The Fit Dad: Redefining "Dad Bod" with Justin Moore

Nobody said being a dad would be easy, but being a fit dad can sometimes seem impossible. You work hard to be a hero at the office and at home, but feel frustrated with the beer gut that won't seem to let you off the hook.

It's legitimately hard to find the time for a fitness routine when you already feel spread thin, but fit dad Justin Moore makes it look effortless, and is going to show you how it's done.

"I don't have time to work out is the most common excuse people use to hold themselves back from accomplishing their fitness goals," says Justin.

"We all have the same 24 hours to work with. It's what we do with those hours that differentiates us."

Justin does not claim to have all the answers but he does have a few tricks up his sleeve.

Spending time with family is important, but Justin believes that this should never be a reason to skip the gym. "Your family is your team." They want you to be healthy and happy, so you should always think of them as your motivating factor when self-defeat comes knocking at your door. "My Family (2 boys and an amazing beautiful, fit girlfriend ) is what keeps me motivated, and I would feel like a bad example if I didn't prioritize fitness."

There will always come times when being with your family takes priority over the gym, but finding that balance is the secret to having it all.

Meal prep.

As if being a good dad wasn't time consuming enough, being a fit dad sometimes seems impossible. You have to be at the office by nine and the bills- they need to get paid. Abs are made in the kitchen so meal prepping in advance is crucial here. You can prep the night before or you can pick a day to pack all your meals for the week. This will keep you on track more than you realize, because hunger will betray you if you aren't ready for it. Stopping at McDonald's in a desperate frenzy to get food in your stomach will majorly set you back, not to mention add to the amount of gym time you'll need in order to kick that "dad bod" to the curb. You will also need to keep your diet on point if you want to keep your energy levels up and get the most out of every day.

Every workout counts.

Now that you are on board with meal prep, you will find yourself with a little extra time on your lunch break. Justin pries himself on running 3 miles mid-day, and the proof is in the pudding (or in this case, in our fit dad's shredded physique). Utilizing lunch breaks can make all the difference when time is tight and the gym gods need to be fed. "I am not here to tell you to clock out at 5pm and race to the gym" says Justin. "Do what you need to do to be successful." Be spontaneous, and remember that every workout counts, no matter what.

Starting is the hardest part of starting.

Meal prep: check. Mid-day cardio: check. Now it's time to pick the kids up from school, and they will likely need help with their homework tonight. Justin never sacrifices evenings with his family, and he waits until bedtime to hit the gym for some weight lifting. He follows this routine three times a work-week (and gyms over the weekend), which leaves a couple of days for relaxing. Remember that you can make your own gym-schedule, and it doesn't have to include every day of the week. Starting is the hardest part of starting and there is nothing wrong with starting slow, as long as you start. Weekends are also a great chance to catch up on your gym-time and chip away at that fit dad bod!

Exercising can be fun.

Justin's family stays active over the weekend, making sure to burn calories and sweat while still having fun as a family. This can be as simple as playing capture the flag with them at the park instead of sitting on a bench and watching them play. Buy a frisbee, a football, or some hiking gear and get creative with your family this weekend! Being a fit dad can be as fun as you make it!

Now go, young grasshoppers!

There is no "right time" to start making changes, so push yourself in some small way every day, and it WILL transform you into the fit dad you want to be. Making the decision to change is half the battle but once you build momentum you will find it's so possible, and so much easier than you realize.

This discussion on how to be a Fit Dad with Justin Moore has been brought to us by 6 Pack's social media maven Jade. Check out Jade's feature on Ian "Silverback" Butler and interview with Maribel Lalanne on how to love your body, as well as her posts on being proud to prep and how to build muscle as a vegetarian. Browse meal management systems, gym totes, gym backpacks, and more to find the perfect 6 Pack Bag for you!