Why is parenting so physically exhausting?

Dec 12·1 min read

I work out, I'm in decent shape, but being a dad is destroying my body in new ways. My back hurts from picking up toddlers, my knees are shot from crawling around, and I can't remember the last time I felt rested. And it's not even like one hard thing, it's 8 hours of constant low level physical activity with no actual break. Just venting here because my wife said I sound like her dad complaining about his back and now I'm having an identity crisis about being old.

6 comments421 views

Comments(6)

BBen D.RegularDec 12

Working out at the gym doesn't prepare you for the functional strength demands of parenthood. You're using weird angles and never getting full recovery between reps.

TTom R.RegularDec 12

The car ride thing is wild isn't it? I think it's because you're not making eye contact and they feel less pressure. I learn everything about my 9 year old on the drive to school.

PPhil B.RegularDec 14

Try sleeping wrong one time while your kid is in bed with you and see how your back feels for a week straight. I've done that more times than I can count.

AAndy S.RegularDec 12

The sleep deprivation is probably doing more damage than anything else. When you're tired your form suffers and you're more prone to injury.

PPhil C.RegularDec 12

Dude the repetitive motions are killing me. Picking up toys, lifting kids, carrying stuff, bending over constantly. I'm 38 and my knees are shot.

BBen L.RegularDec 13

I'm actually in the best shape of my life from chasing my kids around but my posture got destroyed. Been doing PT for my lower back and it's finally getting better.