Hey my friends, this post isn’t so much about fitness or getting in to shape, but it is about getting a little older and being a dad, which is what I am on both counts! As I talked about in a previous post, my father died when he was only 50 years old from cancer. One of the reasons that I am passionate about staying in shape and being healthy is so that I can be around for my kids as long as possible. I have three sons, at 21, 11, and 7 years old. As you can see, I have quite the age gap in between the youngest to the oldest. It is neat to see their perspective on things and what they think is fun or cool. The difference from a 7 year old second grader, to 11 year old middle schooler, to a 21 year old college graduate is on opposite ends sometimes. Regardless, they all think I’m cool in some ways and an old dork in others! 
[We all think that we are cool in our own minds. I can honestly say that I never tried the Tom Cruise slide from "Risky Business" whenever I was home alone! Even I'm not that much of a dork!]
My main goal is to be healthy above all, my second goal is to not look like somebody’s dad. Just because I am a dad, doesn’t mean I have to look like one! Don’t get me wrong, I am proud to be a husband and father, I just ain’t ready to rock the black socks and sandals with a beer gut and hair growing out of my ears! I can make my body look however I want, depending on what I eat and how much I exercise. I only wish that I could have the same power over my hair thinning! It’s not too bad, but I am fighting it every step of the way. I don’t think I look good with my head shaved, at least I wasn’t happy with it when I went to bootcamp as a teenager! I don’t like hats either, so I think I’m just screwed. Oh well, nobody said that life was going to be easy, right?
[I think if it gets to this point, I really will shave it. Even I know when to give up!]
Of course in the grand scheme of things, what we look like or what we wear doesn’t really matter. I am blessed to have a beautiful wife and three great kids that love me. Maybe they think I’m a dork sometimes, but they still love me, and that’s what matters the most! I never really had a problem with motivation or will power. When I decide that I want something, I usually do whatever work it takes to get it. If I did though, I know that thinking of my kids and wife would be enough to get me out of bed and in to the gym. I love the feeling that being in shape gives me and I love that I can control how my body looks and feels. I know that I don’t have any idea how long I will live, but in my mind, staying in shape and eating healthy gives me the best chance of living longer. I want to be around to see my grandkids get married and watch the sunset on the beach with my wife as an old married couple!
[Growing old together with a lifetime of memories is the ultimate goal for me. I know that staying in shape and living a healthy lifestyle gives me the best chance of this happening.]
As you can see, I am a sentimental fool sometimes! Just bare with me. Ok, enough of that. Check this video out, it’s actually really hilarious and I had to watch it through three times in a row because so much of it is true. This is the whole reason I decided to write this post about being a dad. Let me know what you think.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Kelly,
As the father of a 1 year old, I can say parenting has certainly changed my life. Sure, I have less time to exercise and get in shape, but I actually have more motivation to stay in shape and live a long, healthy life. Your post once again highlights the importance of fitness and family.
Dave
Kelly,
Being a father of 2 boys, they are the reason I am up at 4 AM to go to the gym. My father also died of cancer. He was 65 when he died so I can empathize with you. He only got to meet 2 of his 5 grandsons. It is very important for me to exercise and stay in shape so that I may see my grand kids one day. As for the video, I am totally the guy with the Dockers and the St John’s Bay shirt at work… How lame is that.
See you Monday morning!
Tim
Kelly,
Great post. I do not have children, but my family still means the world to me. When I’m older, I want to be as fit and healthy as possible so that I can support my family to the best of my ability. As superficial as the fitness realm can be sometimes, these are the things that are really important in life. Glad you put things into perspective.
Alykhan
Alykhan – Fitness Breakout´s last [type] ..Why You Should Read Fitness Blogs
I like the music video its funny cause I can really relate to it. But really a good topic ..
I said long ago I’m not going to be one of the overweight Dads who take their children to school and look like they would have trouble playing a game of tip.
Although sometimes I am gulity of the old Dad’s fashion trends … but I think I went too far the otherway a few months ago when I bought all Ed Hardy’s jeans, shirts and underwear … my daughter wasn’t very impressed.
Raymond
Raymond-ZenMyFitness´s last [type] ..MMA Training Zen Style – A Guest Post by Aundre of MMA UK Blog
Dave,
Yeah, we can say what we want about being a dad, but I couldn’t imagine what life would be like without my kids! They make me laugh about something everyday. Sometimes, something that they did will pop in to my mind during the day and make me smile. I guess I really am living the dream!
Alykhan,
That is so true. The fitness industry and Hollywood puts so much emphasis on what we look like, that we sometimes forget that we are trying to be healthy. I think so many people would rather take a pill to lose weight or build muscle, even if it is bad for you, just so they can look good. Steroids are the perfect example of this.
Tim,
Sorry to hear about your dad. Yeah, I could see you rocking the dockers! Come to think of it, you have the sweet goatee also! This is dad life, 24/7, 365! That is a great video! I can’t quit watching it! My kids love it too.
Raymond,
I know. I see so many dad’s that look like a train wreck. They usually tell me that they don’t have time like they used to for working out. I always think, just follow my schedule for one day! I get up at 4:00 to train at the gym three days a week and am up till 11:00 or later working on my blog. In between I run my other business, mess with the kids and wife, as well as help my mother with stuff. I heard a saying that went like this, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.” It makes sense because the busier I am, the more I can accomplish. If I have some down time, I seem to get nothing done! Either way, if you want to train, you can always find time. I am always inspired to see thirty or forty people at the gym at 5:30 am, who somehow find the time.
Ed Hardy?!!! Wow, I think you might of pushed the envelope a little bit! There are some pretty wild stuff on their website. There’s even a T-shirt for around $120! I think I’ll stick to my old Aerosmith t-shirts or Pittsburgh Steelers shirts!
Kelly,
Saw that video a couple of weeks ago. I just traded in my truck on 7/31/10 for a car for my wife and now I am rocking the Honda minivan (have to have it to haul around the 3 kids).
David
I was just thinking along these lines, too, Kelly. What I was thinking is that I want my kids to have the example of fit parents in the hope that they will want to leave that example for their children too!
Bryan´s last [type] ..Workout Reviews- Push Up Routines
Bryan,
Yeah and maybe after a few generations of fit parents, the norm for our families will be in shape and lean versus overweight and out of shape. Kids definitely learn by example, whether it’s consciously or sub-consciously.
-Kelly
David,
What can I say, this is dad life! I think if I ever get a minivan, I’ll put flames on it and spinners just to look like a real jagoff!
-Kelly
LOL! The Dad Life video was hella funny. My family and I just got a good laugh. Cool post.
Kevin – Dharma Fitness Path´s last [type] ..TGIF Links – 7-23-2010
That video is hilarious, loved it. I dont have kids, but I spend a lot of my time with my my friends that do and I see the changes in clothing choices and behaviors. they’re as happy as can be. I see why staying fit is important for you, nice job!
Alejandro “The Fittest Vegan”´s last [type] ..Why You Need to Exercise Outdoors
Alejandro,
I know, I love that video! I watched it probably ten times so far. Just imagine what I would get done if I didn’t waste time watching videos! LOL
-Kelly
I really love it..Its a very nice blog
I think it’s amazing that you’re so thoughtful to consider and think long term for your child. I hope they appreciate and recognize what a great father you are. I feel like alot of time people are irresponsible when they don’t remotely try to maintain their health. I do not mean you have to be a health nut but have a balance.
Leslie,
I agree. It is important to have a healthy balance. I just want to be around for my kids and family as long as I can. I still miss my father to this day and he died over twenty years ago! If I can help keep that from happening to my kids, I am going to. Besides, I feel so much better being lean and in shape rather than overweight and uncomfortable, especially in this heat!
-Kelly
Kelly you really good Dad. Many fathers out there didn’t care about their children. Busy at work always be the reason for that. But you don’t do like that. You care about your children and their health. Really good Job
It is not bad to have a sense of humor for a dad.
Its pretty cool man..You should be proud of being like that, I am sure your kids would love you more..
Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health. keep up that sense of humor.
that is quite a treasure of a video you got. I liked the older guy with the blue cut off shirt on the lawn mower.
that’s right.. like you, i stay fit for my 3 kids…
don’t want to leave them during their young age…
Really cool dad, i like his hair style:)
toro mower´s last [type] ..Toro 20360 e-Cycler 20-Inch 36-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
that is hilarous. what a group of guys.
I kno what you mean. I have a 2 years old girl. and can hardly find the time to workout. So i try to find a routine that can be done in 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week.
steve@zumbafitness´s last [type] ..Max Fitness 65cm Exercise Ball with Foot Pump
Being a mom is the best thing in the world, especially when your kid comes in your arms and gives you a big warm hug. It washes all the bad energies of the day
Caro@rowing machine´s last [type] ..Truth About Abs Does It Work Or Is It A Scam
I’m certain that my dad can qualify for any of the guys in the video- but thank the heavens he doesn’t have a minivan. Why do you think the majority of dads can fit into this category? It’s like once you give birth to a son or daughter- something happens, and it happens to every male!
Hi there! I wished you had posted your picture so I can see whether you look like a dad or not.. Haha… I wish my own dad had the same outlook as yours. I am constantly worried about him. He is turning 70 this year and he LOVES to eat, sleeps a lot and HATES to exercise, not even stretching! I try to motivate him as much as I can but to no avail. We have an 85 year old neighbor and his body looks better than my dad!!! Oh well… I am grateful though because at least his blood pressure is at normal but any slightest move he makes causes him muscle pain!
Melissa @ chemo hats´s last [type] ..Chemo Cancer Hat Green
im just going to say, awful awful hair. jesus
Dave@Funny Videos´s last [type] ..Dad Launches Daughter into the Air
LOL I love it! So funny.
I love funny dads! My dad was always around to put on smile on my face and I’ll never forget it. Ask anyone who grew up with a serious dad around and they’ll tell you they would’ve given anything to have an embarrassing dad around! Great post!