The Gym Rat Days Are Over

Apr 161 min read

Pre-kids I was at the gym 6 days a week, meal prepping, counting macros, the whole thing. Had abs. Could bench press 315. Now I'm lucky if I get 3 workouts in a week and most of that is chasing my toddlers around the backyard. I miss that version of myself sometimes when I catch my reflection. But I also don't miss being that obsessed with appearance. The trade off is getting stronger in different ways - carrying a 40lb kid on my hip while making dinner hits different than any lift. Still working on accepting the dad bod though ngl.

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Comments(10)

DDerekRegularApr 18

The abs will come back eventually if you want them, but these years go fast. I spent so much time at the gym before the kids and now I'd trade those six packs for more time in the backyard with them. Priorities shift and that's okay.

EEricRegularApr 17

This is the real transformation nobody talks about. It's not just about losing the physique, it's accepting that your body is doing something way more important now. Macro counting gets replaced by just trying to eat dinner before it gets cold.

TTom E.RegularApr 16

I hear you on this one. I was in crazy good shape before the kid came, now I'm just trying to find 20 minutes somewhere. But honestly? Watching my daughter grow is way better than having abs.

BBrian L.RegularApr 16

Three kids and I've accepted that those gym rat days aren't coming back, and weirdly I'm okay with it now. The exhaustion is different but the payoff is real.

DDom F.RegularApr 16

Built a treehouse with my kids last summer instead of spending 6 hours a week at the gym and it was the best trade I never knew I'd make. Different kind of strength now.

AAndrew T.RegularApr 16

I feel you. I was the same way and then reality hit hard. Now I just try to get in what workouts I can between the chaos. Some days it's a 20 minute garage session instead of my old two hour gym days, but it's better than nothing.

PPhil M.RegularApr 16

Man, I feel this in my soul. I used to be that guy too. Now I'm lucky if I get to the gym once a week and honestly I've made peace with it. The trade off is worth it but yeah, seeing old pictures of pre-dad me hits different.

PPedroRegularApr 16

You'll find your rhythm again eventually but yeah the daily gym commitment isn't happening with kids. I do yard work as my workout now - counts right?

KKevinRegularApr 16

The abs were nice but honestly the energy it took to maintain that lifestyle is exhausting. Now I do what I can when I can and I'm way less stressed about it. Picked up some Dad Bod weight but gained actual peace of mind.

RRob H.RegularApr 16

Three kids later and I'm just trying to stay active enough that I don't feel like a complete sloth. Gave up on the macro counting years ago. A 20 minute home workout is a win now and I'm fine with that.