Life can be amazing and equally destructive. What do I mean? Well, just getting on with life can harm your health and well-being. In this article, we look at ‘Dad fitness’ and understand what to look out for and how to combat it. But first, we must look at the journey and obstacles.

I started Father Fitness to focus on Dad’s fitness and help men identify ruts in their personal health and positively impact their journey resulting in long-term benefits.

So, how do you reach a state of poor fitness?

Often when you are dating, you are in your prime, your weight is low, you are generally highly active, and perhaps you have a gym membership. Once you are dating, things settle, and you go out less. Some buy houses, and then the cash is ploughed into the house rather than other areas of life. Next could be a wedding, and the same focus happens. Finally, some will go on to bring children into the world, like Amy and I.

Looking after tiny humans, nurturing and growing them, means yet another new focus that is not you. While this is incredible, you must remember to make time for fitness and here is why.

Typically, but not in all cases, Dad is the primary breadwinner, so with the situations mentioned above on top, the 9-5 and commutes can make the window of opportunity for exercise even smaller.

Why Dad fitness is important

As the primary earner, you have to keep the income consistent.

• Long-term health issues will affect you in later life
• Wear and tear due to poor fitness can also impact your later life
• Generally, you’ll have higher energy as a result of exercise
• Better mobility means you will be able to interact with your children more and be more present
• It can help your confidence in your job and your relationship
• The stress of work and challenges become more manageable
• Your mental capacity is improved, which helps in work and life admin
• Some chronic conditions are postponed and even avoided

How can you work on becoming a fitter Dad?

Steve Hoyles and I put together ‘The Ultimate Father Fitness Programme‘, so you can start there. However, there are other ways, so here are a few additional suggestions to help.

Three ways to improve your dad-fitness

One – Join a club

If you join a club, such as a running club or football team, there is a draw to isolate time in your week, and the perception can be that this is the time for Dad to do his fitness. Football can mean weekend games, depending on how you and your family feel. But with running, it’s often one night in the week and an early Saturday run so that you can focus on the rest of the day with your family.

Two – Cycle to work

If you work just a short distance from home, you could run, walk or cycle to your job. Sometimes it can be as quick. For example, if your home is 12 miles away, a cycle ride will likely take an hour, but it would typically take 35 mins in the car and 1 hour plus on the bus. Cycle-to-work schemes exist to support fewer vehicles on the roads and improve public health. Speak with your company.

Three – Become an active family

Make fitness a family thing. Children and adults alike are addicted to technology, and this limits movement. Enjoy getting out. Many of us in recent years have committed to getting out and enjoying the countryside more. Even in the cities, there are open spaces and places to enjoy activities, including; walking, running, and ball sports. Head to the beach for a long walk if you can, make a day of it, take food, and set goals. You could head to areas of natural or historical interest and make this a learning opportunity.

Four – Workout at home

If you are struggling for time, then have you considered a home gym? Companies like Mirafit can help with kit packages and offers. A home gym can help by allowing you to train for 30-mins a few nights a week, and home gyms are great when the kids are asleep, or your partner is watching their favourite soap, which you can give or take!

Summary

Being fit has a myriad of benefits for you and your family. So there is never a wrong time to prioritise fitness. So please take action today by downloading our guide. Although, if you’d prefer not to get too sweaty, then there are benefits to moving your body gently. This article looks at other activities to help mobility without too many workouts.

Either way, when you find your success, please share it with us. Lastly, if there is a topic you would like me to cover for my blog, drop me a message, and I will write about it.

Final thoughts

Being a Dad is the best job in the world, with all the challenges that come with it. So being a dad for longer is your primary goal once you have children. But also ensure you are healthy enough to enjoy them for longer and eventually grandchildren too. Lose weight by watching your food intake and diet. Health improves with good sleep; exercise can help by giving you better sleep, sufficiently tiring you out after a workout.

Take the time to improve your fitness for yourself and your family, and do not compare yourself to anyone; do it because you want to, and you can see the reasons and benefits. Hopefully, I have helped you reflect and consider how and why it’s a great idea and how taking fitness seriously will help you now and in the future

Thanks for reading,