Strong Dads at PRIMAL
Strength. It’s in us all. And it comes in many forms. Parenting requires strength and at PRIMAL, where strength is a part of life, it’s only natural that it shapes our parenting too. We’re celebrating some of the strong Dads at PRIMAL, who play hard and train hard - passing on gains to the next generation.
Fathers training with their children create strong, lasting bonds and set the foundation for a lifetime of health and fitness. Here’s what team PRIMAL had to say.
The Importance of Family Fitness
Training together as a family teaches teamwork and support and provides healthy habits from an early stage, promoting physical and mental wellbeing for both generations.
Our team at PRIMAL are more than just fitness professionals; they're passionate advocates of family fitness. Here’s why our strong fathers regularly train with their children.
Brian Lewis, Senior Buyer
"I’m fortunate enough to be able to train at home and have a nice set-up in our garage, which also has a swing and gymnastic rings for my 6-year-old daughter. She doesn’t like to be left out, so when I’m training she uses her own dumbbells and kettlebells that she is becoming ever more confident in using.
We also do some taekwondo pad work which is a great way for her to burn up some energy! I love spending time with her this way, but even more so, seeing that she has some understanding that exercise is good for her and it’s fun!"
Brian is an expert in the highest quality gym equipment, keeping PRIMAL products at the top of the game, and he does the same for his daughter. The parenting strength we’re seeing come through loud and clear for Brian is the ability to make important tasks fun for the best possible outcome.
Robbie Innes, Chief Financial Officer
Robbie is a busy Dad of 3, who’s strength that comes through (both in parenting and at work) is a positive mindset. Robbie sets the tone for a nurturing environment and knows that this is a great example for his family too.
"Strength training is fairly new to me, but it gives me the same buzz I get after a run or game of football. When I’m in that positive mindset, I know it rubs off on the kids, and ultimately, I feel like I’m a better dad in those moments.
I understand how much of an impact parents’ behaviour has on kids, particularly in their early years – I try to be a positive role model by leading a balanced, healthy lifestyle, which I believe is the key to overall happiness. When I’m tired and don’t feel like training, I know it will give me energy. I have the mantra that doing something is better than nothing – even if it’s just a few push-ups before going to work in the morning."
Ross Nixon, Head of Leisure Trusts and Education
Ross is a parenting pro, as a father of five! The strength this takes needs no explanation, but here he reminds us that a Dad can be the pace setter in an already energetic family. He takes his fitness seriously for the good of his daughters and his own health.
"Parenting can be challenging and rewarding, often in equal measures. I like to prioritise health and fitness, staying active and working out when I can fit something in each week. It gives me the strength to survive the challenging parenting moments and the energy and stamina to enjoy the fun-filled times.
Working on my physical fitness promotes good mental fitness for me too. Workout times and duration certainly differ from life before kids, but I enjoy the challenge of matching the kids’ activity and energy levels. Releasing parenting frustrations on a good workout is rewarding. It’s important for building strength and resilience during toddler tantrums. Ultimately, it allows me to enjoy quality time as a family, often on outdoor adventures, hiking, cycling, paddleboarding, swimming, football."
Benefits of Physical Activity With Your Kids
In 2022, the World Health Organisation have suggested that children from the age of 5 should look at intense cardio based exercise, and exercises that strengthen muscle and bone, a minimum of 3 times a week.
Strength training for youth has been deemed safe from recent studies in the British Journal for Sports Medicine, and extremely beneficial with strength improving up to 50% in youth who were training 2 times a week for just 8-12 weeks.
It's no surprise that with parents setting the example for a health and fitness focus in life, that more children are starting to train themselves. Benefits include:
Physical Health
- Enhanced Fitness: Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and increases endurance for both parents and children.
- Healthy Habits: Children learn the importance of physical activity and are more likely to maintain these habits into adulthood.
Mental Wellbeing
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Stress Relief: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve mood, which certainly helps with the patience required for parenting!
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Confidence Boost: Achieving strength and fitness goals together boosts self-esteem and confidence.
Stronger Relationships
- Quality Time: Working out together provides an opportunity for parents and children to spend quality time away from daily distractions (usually screens!).
- Empathy building:: Training together gives a sense of teamwork and mutual encouragement.
Thanks to our PRIMAL Dads for setting a great example. Happy Father’s Day to all Strong Dads.
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Strength. It’s in us all.