While the evidence is there for a healthy lifestyle and a regimen of self care and fitness, only you can answer the question of why to begin. Again, a plan is paramount. Decide in advance how much time, money, and energy you will dedicate to your fitness goals. Perform regular check ins with your partner or yourself to assess your progress and consistency. If you're not meeting your goals, don't beat yourself up. Instead, make small adjustments to get back on track with your family's vision.

As a new parent, it's crucial to manage your time effectively, as most of it is devoted to caring for your baby. For many dads, this means scheduling early morning workouts and carving additional hours into a busy day. Many find that exercising first thing in the morning is the best way to ensure it happens before the day's responsibilities begin.

For some dads, this adjustment is essential; if they don't work out in the morning, it likely won't happen at all. An early morning routine also offers a break from parenting duties, providing some "me-time" to focus, recharge, and reset with physical activity.

Plan, Commit in advance and keep your schedule. Though tough to begin, it becomes habits. And habits are tough things to break.

As fathers we get precious little time for ourselves. A good workout is a great way to focus on ourselves in a positive and uplifting manner. It builds or self esteem, boosts our immune system, strengthens our body and nourishes our minds. Use this time not simply as a method to get some me time, but as a means to build a more positive, more stable and more resilient you. Your goals should fit who you are now, as a parent, not who you were before. Be critical, but realistic.

Choose a fitness program that you truly enjoy and that takes you out of your usual routine, requiring your full focus and attention. As a dad, it's easy to fall into a routine and just go through the motions, thinking it's enough. Once the kids are available, get them involved in your journey. Have fun with it, build their skills along with your fitness

Once again, money becomes a central topic. Gym memberships and expensive gear? Not necessary. Running is free, and there are countless online workouts that require nothing more than your commitment and a few minutes of your time and focus. Exercise opportunities are everywhere: bike trips with the kids, walking to the store instead of driving, stretching, and yoga when you wake up. The most valuable investment in taking care of yourself is time. And you have that. Because you need to be there—for yourself and for them.

You’re a leader now. And your children will follow your actions far further than your words. Showing up for yourself is essential to raising well rounded, resilient and capable children. . Encouraging and demonstrating through habit from a young age helps establish lifelong healthy habits.