Lost the gym gains, gained better sleep. Not sure how I feel about it

1w ago1 min read

Before kids I was hitting the gym 5 days a week, meal prepping, had a six pack. It was my thing, my identity for like 15 years. Now with three kids under 8, I'm lucky if I get to the gym twice a week and mostly just do home workouts when one of them isn't sick.

I'm definitely softer around the middle now and that used to bother me more. But honestly? I sleep better than I ever have when I do get a full 8 hours (rare but it happens). I'm not obsessing over macros anymore. My kids don't care that dad's got a dad bod, they just want me to play tag with them.

I do miss the identity of being "the fit guy." But I'm getting okay with just being "the guy who tries to stay healthy while raising humans."

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Comments(4)

BBrandonRegular1w ago

Real talk - better sleep is worth way more than a six pack. I'd trade it in a heartbeat. Once you've experienced what decent sleep feels like you can't go back.

DDerek P.Regular1w ago

I feel like every dad goes through this. The gym gains fade but the dad bod comes with actual superpowers so it's a fair trade.

PPedroRegular1w ago

You don't have to choose though. I still try to hit the gym a couple times a week but I'm not married to it anymore. Lower stakes, still feel good.

SSteveNew Dad1w ago

How many kids you got? Because my sleep schedule didn't improve until mine got past like age 3. There's a light at the end of the tunnel.