Three Ways for a Husband and Father to Lead a Fit Life

June 14, 2010, By Kurt Simonsen 3 comments

It seems as if a man sacrifices a large part of his life to his marriage and family. While that may sound a little harsh, the truth is that most men do it without question, understanding that what they do now is vital to their own happiness, as well as to the happiness of their families. Being open and available as a husband makes a relationship grow and prosper rather than getting dull and boring. That takes true time and energy. Likewise, the time you spend raising your children will provide the morals and values that will outlive you and offer a piece of you to future generations.

However, there is no erasing the fact that every man struggles to hang onto his sense of self when his time gets so divided. While fully grasping the idea that diapers and bottles, ballet recitals and little league games, anniversaries and barbecues all have now become life's primary events, a man will always yearn to feel good about himself, not just his place in life. Neglecting your physical and mental fitness will impact how you live which, in turn, influences how great a dad and husband you are.

So, with this in mind, consider the three simple philosophies below. Employ each one in your own way and you'll see yourself become more physically fit, mentally content and spiritually settled.

1. Avoid the guilt. Men often feel guilty about spending time on themselves. Somehow we've been taught that all of a man's free time is to be spent doing things for the family, which creates resentment and guilt when he doesn't do what he thinks others want. You need time for yourself, for your fitness, for your body. You need yourself to be healthy; if you're not, you won't help your family. However, don't spend three hours at the gym. Instead, create workouts that give you individual time that works.

2. Set realistic goals. Don't wish yourself to have an Adonis-like body in only a month. Instead, set realistic goals that you can reach and that will reward you. Once you have established those, write them down and verbalize them to your family. Unshared goals lead to easy excuses, so eliminate your outs. Make yourself accountable to those you love, to those who will be around to help you. Make your goals family oriented and your fitness chase will become far more guiltless, as everyone knows your purpose and supports it.

3. Accept setbacks. Although you have to set aside time to exercise, we all know that family life is unpredictable. Things occur that you have to handle, so don't lose your mind if you miss a workout here or there. You are not an Olympic athlete, you are a man trying to get himself fit in the midst of being a dad and husband. Family situations must take priority. So, go with the flow and don't lament missing a session or two. Just get back to work the next chance you have.

Make these ideals a way of life and you'll soon see your body and life change for the better.