I was sitting in front of my computer today thinking about my blogs for the next week when it occurred to me that today is arguably one of the most important days on any man’s calendar. Why? If you’re a parent, grandparent, or (fanfare!) great-grandparent, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you don’t fit into one of these categories, then I hope that one day you will experience the joys, the desperation, and the beauty that being a dad can be.

But, there is more to this than relationships with your children and their children. What about the relationship with yourself? Are you healthy, happy and capable of living the life you want to live? Are you able to actively participate with your children and grandchildren in sports and physical activities? If the answer is yes, good for you and keep doing what you’re doing. If the answer is no, read on and consider how life might not be the way it is today!

What does it mean to me to be able to go out to a park or the beach and throw a ball, kick a soccer ball, play volleyball or wrestle with my grandchildren? Honestly, there’s nothing in the world I wouldn’t do so I can continue to do all of these things and have the security of knowing that I’m fit, strong, and tough enough to keep up with them and not get hurt.

So you’re over 40, carrying too much weight, working long hours; So what!! In December 2012 she weighed 130kg, had over 30% body fat and felt like a slug. Today I weighed 200lbs, my body fat is now 17.4% (and falling), and last weekend I ran a 5K in under 30 minutes.

I’m not superhuman, I work just like everyone else, I have life, work and family stressors that I have to deal with on a daily basis, but I know that my health and fitness are the key things that underpin my ability to perform at my best every day, whether at work, at home, or at play.

Ok, you are a man and you are over 40 years old. Can you remember in high school how much skinnier you were and how much more energy you seemed to have? You can go back to being slim and full of energy in high school. You will not have to mortgage your house or spend hours and hours in the gym.

What it takes is commitment, consistency, and a level of discipline that you probably haven’t had before in your personal life. The rewards? They are huge! You’ll get back to a healthy state, shed unwanted and unnecessary body fat, build muscle, and develop a metabolism that will have you running flat out all day (and night). His spouse will love the new self (that’s not to say she doesn’t already), their children and grandchildren will discover that the ‘old’ is fun to be with and is actually ‘tougher’ than they thought.

More importantly, you’ll be putting years in the bank. Hundreds of studies have been conducted over the years on the effects of regular exercise and healthy nutrition and, without exception, they all point to a marked extension in life expectancy and that those extra years are less likely to be consumed by chronic diseases and debilitation.

Have a fantastic Father’s Day and I hope there are many more to come.