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There is no strength like dad strength. It is quiet, patient, and persistent. Some would say stubborn, dammit. Dad strength rarely makes the highlight reel. It exists in the in-between spaces....The times when nobody—except maybe your kid—is watching.
The Dad Strength Podcast was created to support and encourage the best in dads like you. Authors, entrepreneurs, artists, and experts from all over share their wisdom with us. We discuss 360º health, doing work that matters, and—of course—fatherhood. These conversations are fun, informative, and always emphasize action and understanding.
The Dad Strength Podcast is hosted by Geoff Girvitz. Geoff is a father, fitness expert, and curious fellow. Based in Toronto, he has been featured in Vice, GQ, and multiple exercise publications. He is known for innovation and real-world success in the fitness industry. Now, Geoff is pointing a wide-angle lens at health and parenthood. Workouts and nutrition are just part of the program. He will be looking at relationships, critical thinking, motivation, and discipline. In short, anything you need to earn the mug that says “*World’s Greatest Dad.”*
“I want to be Mr. Rogers for men over 30,” says Geoff. “There is so much noise and confusion out there.” We *all* need a community devoted to the best we have inside of us. The Dad Strength Podcast is here to make the world a better place through our roles as fathers and as men.
Don’t try to build new skills
I’m pro-new year’s resolutions… But with the caveat of actually trying to make them work for the long-term. So, if you’re dusting off the fitness equipment, signing up to a new gym, or otherwise looking to restore an old exercise practice, then this one is for you: Don’t try to build new skills.
Wait. If that were the resolution, it would be pretty depressing. Rather, my advice to first build your capacity. Get into an exercise space and do stuff that you already know how to do. Start with a small dose and then build into doing more and more.
Here’s why: Capacity-building is your first priority. It expands the size of your container. It creates the ability to do more high quality work AND you will quickly experience benefits along the way. You won’t have to try to learn; it will just happen.
What you’re not doing here is trying to ride two horses with one ass. It’s hard enough to push boundaries of your existing skills. Adding a whole layer of complexity on top makes things so much harder. So do that later. And. by later, I mean in a week or two. That’s it. It’s not a long time; just long enough to restore your ability to maintain technique while experiencing physical stresses.
If you’re not sure what to do, here’s a very simple capacity-building workout:
Do a 30-60 second burst of cardio
Perform a loaded carry
Optional easy movement
Wait until your heart rate is about two 120 beat per minute and then repeat. Do 10-minute sets with five minutes of easy, recovery cardio in between… As many as you can without making things feel like a forced march.
Personally, I like to do this one: sled-pulls + farmer’s carries + push-ups. However, sleds aren’t always handy so here’s a stripped-down version:
30 second bike interval (this could be skipping rope or low-knee runs—many things work)
Grab a heavy dumbbell or kettlebell and walk or march in place for 60 seconds
Expand the container first, add new stuff later. You don’t have to rush if you’re building toward a full year—and beyond—of consistent practice.
Support Dad Strength and get access to bonuses—including a month of Dad Strength weekly calls.
John Saxon introduced Bruce Lee to kettlebell training on the set of Enter the Dragon
Making it real makes it messy
There are so many things that feel perfect when they exist purely in the space of ideas. Yet, just like “no plan survives contact with the enemy,” no idea remains perfect when you convert it into action.
If you are expecting perfection or immediate success, you will be disappointed. Maybe even thrown off course. However, if you consider the experience of having your ideas challenged—maybe even shattered—as one of the ingredients in moving forward, that’s different. It’s like the peaty taste in whiskey… part of a complex array of flavours—and not for everyone.
The quote above comes from Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, a Prussian field marshal and wearer of pointy hats
Anger with love
You can yell. You can glower. You can dispense punishments… pardon me, “consequences,” as they’re now called—and therefore totally different. My question is this: do your kids—in these moments—know that you love them just as much as when you’re calm and collected?
This stuff can be tricky. That’s why we talk it out every Tuesday.
To check things out visit dadstrength.com/calls
Your Breakfast Is Holding You Back
Coffee alone isn’t breakfast.
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Upgrade Your Breakfast Today
What I’m reading watching/listening to:
Revolutionary Spring: Europe Aflame and the Fight for a New World Order –1848-1849– by Christopher Clark
Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR)
A Complete Unknown: the ballad of Toshi Seeger
Happy New Year from Airwolf
A Quote
“You’ve grown into someone who would have protected you as a child.”
― Unknown
A Dad joke
I just joined an amateur autopsy club. Tuesday is open Mike night!
Take care of yourself, man!