My Journey from Dad Bod to Downward Dog
I'm a 44-year-old father of three amazing, energetic young boys (two three-year-olds and a two-year-old). To keep up with them and get back into shape, I'm embarking on a new mission. Fat Dad Yoga is my real-time chronicle of going from the couch, with zero real yoga experience, to becoming a 500-hour certified yoga instructor through the YogaRenew curriculum.
(I am not affiliated with YogaRenew; I am simply a student using their program for my certification.)
This is the real, unfiltered look at what it's like for a regular guy to start yoga for the first time—the clumsiness, the awkwardness, the small wins, and all the challenges along the way. I wanted to show what it *actually* looks like when you're not flexible and don't fit the typical "yogi" mold.
Beyond just the physical, I'm a huge believer in the power of positive psychology. I've always been drawn to concepts like Martin Seligman's PERMA model (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's idea of 'flow'. For me, yoga isn't just exercise; it's a practical way to put these ideas into action. It's a chance to find engagement and flow on the mat, build a positive relationship with my own body, and find deeper meaning in the daily effort—all in the service of accomplishing a challenging and worthwhile goal.
My goal is to document this transformation and create a space for anyone who's ever felt intimidated by yoga. To prove that you don't need to be perfect to start. You just have to be willing to show up and try. Follow along with me!