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By Jason David
Celebrating Real Dads: The Gym Force Father’s Day Message highlights the importance of honoring everyday dads who balance family, work, and personal health, rather than adhering to unrealistic fitness expectations set by influencers.
Every Father’s Day, fitness influencers and social media personalities urge dads to get in shape for their families' sake, portraying an ideal of strength and physical prowess. The message is clear: dads should be fit so they can play with their kids and protect their families. However, this message also implies that if you’re not hitting the gym, you somehow care less about protecting your family or enjoying activities with your kids. That’s a load of nonsense and simply not true.
Sure, if you’re a black belt in jiu-jitsu, chances are you’ll prevail in any physical altercation—so go ahead and learn that! But for the most part, the protection of your family will be much more impacted by factors other than the fitness of the father. Your ability to protect and support your family involves much more than some exercise routine.
As a father myself, who has consistently worked out throughout my child’s life, I’ve also learned that the reality of fatherhood doesn’t always align with these portrayals. For instance, my daughter was done playing with me by age five! Seriously, one day you're the jungle gym, the next day you're just the ATM. Most dads are already doing their best with the knowledge and resources they have. They don't need an annual reminder that they should be working out.
The truth is, many dads don’t resonate with the image of the shirtless influencer showing off his physique and advocating for a strict diet of turkey burgers and cauliflower rice. Most dads I know enjoy their pizza on Fridays, have a beer with their buddies occasionally, and strive to balance family, work, and personal health without obsessing over looking like a fitness model.
These dads understand the basics: fruits and veggies are good for them, moderation is key, and yes, we’ve all been there—devouring an entire ice cream container in one sitting. Hey, it happens! We don’t need Mr. Shirtless to tell us that it wasn’t meant to be a single serving. Most dads' goals aren’t to be known as the dad who never leaves the gym. They want to be known as the dad who shows up for his family—whether he's rocking abs or a dad bod.
At Gym Force, we believe that all dads should find a gym that fits their lifestyle—a place where they can not only work out but also connect with other dads who understand their daily challenges. A good gym community offers more than just fitness; it provides support, camaraderie, and a shared understanding that health is a long game.
So, to all the dads out there, we see you. We know you’re playing the long game, balancing family, work, and personal health. Keep at it. We know you’re not aiming to be the most ripped dad in the world, but if that’s your goal, we support you too. And if you’re not currently working out, that’s okay—but consider finding an activity you enjoy. Not because an influencer says you should, but because you know it will improve your life in countless ways.
This Father’s Day, let’s shift the focus from unrealistic fitness expectations to celebrating the real efforts and achievements of everyday dads. Whether you’re lifting weights, running, playing sports, or just trying to stay active, remember that every bit counts. Your health matters, not just for your family but for you.
So here’s to all the dads: keep playing the long game, find a community that supports you, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Happy Father’s Day from Gym Force!