Let’s face it – in the whirlwind of fatherhood, taking care of your own health and fitness often gets pushed aside.
With work, chores, and family needs fighting for your time and energy, self-care can easily fall by the wayside.
But neglecting your health and well-being can impact your ability to really be there for your loved ones too.
Setting realistic goals to get healthier and more fit is crucial for our dads to ensure that they stay energized and present for the long haul, so we asked them for a few thoughts:
Assess Where You’re At
Before diving into a new health kick, it’s a smart move to check in with your doctor. Get an actual medical assessment of your overall health, discuss any conditions you’re dealing with, and identify the key areas you need to improve. Knowing your baseline numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI will allow you to set personalized, realistic goals tailored to your situation.
Find Your Motivation
Having a clear “why” to tap into will be huge for maintaining your motivation. Reflect on the specific reasons why prioritizing your health matters to you as a dad. Whether it’s wanting to set a great example, improve your longevity to be there for all the big milestones, or simply feeling your best – dig into what’s driving you. Having a talk with your partner can help you realize different motivations, as well as create a sense of caring accountability.
Set Smart, Specific Goals
Instead of vague resolutions like “lose weight” or “get fit,” make your goals clear and actionable by using the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. For example: “Lose 10 pounds over the next 3 months by hitting the gym 3 days a week and meal prepping healthy lunches.” Having a clear roadmap with milestones will allow you to track progress more effectively.
Consistency Over Intensity
Look, we’re busy dads, not professional athletes. The key is finding a sustainable routine you can stick to, not killing yourself with an overly intense regimen. Build consistent, manageable habits into your day-to-day life. Simple things like a brisk daily walk, bodyweight exercises at home, or active playtime with the kids can add up over time. Slow and steady wins this race.
Get the Family Involved
Making health and fitness a family affair can make it more fun and motivating for everyone involved. Plan active outings like hikes, bike rides, or sports you can all do together. Get the kids engaged by having them help prepare healthy meals and snacks. You’ll be strengthening bonds while building great habits.
Be Patient and Adaptable
There will absolutely be setbacks and off-days in this process – that’s just life, especially with the demands of fatherhood. When you hit those bumps, don’t be too hard on yourself. Practice some self-compassion, roll with the punches, and adapt your approach as needed. Progress is rarely linear, so celebrate every step in the right direction, no matter how small.
At the end of the day, prioritizing our health isn’t just about us – it’s an investment in being able to keep showing up for our families, now and down the road. Be realistic, and remain intentional. You will build sustainable health and fitness habits that will keep you feeling our best.
It all starts with that first step forward, so let’s get after it!
