If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve said this before:

“I don’t have time.”
“Kids’ schedules come first.”
“I’ll get back into it later.”

Coaches Darren and Jacob hear these words every day. Parenting is busy, messy, and unpredictable. Somewhere in the chaos, your own health often gets pushed to the back of the line.

Here’s the truth the coaches want you to hear: Healthy parents prioritise themselves. It isn’t selfish. Anything you do for your health is a win, and your family needs you at your best.

Let’s break down the key lessons from their conversation.

1. You Can Make Time, But Something Has to Give

Many parents feel they need more time, but the real challenge is prioritising it. As Coach Jacob says:

“You can always make time, you just have to sacrifice somewhere else. Anything towards your health is a win.”

It doesn’t have to be a two-hour gym session. Even 30 minutes once or twice a week makes a difference.

• Wake up a bit earlier.

• Let your partner cover bath time.

• Trade Netflix for a walk.

Small sacrifices today lead to big breakthroughs tomorrow.

2. Training Isn’t Selfish, It’s Smart Parenting

Coach Darren agrees perfectly:

“It’s not selfish to train. It’s actually being responsible… you can’t pour from an empty cup.”

Exhaustion, stress, and running on fumes make everything harder: patience drops, energy dips, and moods decline. Training isn’t just about lifting weights — it’s about lifting the weight of your own life.

When you’re fitter and stronger, it becomes easier to:

✔ Carry the kids
✔ Get through long days
✔ Stay patient
✔ Improve your mood
✔ Sleep better

Feeling good yourself isn’t selfish, it’s responsible. Your family benefits when you do.

3. Your Kids Copy What You Do, Not What You Say

Consider this:

“If you are a parent that actively trains… your kid is six times more likely to become physically active.”

Not just a little more active. Six times more likely. Your kids are watching every habit you model. They notice your routines, your priorities, and what “normal” looks like.

By prioritising your health, you set a lifelong example. Your efforts today help shape their future habits.

4. The Longer You Wait, the Harder It Gets

Parents often fall into this trap:

“Kids are a perfect excuse to not train… but it only gets harder to get back into shape if you wait.”

Life doesn’t slow down, schedules don’t magically open, and children don’t become “less busy.”

Delaying your health quietly compounds:

• Increased stiffness

• More fatigue

• Weight gain

• Rising stress

• Frustration

The sooner you start, the sooner it gets easier.

5. You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan, Just a Structured One

Parents often try to “just start” without a plan and then burn out. The coaches recommend structure. Darren explains:

“Strength, movement, and sleep: do those three things consistently, and you’ll see change.”

You don’t need complicated routines, diet overhauls, or 6-day-a-week training. Just stick to the basics:

• Move your body

• Build strength

• Prioritise sleep

• Follow a structured plan from coaches who understand your life

Our training cycles, phases, and blocks exist to provide that structure, reduce overwhelm, and deliver real results.

6. Parents Need to Work Together, Not Against Each Other

“Moms and dads have to work together… someone pulls an early shift, someone pulls late… that’s how both get time to train,” the coaches explain.

Your fitness isn’t just your responsibility — it’s a team effort. When partners support each other:

• Both get time to train

• Both get time to rest

• Energy levels improve

• Mental health benefits

Healthy parents create a healthy household.

Final Thoughts: Your Family Needs You Strong

The key takeaway from Coaches Darren and Jacob? Stop waiting for “later.” Later isn’t coming.

You don’t need to overhaul your life. Start small. Take meaningful steps. Choose structure over chaos. Lead your family by example.

Remember: You’re not training instead of being a good parent — you’re becoming an even better one.

Want Support? Join a Community That Just Gets It.

If you’re a parent who wants:

• More energy

• Less stress

• Better strength

• Real routine

• Accountability

• Coaches who understand your life

…Baxter Basics Group PT was built for you.

No fluff. No fads. Just real progress for real parents.

Join our training community. Message us here.

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