Dad Bod: Overcoming the Struggle

Recently the term “Dad Bod” has become ever so popular. The dad bod applies to any man — father or bachelor — with a physique that’s a “nice balance between a beer gut and working out,” says Clemson University sophmore Mackenzie Pearson, who introduced the world to “dad bod” last March in per premiere article “Why Girls Love the Dad Bod.”

The question is, is dad bod really that attractive? When has a guy with a beer gut ever been attractive to anyone? Never. But it’s reality and it’s what comes with being a dad. It’s hard to be in shape when you have a pregnant wife in the house. How do you say no to a woman craving Doritos and ice cream with pickles?

I have come to the conclusion that I am not going to have dad bod. I am however accepting that I will never have a six pack ever again. That being said there are a few things that have become staples in my parenting life to try to keep the dad bod a little bit above average.

Fitbit

Are you the competitive type? Me too! I think that is one of the big reasons why I love my Fitbit. Connecting with friends, competing in friendly competition (workweek hustle, daily challenge, weekend warrior) and earning badges like you’re back in scouts is quite nostalgic.

BOB

With the weather warming up I love to get out and hit the ground running, literally. My son loves riding in our BOB stroller while I run all over town. We enjoy listening to fun playlists that are completely child friendly (because they’re not explicit), making animal noises for every animal we pass and we especially love letting the wind blow through our hair.

Classes

Do you have a gym membership? Well, it’s time to make the most of it by doing classes. Yes you can do classes, they’re not just for women. Every Tuesday and Thursday I love the local spin class at 5:30 am (totally worth waking up for). Spinnings isn’t for you? Try the body pump that will completely kick your trash or if you can keep the laughter in, grab your mat and head to yoga. Classes usually come with your membership and push you harder than what you’d normally do.

Cut the Calories

I get it. Your pregnant wife wants to eat everything, but that doesn’t me you have to too. But you don’t have to say no to everything. I keep trying to eat healthy while my wife is pregnant, but the reality is it’s not going to happen. If I know that there are DrumSticks in the freezer, I’m going to eat them. Salt and Vinegar Lays in the pantry, I will divulge. What you have to do though is keep your portions in control. Have a few chips, not the whole bag. Only have one plate full at dinner time. You don’t have to eat your feelings, but I know you want to. You’ll be much happier if you just hold back.

Have a Goal

When you are working towards achieving a goal you’ll work harder. Whether it’s a race you’ve signed up for, a challenge between coworkers or having a shirt that you just want to fit back into.  Goals are a great way to get back to where you need to be. I currently have the goal of completing a half marathon, hiking to the top of Mt. Timpanogos and hitting my Fitbit goal of 13,000 steps every day. They’re all achievable goals, but not too crazy that there is no way I can do them. You also need to have a date that you will finish said goals by, I set our due date. That way by the time baby number two gets here I wont look like I was stung by an entire swarm of bees in every picture and she will actually want to look at me.

Dad bod is a real struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. Now that the weather is getting better it’s time to play outside with the kids and not just sit inside watching Extreme Weight Loss thinking that maybe it’s time I start working out.

June is here! Make today be the day that you change your habits and start making healthier habits to having that dad bod you’ve always wanted.