Miss my old body but love my new life

1w ago1 min read

So I'm 40 now, got three kids, and my body is just not what it was at 28 when I was doing CrossFit every day and had abs. I'm 30 pounds heavier, way less flexible, sleep is a luxury. But honestly? I don't think I'd go back. I miss that version of myself sometimes, miss the identity of being that fit guy, but having kids gave me so much more meaning. I'm teaching my kids about health and fitness instead of just being fit for vanity. I'm still trying to get back in better shape but it's a different motivation now.

10 comments156 views

Comments(10)

AAaron W.Regular1w ago

Missing the old body but loving the new life is the real trade-off. At least you know what you gained in the deal.

CChris M.New Dad1w ago

The good news is you don't need CrossFit to be healthy and strong for your kids. Different phase of life, different goals. My body's a mess compared to my twenties but I can still chase my kids around the yard.

TTyler K.Regular1w ago

The body thing is tough to accept, but you're still showing up for those three kids every single day. That's what matters way more than the abs.

BBrad H.Regular1w ago

I volunteer at the school cafeteria and let me tell you, the dads getting it done matter way more than their gym bod. You're living the real life now.

DDannyRegular1w ago

Forty with three kids is actually pretty solid. I'm teaching my son guitar and there's no way I could do that with the energy I had at 28 going full CrossFit all the time. Different version of healthy.

TTony M.New Dad6d ago

Welcome to 40. The CrossFit days are behind but honestly there's something different about this phase. You're stronger in ways that matter more now. Still, I feel you on the body stuff.

RRyanRegular6d ago

I feel this in my bones. I can still remember being able to do a muscle-up without thinking about it. Now I'm just happy when my back doesn't hurt after playing catch with my kids.

TTony M.Regular6d ago

The trade-off is real though. Yeah, my body's different now, but I can take my kids to the zoo all day without my knees complaining. Different kind of strength I guess.

AAlexRegular5d ago

Three kids at that age is tough on the body. I'm nowhere near 40 yet but I can already tell I'm not bouncing back from things like I used to. What are you doing to stay somewhat active with the schedule?

GGarrettRegular6d ago

I feel this in my soul even though I'm not 40 yet. But like, you made three humans. That's what your body did instead of getting those abs back. Not a bad trade-off.