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5 FITNESS TIPS FOR BUSY DADS
Being a Dad is one of the greatest privileges a man can have and being a Dad to my three children has changed my life completely. It is such a huge transition that many things can be lost in the minefield of being a parent and one of those is often taking time out for exercise. There is no obvious cut off point when you start being a dad and life changes, it is a gradual process and as a result, things can change without you even noticing. It is easy to fall into habits you don’t realise you are forming as, let’s be honest being parent is something that can completely melt your brain. Here are my 5 tips to help you.
CREATE HABITS
Top Tip: Plan ahead and create a routine
EAT WELL
Eating a good and balanced diet is so hard when you are a parent. Taking time to think about what you are going to eat can seem really difficult, but I strongly encourage you to have a look at what you are eating and know that what you put in is what you get out. I’m not saying eat like a saint because I certainly don’t but take a step back, analyse what you are consuming. One thing that changed my eating habits was being told by my personal trainer at the time to write a food diary for a week. When you look back at a week you realise what is good or bad and what you are missing. I aim to eat protein and vegetables with most meals and I stay away from certain carbs like white pasta, bread, potatoes and white rice and focus on sweet potatoes, quinoa and lentils. I know it isn’t easy, but it is so worth it and don’t get me wrong, I allow myself treats. If you eat like a saint you will get bored, demotivated and eventually resent your meal plan so incorporate the odd doughnut or chocolate pudding and don’t feel bad, just don’t go mad.
Top Tip: You don't have to be really strict, but it's good to plan ahead and think about what you are eating
FORGET EVERYONE ELSE
One of the things that people do when they walk into a gym, or a class or join a team is they immediately compare themselves to other people. I say, forget everyone else. You are here for you and to make sure that when your kids grow up they have a fit, healthy and active Dad around to enjoy for many years to come. I always think of Usain Bolt. When he won all his medals at the Olympics, he never looked at anyone else even though he was running against tough competition. He ran as fast as he could and ignored everyone else. That is what I tell my kids. If you compare yourself to others you will never be happy and I’m proud to live like that as an adult to inspire them. So, when you walk into the gym, do it with pride and know that it takes a great deal of effort to even walk through the doors. Everyone has their own story and yours is unique. Be the best that you can be.
Top Tip: Do what you want and don't compare to yourself to others. Remember you're training for you, nobody else
ENJOY IT
Get your heart rate up – that’s all you need to do. It doesn’t even need to be in the gym. You can go out for a 30-minute walk 3 times a week, get on your push bike that has been sitting in the garage since the kids were born, or go for a swim. My point here is do what makes you happy. Find an exercise that you enjoy - not something you do simply because you feel you should. Then you can build those habits because you are motivated.
Top Tip: There is no point in doing something you don't enjoy, as you will not stick with it and be fully committed. Find a way of exercising that you will get a kick out of.
LOVE YOUR BODY LOVE YOUR BRAIN
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