DAD BOD

The first thing I want to say is that the “Dad Bod” is a lie.

Whoever came up with this ridiculous concept has fallen into the trap of accepting mediocrity. To say that it is acceptable for a Father to let themselves go and accept a life of being average just because you’ve had children is the biggest cop out I’ve heard for a while. In fact, I believe it’s a direct violation of what it should mean to be a parent. When you become a Father, you have also become the protector, role model and care giver of another human being. If this isn’t motivation enough to step up to the plate and be a positive role model, then I don’t know what is.

My partner and I had our son while I was serving my time in the Navy. Unfortunately for her, I was deployed for 3 months only weeks after our son was born. It was a tough time for our family, but as they say; “Ships weren’t built for harbor” and our relationship grew stronger as a result of those trialing times.

When I returned, I had broken sleep every night because my Son was so restless. I would wake up at 4:45am and drive to the CrossFit gym to train at 5:30am. Then I would drive through the city to get to work at the Defence Base I was posted to. I would work through the morning and then at lunch time I would run to the gym on base and squeeze in my 2^ndtraining session for the day. I would practice things I was terrible at – I climbed the rope relentlessly and did countless sets of pull ups. I would shower, go back to work and try to sneak in some lunch when I could. I did this for years. It wasn’t easy but I knew there were people who had it harder than I did and they weren’t complaining about it. Not everyone wants (or needs) to train twice a day! For most people to live a healthier life, doing CrossFit 3 or 4 times a week is going to be perfect.

When my partner was pregnant, I had been told “when you become a Father, don’t expect to stay as fit as you are” or “you won’t have time to train anymore once you have a kid.”

Every time in my life that I’ve wanted to do something and I’ve been told “you can’t do this” – I will do everything I can to prove them wrong. Don’t let fatherhood be an excuse to become content. Be an example to your children and live your life for them.