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Spotlight on a fit daddy
By workoutmommy | July 3, 2008
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I usually include a weekly post about a fit mommy that I have ‘met’ on the blogosphere, but this week I want to give some attention to a fit daddy. He blogs over at TB’s Journey and has made a fantastic transformation over the past year. (he has lost 80+ pounds!)
He is a busy dad with four busy kids (including a newborn), yet still manages to find time for fitness and healthy eating. His tag line is that he is “maintaining a healthy lifestyle one step at a time”.
Please read on for more about TB below—I think you will agree that he is definitely ‘One fit daddy’!
Q: How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have 4 children ages 6, 4, 2, and a new baby born on June 3. First two are girls, last two are boys. My wife and I have been married since 2000. We met in college, but didn’t start dating till afterwards.
Q: Have you always been fit and if not, what inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
I was fit through high school. I played football and worked out three times a week for weight training through my Junior Year of High School. I was one of the original members of the 200 club in my high school, which meant I could bench press 200 pounds for 10 repetitions. After my Junior Year, I decided music was more important to me and I focused on joining the musical for my Senior Year. Unfortunately, the strength training and workouts did not seem important anymore. Once I went to college, I gained the “Freshmen 15″ 3 times over. At the beginning of my Freshman year, I weighed 186 and by the end of my Freshman year, I was well over 220. That’s a lot of weight in one year! After that, I never really cared about my weight and didn’t worry about exercise. After I got married, I joined Weight Watchers for a short time since my place of employment had an At-Work Session. I lost 26 pounds in 20 weeks, but gained in all back plus after the sessions ended. I wasn’t really motivated to keep losing. It wasn’t until someone at work actually had the nerve to tell me that I looked like I was “putting on a few pounds” that motivated me to do something about my weight and my overall lifestyle. Now, whenever I see my friend in the hall, she stops to say, “You can stop losing now!” or “I wish I could have done as well!”
Q: Please tell us more about your success with weight watchers and what you like most about the program?
I started attending Weight Watcher meeting in early May of 2007. I signed up for a monthly pass, which also includes the Weight Watcher etools. This has been what has been most instrumental to my success. I would track what I was eating and my points right online after each time I ate. I also found great support from the message boards especially the “Guys on a Diet” or GOAD as it is referred to. This has been the best part of Weight Watchers for me. Another aspect that has really appealed to me has been that I can eat whatever I want. I don’t have to buy certain products or meals, just estimate points. After 7 months, I reached my goal losing over 80 pounds. Since January, I have been struggling to maintain the loss and have decided to remain accountable to myself by working for Weight Watchers. I am a receptionist at the meeting I attended and love continuing the contact with the group.
Q: What are some of the main obstacles you have hit with your fitness program?
Time seems to be the biggest obstacle in exercising. I hate waking up earlier than I need to, but if I wait till after work, I like to spend time with the kids. There really is not a good time, but I know how important it is, so I make the time. I try to workout longer on the weekends when I have more flexible time and usually end up doing less structured fitness during the work week.
Q: What advice do you have for those who say they do not have time for exercise?
What’s more important than your health? I hate giving up my family time, but I also realize that I am prolonging my family time when I exercise more. Break you exercise up into smaller time frames and don’t underestimate the small things, like parking farther away and taking the steps instead of the elevator.
Q: What is your favorite exercise/workout and why?
I enjoy exercising with my kids. My kids have an endless amount of energy and if I can keep up with them, I can conquer anything. We have family races and love to “play” in the backyard. Moving is the key. I do enjoy sitting down, but when I’m outside with the kids, it’s exercise time. Quality time that they will remember.
Q: How does your family feel about your eating and fitness habits? Are they on board and encouraging?
My wife is very supportive. I’m hoping that my kids will never remember the “Big Daddy” they once had. We eat healthy meals together every evening and our snacks have become so much more healthy than before. Of course, my kids still enjoy “treats,” but they are much more less infrequent and the healthy snacks have taken over the pantry.
Q: Random question: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go ….and would you bring your kids with you?
I would love to conquer a cruise to Alaska. My wife and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon and I’m sure I gained at least 10 pounds. I would love to be able to conquer the food and come out with a healthy weight. And I’d love to bring the kids too.
Thank you TB for being featured here as a fit daddy! You are inspiration to all of the dads out there, keep up the great work!
If you, (or someone you know), would like to be featured as “One Fit Mommy”, please send me an email and let me know!
Topics: one fit mommy |
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
its refreshing to see a man take an active interest in his health.
im surrounded by men that swill beer and dont eat anything unless it comes in a paper bag or is wrapped in bacon.
Every Gym’s Nightmare’s last blog post..When Injuries Throw A Wrench In Your Routine
July 3rd, 2008 at 12:22 pm
VERY COOL!
let’s hear it for the dads.
M.
MizFit’s last blog post..food glorious food.
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Fantastic story and congratulations…keep it going!
Mark Salinas’s last blog post..Maintaining a Healthy Routine
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Great post! Here’s to all the fit dads out there. It’s nice to shine the spotlight on them, too!
Wifey’s House’s last blog post..Me and Husband… and Ballerina Barbie?
July 3rd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
That’s so nice to hear about the fit dads! And good job for that friend of his to have said something and to be so positive and supportive- thats a delicate subject to successfully bring up in a positive way.
Sagan’s last blog post..The Meatrix
July 3rd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
It’s so refreshing to hear a guy’s perspective and see a father wanting to set a good example for his kids. I know it’s not unusual but here in the blogosphere, you tend to hear more about the mothers than the fathers.
GREAT STORY!
Gemfit’s last blog post..On inconsideration
July 4th, 2008 at 6:07 am
now Im wondering if my renaissance man would be game for this?
with his face blurred??
MizFit’s last blog post..food glorious food.
July 4th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Great to read about the Dads out there doing more to stay healthy and fit. It’s more common than we realize because it’s usually the Moms who go public with it. Great blog, thanks for sharing.
Robin
Robin Plan’s last blog post..Is The Surgeon General Wrong About Why Americans Are Overweight?
July 4th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Thanks for sharing my story. Can’t believe it’s been a solid year since I’ve been blogging too.
TB–Milwaukee’s last blog post..A Contest, A Meme, A Anniversary and More