5 Reasons Why I’m Breaking the Dad Bod

A Dad Bod
31 Jul

Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank

I never really thought of myself as having a dad bod. But as the years march on, it’s definitely something that is more noticeable. And although some people might be comfortable with this type of physique, I’m not. But, it’s for more logical reasons than you might think.

Sure, I could ride the “body positivity” train like so many others on Tik Tok. However, I’m more of a realist with more expectations of myself for improvement.

In other words, I’m not content with being obese. Especially since my size and lack of activity contributed to stopping my heart a few years ago.

It was not a good experience and one that I wouldn’t want to repeat.

What is a “Dad Bod?”

Essentially, the dad bod is a physique that is somewhere between overweight and muscular. Some “experts” will attest that a BMI score between 25 and 29.9 could be considered having a dad bod depending on your level of physical activity.

But, I’m not sure how much stock to put into the BMI. Technically, the BMI would call Chris Evans, Captain America, overweight.

In other words, the BMI is a flawed system, and I have no idea why so many people put stock in it.

Anyway, this physique is more characteristic of the average, middle-aged father who has a bit of muscle mass but also supports a fair amount of fat. He’s overweight but short of being obese.

Why I am Getting Rid of the Dad Bod

In reality, there’s nothing inherently wrong with having a dad bod. In fact, a lot of people nowadays praise it as a good thing. But from my perspective, it’s more of a hindrance.

In more ways than one.

I Don’t Like Hurting

First of all, my recent workout routine has demonstrated one very important thing to me. I am grossly out of shape. Right now, I am nursing quite a few sore muscles from my exercises.

Sure, I could give up on exercises altogether and just be happy with my size. But, there are a lot of good things that come from proper fitness. For example, I wouldn’t have pulled my shoulder trying to spin a broken pipe in the shower the other day.

It’s practical things like home repair, shopping, or yard work that drive me to do more that is fitness-related. In fact, I’ve added a good 40 yards to my drive on the golf course just from working out my arms and upper back.

Keeping Myself Alive Longer

Because of past issues, I am working on making sure I stay alive. And at the rate I was going, I am fairly certain I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t make profound changes in my life.

I’m no good to anyone if I’m in the ground.

So, I’ll do what I can to extend my life, which includes making sure I get adequate exercise to improve things like my cardiovascular system. There’s only so far you can drive a car with a broken coolant pipe.

Not Everyone Views the Dad Bod as “Attractive”

Contrary to somewhat sketchy surveys of dad bods, not everyone views them as attractive. This is coming from someone who has tried a bit of online dating and has found a less than enthusiastic response from women.

Someone else that doesn’t think this physique is attractive is me. When I look in the mirror, I definitely don’t see a Greek god looking back…yet.

Now, is it vanity that drives me to do more to get fit? Not really. It’s all about personal preference. If you’re happy with the physique you have, then that’s all that matters. Personally, I know I can do better, and want to.

When meeting someone for the first time, it’s your appearance that makes the first impression. Everyone has their own style and tastes, so you really can’t fault them for wanting to be with someone who has a specific physiology.

Because I’ve Never Seen Myself Without One

One thing I’m truly excited to see is myself at an ideal weight and body fat percentage. I’ve never seen myself as an adult who wasn’t obese. So, this is very exciting for me.

In fact, the difference between myself today and what I weighed back in 2013 is night and day. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. The contrast is incredible, and that’s just the difference of 70 pounds.

4YearDifference

I’m pretty excited to reach my goals and see what I look like afterward. Who knows, I might appear as a troll and decide to put the weight back on. But all kidding aside, I’m incredibly curious as to what I’ll look like in a couple of months.

To Prove to Myself I Can Do It

And lastly, I’m breaking the dad bod to prove to myself that I can. It’s one of those things where I want to know what I’m capable of and can muster the willpower and motivation to accomplish something.

I’m one of those people who don’t really have a lot of major accomplishments in their lives. Sure, I’ve done a few things here and there that I’m proud of…such as turning myself into a freelance writer, buying a home, and raising some amazing kids.

But when it comes to personal growth, not so much. I’m trying to finish writing some novels, and I have helped a lot of people throughout the years in a myriad of ways.

Unfortunately, I can’t really say that I’ve done a lot when it comes to self-improvement. At least not to the point where I would like to be.

Getting down to my goal weight and body fat percentage is something I can control. Success or failure all rides on the decisions I make alone. And I want to prove to myself that I am capable of doing more and achieving what I set my mind to do.

The Dad Bod Just Isn’t for Me

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. There might be women who love the dad bod, or maybe there are guys out there who are just comfortable being overweight or out of shape.

However, I am not one of them. I have a lot of reasons why I want to get more out of fitness. The list above only scrapes the tip of a massive iceberg of realistic reasons to exercise.

But don’t think I’m trying to make you feel bad. Like I said, it’s all about personal preference. I just want to do more with what time I have left.

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