing outside. Then you see a family whose parents focus more on relaxing and good food (like me) Their kids in the long run will also fall into this pattern. I will be changing my lifestyle so that my kids don’t fall into this cycle.
Give Your Wife and Yourself Something Better to Look At
Let’s be honest you are not the stud you use to think of yourself as. When you look at yourself in the mirror is your first thought damn I am a sexy man. If not well lets change it. She said she would stay married to you until death does you part, why not give her something better to look at.
Looking for steps to get started
My advice is to figure out where you are today on your path to becoming a fit dad. Meaning go get on the treadmill or walk and see how far and long you can go. Weigh yourself and document the number. Put together a calendar to show when you will hit your goals. This will give you achievable goals.
Set a schedule for bedtime so you get the sleep your body needs. Take pictures of yourself to compare to later. The final step is to get your family involved. Your wife may want to go for a bike ride, your kids want to play, and the dog needs a daily walk as well. Change your family’s lifestyle and everyone will be happier and healthy. And the last thing you need to do is get up and get started today. Don’t set a day like Monday we will get started, now is the best time so lets go.
Start by making small changes in your daily routine.
You don’t have to go from zero to sixty overnight, but you can start making small changes in your daily routine that will lead to big results over time. For example, if you usually drink soda with lunch, try replacing it with water or unsweetened tea. If you snack on chips or candy in the afternoon, try replacing those with a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts. And when it comes to dinner, try making healthier choices like grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, and whole grain rice or pasta.
Making these small changes will not only help you improve your health, but they will also help motivate you to continue making other healthy changes in your life.
Find an exercise buddy to keep you accountable.
One of the best ways to stay motivated and on track with your fitness goals is to find an exercise buddy. This can be a spouse, friend, or even one of your kids. Having someone to workout with will help keep you accountable and make exercising more enjoyable.
Set realistic goals
When it comes to setting fitness goals, it’s important to be realistic. If you set goals that are too lofty, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration. Instead, focus on setting small, achievable goals that you can gradually build upon.
Reward yourself with something fun after completing a fitness goal.
After you’ve achieved a fitness goal, it’s important to reward yourself. This will help you stay motivated and on track. And it doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive – something as simple as a new workout outfit or a day at the spa will do the trick.
Conclusion
Fatherhood can be a great motivator for getting in shape. Not only are you setting an example for your children, but you’re also improving your own health and well-being in the process.
By making small changes in your daily routine, finding an exercise buddy, and setting realistic goals, you can make healthy living a habit – and a fun one at that. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start being the fit dad you know you can be!
If you are anything like me when you view the mirror you wonder how this guy got here? How did you let yourself become an out of shape unhealthy dad and husband instead of a fit dad. When I reflected on the thought I realized being a good father and a good husband is one of the key factors that helped me get this dad bod. I have spent all my energy on making sure my family has everything they need and my own health never really became a priority.
Also realize that Happiness was a major factor in your newfound body, at least for me. When I was a young man trying to impress women and show off for the guys I knew, I had no choice but to be in much better shape. I also ate whatever was available or tuna from a can when I had no other options. Now I have a beautiful wife that takes care of me and four kids who need pieces of my time for this and that all day. Looking at that is one of the major motivations I have to become a fit dad.
Need motivation here are 10 reasons to change your lifestyle and become a fit dad
Keep up with your kids energy
I watch my 3 year old run around and play full speed ahead. I get my lazy self off the couch and join in with the games. After a little while I find myself back sitting down with my little girl pulling my arm to keep going. For the 30 mins or so that I am playing with her it’s the best time she has had all day. I can see it in her eyes and then when I’m done its very sad. When our kids are little we have a small window of time to influence who they will become. If you need just one piece of motivation on becoming a fit dad let it be playing with your kids and
Tired of seeing the weight on the scale going up
For some reason even though I know I am heavier then I want to be I still step on the scale. I see the weight either stay the same or go up. Sometimes it may dip a little and I have a small celebration in my own mind. I wonder why I check and hope it is going down when I have not changed my lifestyle in any way. Then when I do have small bit of motivation and do some exercise for a few days I check my weight and get upset because it does not change at the speed I want. I know it took me years and years to become the man I am today but for some reason its hard for me to accept that it may take years to go the other way. A good tool to help you accept the speed at which your weight on the scale will drop is to make a calendar. On that calendar make 1 pound a week of weight lose and see when you will hit the goal you want. By seeing how long it will take you will be a little discouraged. You may even not get started due to the time it will take. So in a few weeks when you start to think about it again look at what your weight would have been. Let that motivate you to get started and then hit the small goals. 1 pound a week is a good goal but also document in some way what you are able to do. Can you walk on the treadmill for 20 mins and in a few weeks you are going for an hour? These small things on your health tell a lot more then what the scale says.
Tired of being Tired, Get Better Sleep
The majority of dads I know laugh at the getting 7 to 8 hours sleep idea. I am included in the group because I probably average 5 to 6. I use that as an excuse for why I can’t wake up in the morning to go exercise. I am so tired in the morning it takes me two cups of coffee just to put my shoes on. On the other hand I have no problem staying up an extra hour to watch a show on Netflix with the wife or kids. Sometimes I will catch myself watching a show or movie I have already seen past when I should be in bed. A lack of sleep hurts the ability of your body to repair and recover. It also has vast impacts on mood, stress levels, and of course weight loss. Time to get yourself onto a better routine and make sure you put your health above watching that same movie again.
Knees hurting, time to get rid of the pain
Just like with any machine your body is designed to deal with a specific amount of weight and stress. By added more and more weight to your body you are wearing down things like knees and lungs and even your heart. You kind of need these things if you plan to be around long and if you plan to get around while you are here. Drop 5 or 10 pounds and you will see significant relief on your joints. You will also be able to do more which in turn should help you push yourself a little further on your exercises and path to becoming a fit dad.
Need a way to unwind and relieve stress
You have had a long day and so many things have tried to beat you down. You need a way to just let it all go and push the stress out of your body. Exercise can be a great stress reliever. I find that lifting weights, the focus and strength being poured into something clears my mind. On the other hand I find Cardo workouts almost stress me out at first. I realized a long time ago that just because I am out of shape. As I get in better shape, I find even cardo helps me unwind. So my advice is to do a balanced workout. Lifts and do cardo, even if you prefer one over the other. In time your body will adapt and your will improve your weight loss dramatically but including them both.
Get Rid of Discrimination Holding you Back at Work and Increase your Paycheck
It’s a shame but studies show that people who are out of shape and obese make less money than people who are in good shape. So like it or not when you are competing for a new position or a raise at work your looks and your weight are factors in the decision. If you have spent time to make your resume stronger but have let yourself go in the process, then you are limiting your potential. Becoming a fit dad will not only help your health but will also help with your bank account. Forbes has a good article on this subject HERE.
Stick Around a Little Longer, Healthy People Live Longer
This one is very simple as you get older you start to realize how short life really is. When you are young 70 years seems like an eternity. When you are in your 40s you realize you may have had more years behind you then you do in front of you. This is especially true if you do not change some of your lifestyle. Even writing this paragraph puts its in front of me. We need to get our health together so we can be here as long as possible. The extra plate of food and staying up late to watch a movie that you already saw seem like pale reasons to shorten your life.
Stop Having to Wear a Shirt This Summer, Gain More Confidence
On a lighter side, when is the last time you had the confidence to take your shirt off in front of people. Some of us don’t care but the majority of not so fit dads will keep their shirt on. So it’s time to get some confidence back and be able to cool off during the summer. To help you with your weight loss journey take a picture of yourself today. This will give you something to compare to later when you need a little motivation. Seeing the changes is hard when you see yourself daily, but a picture can help give you some real comparison.
Your Kids are Watching Your Lifestyle, Being Healthy Will Teach Them to Live a Healthy Lifestyle as Well
Take a look around at families that you see. Do you notice a pattern? If the parents are fit and lead healthy lifestyles then the kids seem to all follow along. They will be riding bikes together and playing outside. Then you see a family whose parents focus more on relaxing and good food (like me) Their kids in the long run will also fall into this pattern. I will be changing my lifestyle so that my kids don’t fall into this cycle.
Give Your Wife and Yourself Something Better to Look At
Let’s be honest you are not the stud you use to think of yourself as. When you look at yourself in the mirror is your first thought damn I am a sexy man. If not well lets change it. She said she would stay married to you until death does you part, why not give her something better to look at.
Looking for steps to get started
My advice is to figure out where you are today on your path to becoming a fit dad. Meaning go get on the treadmill or walk and see how far and long you can go. Weigh yourself and document the number. Put together a calendar to show when you will hit your goals. This will give you achievable goals. Set a schedule for bedtime so you get the sleep your body needs. Take pictures of yourself to compare to later. The final step is to get your family involved. Your wife may want to go for a bike ride, your kids want to play, and the dog needs a daily walk as well. Change your family’s lifestyle and everyone will be happier and healthy. And the last thing you need to do is get up and get started today. Don’t set a day like Monday we will get started, now is the best time so lets go.
