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Embracing Your Dad Bod

dad holding child

As summer comes into full bloom, many will begin to notice several sports-deprived men, donning their well-used cargo shorts, emerging from sheds and basements across the nation. We’ve been itching to immerse ourselves into lawn care, gardening, power-washing, BBQing, and many other gender-stereotypical outdoor projects. As the heat rises and our collective brows sweat, you may be fortunate enough to witness the unapologetic unveiling of the shirtless and proud Dad Bod.

What’s a Dad Bod?

For those new to the term, a Dad Bod is a male body type that is best described as soft and round. It’s believed once men have children, we worry less about maintaining our once sculpted and studly physiques. The Dad Bod is more marbled rib eye than filet mignon, more mudslide than mountain, more soft serve than sorbet, and more mashed potato than skinny fry. The Dad Bod is built for comfort. (Thank you Urban Dictionary for the superb visuals.)

If you’re the type of dad who has the discipline to eat healthier, limit your beer consumption, and find the time to work out, I have no quarrels with thee (mainly because I will never outrun you). I have the utmost admiration and envy for your mental fortitude and godly figures. But this message is not for you, get back to that colossal quota of crunches you’ve set for today.

This is a salute to my bulky brethren who put their workout routine on hold for a while (we’ll get back to it someday, right?). To the doughy dads who don’t think twice about eating that extra slice of pizza or having that second beer. Let’s face it, many of us have caved to a few too many COVID quarantine snacks. Plus, our metabolisms have slowed down, our taste for craft beers has refined, and our priorities have changed quite a bit since having kids.

Dad Bods Are Worth It

Historically, we are more involved in our children’s lives than our forefathers, so we have much less time for ourselves. We are choosing to be chauffeurs and spectators to our kids’ physical activities rather than participating in them. We decide to walk with strollers rather than run the trails. We prefer to track our Mario Kart wins rather than following our daily steps. And you know what? I feel no need to apologize – and neither should you.

Let us embrace and celebrate the Dad Bod (while cautious not to promote lethargy or obesity). Let’s focus on healthy relationships, self-confidence, and body positivity. Let us teach our kids to be confident in their skin, to be happy with themselves, and that the “perfect” body is as mythical a character as a rainbow unicorn (even though rainbow unicorns are pretty awesome!).

So please join me in raising a beer-cozy covered can from your perfectly placed lawn chair and salute the bodacious and beautiful beast that is the Dad Bod.

Frank Emanuele is a proud father of two boys, a special education teacher, and a director of Dad Club London.

 

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