Been getting up at 5 to hit the gym before work because I felt like I was getting out of shape. But now I'm exhausted all day and my kids are asking why I'm grumpy at dinner. Feels like I can't win. Do other guys sacrifice sleep or should I just accept my new dad bod and call it even?
Nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. The guilt is the real trap here, not the gym. Your kids need a healthy dad more than they need you sitting on the couch feeling resentful.
The exhaustion spiral is real. I'd rather be a slightly less fit dad who's actually present than a jacked dad running on fumes. Your kids want you awake, not shredded.
Man, I feel this with the swing shifts. You gotta find a rhythm that doesn't tank your energy for the actual kids time. Maybe try hitting the gym after work a couple times instead of every morning?
The 5am thing is real. I used to feel guilty too until I realized my kids actually benefit from having a dad who feels good about himself. You're not neglecting them, you're modeling healthy habits. Just make sure you're still present in the evenings.
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Man I feel this. I tried the early gym thing for a few weeks but honestly with my schedule as a weekend dad I couldn't sustain it. Have you thought about lunchtime workouts instead? Might hit the same fitness goals without the 5am mental load.