Imagine looking in the mirror and seeing someone who is fit. Not necessarily buff, but that’s good too. I mean being in shape, feeling good, and being happy with what you see. If you can look in the mirror and be happy with what’s looking back at you, it’s definitely a great feeling.

However, staying in shape as a dad goes well beyond image. It’s really a necessity to become the best father you can be. It’s about having the strength, discipline, energy, and confidence to be present for your child for as long as possible. Nothing is guaranteed in this world, but not taking care of yourself surely doesn’t put you on a winning path.

Here are some reasons why staying in shape as a father is essential:

1. You will have more energy for your kids. Having children is tiring, regardless of how much we love them. Once you have children, you may never get a truly relaxing moment, especially when combined with work and other obligations. It consumes a lot of energy to play at the park, chase your toddler around a store, make sure they eat their dinner, carry them when they’re tired, travel with extra luggage, and just answer their curiosity questions. If you work out regularly, you will have more energy to be engaged during these times. Suddenly, a trip to the park won’t burn all of your energy.
2. You are investing in a future with them. Your children will not just need you today and tomorrow. They will need you for many years to come. Wouldn’t it be great to be active with them now, and in 10, 15, and 20 years?
3. You become a positive example. I’ve stated numerous times that children pay more attention to what you do than what you say. So, lead by example. If they see you being active, they will become active. If they see you sitting on the couch, eating snacks, and scrolling on your phone, they will do the same thing. I’m not saying it’s never okay to veg out on the couch and just chill, but make physical fitness a normal part of your routine. Kids learn a tremendous amount by watching their parents.
4. Being strong makes fatherhood easier. You’ll be doing a lot of carrying as a parent: luggage, strollers, carriages, toys, and also your child. You may also play sports, run, ride a bike, hike, and do whatever else your child enjoys. All of these require physical activity, so having some strength is a big advantage.
5. It helps handle stress. Exercise can definitely help you mentally and be a productive outlet when life begins to pile up.

Fitness does not have to mean going to the gym. If you don’t enjoy the gym, that’s fine. There are many ways to be physically active: running, riding a bike, hiking, playing basketball, dancing, walking around the block, you name it. Heck, you can just do squats, push-ups, and sit-ups in your bedroom.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. And even if it is, so what? I’m honestly sick of the mindset that we can’t do things for ourselves without getting criticized. If you have the opportunity to do something good for yourself, take it. Being in shape means being strong enough to carry your kids, energetic enough to chase them around, healthy enough to keep up with them, mobile enough to take them around town and on travels, and disciplined enough to make this a regular part of life.

I admit that I haven’t been as disciplined about working out and being physically fit over the last couple of years. I am changing that. I am writing this post after just finishing up at the gym. To my fans reading this, feel free to hold me accountable.