From Excuses to Empathy: A Dad’s Take on the Real Fitness Struggle
Growing up, I always imagined myself as a dedicated gym-goer — big, strong, and consistent. I had memberships at countless gyms, from Fitness First to David Lloyd. At uni, my gym was literally 50 metres from my dorm. Did I go regularly? No. Did I put in the consistent effort needed to build the physique I wanted? Also no.
Injuries piled up, and excuses flowed just as fast: “no time,” “too tired,” and, if I’m honest, “the pub was more fun.” The truth? I felt overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start.
From Gym Sales to Coaching Parents
During my gap year, I worked at a gym in Australia. It was a sales role, but it gave me first-hand experience of working with everyone — from seasoned bodybuilders to total beginners. What made me successful wasn’t just the sales training, but two simple things:
My drive to succeed.
My genuine passion for helping people reach their goals.
That passion has stayed with me. Seventeen years later, I believe it’s exactly what the modern fitness industry is missing.
The Fitness Industry Is Overcrowded With Misinformation
Scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll find:
One influencer telling you to train 5 days a week for fat loss.
Another swearing by sleep, steps, and water.
Others claiming “everyone has time” to live like a fitness pro — when in reality, most of us are juggling careers, kids, and chaos.
As a dad, I know first-hand: life doesn’t run on a perfect schedule. Parents face school runs, sleepless nights, illnesses, tantrums (so many tantrums), and constant time pressure. Yet the industry keeps promoting unrealistic routines that don’t reflect real life.
Where Fitness Fails Everyday People
The issue isn’t just contradictory advice. It’s the culture.
People are mocked online for doing exercises “wrong.”
Beginners are ridiculed instead of educated.
And genuine support is replaced by chasing likes and followers.
If fitness professionals took 30 seconds to offer guidance instead of judgment, two things would happen:
People would feel encouraged instead of embarrassed.
Many would turn into long-term clients because they trusted the person who helped them.
That’s the real opportunity — building a healthier, more inclusive fitness culture.
What Needs to Change
I don’t have all the answers, but I believe this:
The industry needs less ego, more empathy.
We need coaching that fits real lives — especially for mums and dads.
And we need to make fitness about support, confidence, and health, not quick fixes or public humiliation.
That’s the approach I’m taking with my coaching. Because if we want a fitter, healthier society, it starts with making parents feel supported, not overwhelmed.
