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Running in Circles
How to Find Time to Exercise and Still Be a Great Dad
By I.J. Schecter
Many non-gym options will still allow you regular social interaction. Join a Running Room or similar organization; find a regular pick-up basketball game; get one of your friends to commit to a tennis game twice a week; or start a fathers' exercise group. You may view this latter idea as something more female-oriented, but don't be surprised if you come to enjoy spending time with other fathers, exchanging stories, talking sports and getting a good workout to boot.
The hours are there -- you just have to use them wisely. Pre-baby, you'd probably go to the gym, warm up, work out according to loose guidelines, maybe adding a few sets if you were feeling especially strong that day, shower, grab a high-carb drink and PowerBar, chat with the gym staff a while, and then get home. Post-baby, working out becomes a matter of efficiency. You need to manage a) your overall exercise schedule and b) your individual workout efficiency.
Take a close look at your workout calendar and see where modifications might be made.
- Do you typically head to the gym after work, put in a hard hour or so, take a shower, whirlpool or steam, and then head home in time for dinner? Try exercising over lunch hour instead. Even if it means you have to bring lunch back to your desk, isn't it worthwhile if it means having an extra hour with your baby?
- Or save your workout until later in the evening, after your baby is asleep. There's a great double benefit: your partner is likely feeling worse about her physical state than you are (nomatter what you think) and finding time to work out together not only demonstrates your emotional support, but it also makes the overall goal of reclaimed fitness less onerous for her.
