As the New Year rolls in, I’ve been reflecting on what worked for me health-wise this past year. Spoiler: it wasn’t that fad diet I quit after three days or the time I thought I could out-bench the random guy at the gym that didn’t know he was competing with me (R.I.P., my ego). But there were three big game-changers that actually stuck and made a huge difference in my health—so much so that I’m doubling down on them for the new year. Let’s break it down: a better mattress, tirzepatide, and a solid workout plan.
1. A Mattress That Doesn’t Hate My Back
You know you’re officially “getting older” when your back hurts more from sleeping than from an intense workout. A little over a year ago, I finally decided to stop toughing it out on our memory foam mattress—the one that felt like a always sinking no matter what I did—and invested in a good one. Life. Changing.
A proper mattress doesn’t just improve your sleep; it improves everything. Sleep is crucial for recovery, mental health, and, let’s be honest, just not being a grumpy guy in the morning. With my new mattress, I’m actually waking up refreshed instead of feeling like I just wrestled a bear all night.
We were looking into getting a Tempur-Pedic because we had heard so many good things. But that price tag was a big pill to swallow. Funny thing is, we had gotten so into the purchase that we ordered, and decided to cancel when the delivery drivers were calling, letting us know they were going to be leaving soon and wanting to double check out address.
What made us change our mind? That price tag! Why did we think we needed a $14,000 bed? We didn’t and knew we could find something better.
Fast forward a couple months and we found ourselves in Twinkle Mattress trying out beds. Beds that have been designed with the help of chiropractors to make sure they are giving the right support in the right places. But what about the cost? It was a faction of the cost.
We have been sleeping on our Twinkle bed for over a year and I can say we still love it. I sleep so good, my body feels so much better, and I am getting the rest that my body needs to recover from all the things I do throughout the day.
If you’re on the fence about upgrading, let me tell you: it’s worth every penny. Don’t skimp on something you spend a third of your life using. Plus, your partner will thank you for not tossing and turning like a fish out of water anymore. If you are needing a new bed, give Twinkle a look. Plus, use code MODERNDAD for a great discount that is always available (sometimes it even stacks on top of other deals they are offering.
2. Tirzepatide: Love It or Hate It, It Works
Okay, let’s talk about tirzepatide—the medication everyone has an opinion on. For me, it’s been a complete game-changer. Before starting it, I felt like I was on a never-ending rollercoaster with my weight and blood sugar levels. But now? My health has never been better.
Here’s the thing: I get it. It’s not for everyone, and there’s definitely some controversy around it. But for me, it’s been a tool—just like any other tool—to help me take control of my health. It’s helped regulate my appetite, stabilize my energy levels, and, honestly, give me the confidence to tackle other parts of my health journey.
If you’re considering it, talk to your doctor. It’s not a magic pill, but if it’s the right fit for you, it’s a powerful addition to your toolbox. Oh, and pro tip: stock up on pants in smaller sizes because you’ll need them.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have been going to G.O.A.T. Athletic Spa and have nothing but great things to say about them. They have been so helpful on this journey, proving information and answering all the questions I ask. They even have given me a code to offer YOU. If you are ready to do this and start your health journey with this tool, head here (if you live in Utah) and schedule a free consultation. But if you use code MODERNDAD the cost of your vial will go from $750 to $495. Huge savings!
Don’t live in Utah and want to do this too, but don’t know where to go? I got you too! G.O.A.T. Athletic Spa has a sister company called LeanRX that can do virtual consultations and ship the medication right to your door. Their consultation is $1 (worth it), then when you go through that use code MODERNDAD (has to be in all caps) and you will get a good savings too.
3. A Workout Plan That Actually Works
Here’s where I finally got it right: sticking to a workout plan. Not just any plan, but one that I can realistically follow every single day. No more “go hard for a week, then ghost the gym for a month” routine. This plan is consistent, doable, and—dare I say it—enjoyable.
My workouts combine strength training, incline walking, and a bit of cardio. The key? Finding something sustainable. I’ve stopped chasing trends and focused on what I’ll actually do regularly. (Spoiler: it’s not CrossFit.)
If you follow Fullmhouse on Instagram, you know Caleb and his love to exercise (he has a degree in exercise science so it makes sense). But I have been using his app for over a year and for me it’s exactly what I need: show me what I am doing, have a place for me to add my information (all the numbers), and change things up so it’s not the same every time I go.
Weight lifting is about consistency, but it can also be intimidating. Caleb has made it easy for me to not feel intimidated at the gym and since using the app consistently I have seen amazing results. You can try the app for free for 7 days and that’s probably one of the reasons too why I love it is because since I pay for it, I feel like I don’t want to waste that money. It helps me feel committed.
Daily exercise hasn’t just improved my physical health—it’s been a mental game-changer too. The stress relief alone is worth the effort. Plus, it’s nice to know that I’m staying fit enough to keep up with my kids…and maybe even outlast them in a Nerf battle.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
As we head into the new year, I’m sticking with these three pillars of health: quality sleep, the right tools for managing my health (thanks, tirzepatide), and a workout plan I can commit to. Sure, I’ll probably make some other resolutions too, like eating fewer cookies…but let’s be real, these three are the foundation.
If you’re looking to level up your health this year, I highly recommend starting with these. They’ve made a world of difference for me, and I’m excited to keep the momentum going. Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my walk—and maybe just one cookie.
