From gym rat to dad bod and honestly I'm okay with it | DadHQ

From gym rat to dad bod and honestly I'm okay with it

2w ago1 min read

Used to spend 2 hours at the gym 5 days a week. Had my whole identity wrapped up in being the fit guy. Now with two kids under 5 I'm lucky if I get 3 workouts in a month. My abs are gone, I've got a dad gut now. Thing is I don't even miss it that much? I get more satisfaction from my 6 year old saying I'm the strongest dad ever than I ever got from a pr. Miss the me time though, not gonna lie.

8 comments156 views

Comments(8)

MMatt S.Regular2w ago

Three kids here and I haven't seen the inside of a gym in like four years. Your identity as a dad is way more impressive than any bicep, trust me.

JJordanNew Dad2w ago

Man, this is real. I used to be that guy too before the kids took over my life. The fact that you're cool with it now means you've figured out something a lot of us are still working on.

VVincentRegular2w ago

I had the opposite realization - I'm actually okay with it too. Spent so much time worried about abs and now I'm just happy if I have energy to play in the backyard with my kids at the end of the day.

JJasonNew Dad2w ago

I'm still trying to hold onto some of my fitness stuff but yeah the priorities shift when you're a parent. I do early morning runs now instead of the full gym setup. Gotta adapt.

TTony M.Regular2w ago

The mental shift is the hardest part honestly. Once you accept that your body is going to change and that's fine, it's actually freeing.

BBrianRegular2w ago

Same boat here. Used to bench press 315 and now my most impressive feat is lifting my 6 month old in the car seat with one hand while opening the door. Different kind of strength I guess.

LLucasRegular2w ago

Man I feel this. Used to run marathons before the kids came. Now I'm happy if I get a 30 minute workout in between sports practices. But honestly I'm way happier too. The gym rat identity thing was exhausting.

JJamesRegular2w ago

The dad bod is real and honestly it's a badge of honor. You traded a six pack for time with your kids. That's a fair deal.