By Will Duru, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science, Award-winning Personal Trainer with over 10 years of experience in strength training and optimising recovery.
You are ready for the gym. Then you see your child. You feel guilty. You think, “Should I be with them?” This feeling stops many dads from working out.
People think a good parent spends all their time with their kids. This makes you choose: be a good dad or a fit dad. This is a wrong choice. The guilt can stop you from being healthy.
This article will show you that this choice is not real. Exercise is not selfish. It is one of the best things you can do for your family. You need to take care of yourself first. The 12reps app helps you do this fast. So you can be the best dad for your family.
How Exercise Makes You a Better Dad
A tired and stressed dad is not a good dad. Exercise helps you feel better. Then you have more to give to your family.
Exercise is good for your mind. It can help with sadness and worry [1]. A 30-minute strength training workout can make you more patient. It can make you less angry. You will be a calmer and better father.
It seems strange, but using energy for exercise gives you more energy. Regular exercise is good for your heart and sleep. This gives you more energy to play with your kids.
Be a Good Example for Your Kids
Your children learn from what you do. When you make time for your health, you teach them a very important lesson [2].
You are teaching your kids to be healthy and active. You are stopping a cycle of being inactive.
A strong and fit dad can do more with his kids. You can play sports with them. You can lift them up. You can be in their adventures, not just watch.
Good Time is Better Than a Lot of Time
It is not about how many hours you spend with your family. It is about how good those hours are. A short workout does not have to take away from family time.
Here are some ideas:
- Wake up early: Work out before your family wakes up.
- Use your lunch break: Go to the gym or work out at home.
- Work out with your family: Go for a bike ride. Have a dance party. Do a workout in the living room.
The 12reps app is made for fast workouts. You can do a great workout in 15-20 minutes. You do not have to miss family time. Use our workout tracker to see what you can do in a short time. Download the 12reps app and use your time well.
Conclusion
Exercise is not selfish. It makes you a better dad. You have more energy. You are more patient. You are a good example for your kids. The key is to be smart with your time.
Stop feeling guilty. Taking care of your health is a gift to your family. You are not taking time from them. You are investing in a longer, healthier life with them. A father’s health is important for the whole family [3].
Are you ready to be a stronger, healthier dad? Start your for free trial of the 12reps app today. It is great for muscle building.
References
[1] Fisher, S. D., et al. (2016). Paternal Mental Health: Why Is It Relevant?. *Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry*. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125083/
[2] Petersen, T. L., et al. (2020). Association between parent and child physical activity. *International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity*. https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-020-00966-z
[3] Garfield, C. F., & Isacco, A. (2006). Fathers and the well-child visit. *Pediatrics*. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/117/4/e637/68593/Fathers-and-the-Well-Child-Visit
