This Father’s Day we sat down with Nick Andre, who is our Performance Coach Manager for our Burlington Club. He always had a passion for fitness, and he is a father of two young boys who he hopes will one day share that same passion with him.

Q: Nick, start off by telling us how many kids you have?

I have 2 beautiful boys, Quinton 3 years and Rowan 5 months

Q: How has becoming a dad changed your approach to staying active?

It has changed my perspective as I am now a mentor to not only those in my social and professional circles, but more importantly for my young boys at home. I want them to see that living a healthy active lifestyle is fulfilling and rewarding. By incorporating it into our daily routine and lifestyle, they will grow up knowing no different. My approach hasn’t changed much, it has actually forced me to be more efficient and structured with my timing and schedule.

Q: Have you discovered any fun dad-and-kid activities that get you both moving?

Quinton is now discovering sports, meaning he is throwing balls around, picking up hockey sticks, and swinging golf clubs around the house so that’s fun! We are big into riding our bikes right now as I have gotten mine out and ready to ride with him. For Rowan it’s all about getting him outside and exposed to everything usually by being in the carrier or stroller. While at home we get to play via tummy time and I experiment with baby weighted core exercises while messing around with the boys.

Q: If you could fast-forward a few years, what’s one activity you can’t wait to share with your kid? (e.g., riding bikes, Hockey, playing catch)

Don’t tell my wife but probably hockey, I was a big hockey and football athlete growing up. Golf as well as it is a skill and game they can play for their entire life. For me it’s really just about getting them moving and building a lasting relationship with movement, health, and fitness. I was and still am never really staying still, always playing sports, being active, and around competition is just who I am.

Q: What motivates you most to stay healthy now that you’re a dad?

Making sure I am there for my boys and hopefully their kids for as long as I can and in the best possible way. Along with being a role model and someone they can look up to.

Q: How does movement help you show up better as a father?

With 2 young boys, a beautiful and supporting wife, and a job that is both fun and engaging, my daily workout M-F 8am is the one time in a chaos filled day that I get to focus on myself. I push myself, thanks to my Performance Coach Filip every single day, so that whatever else happens in my day, it is not nearly as hard as the pain, struggle, and achievement that comes from the workout. Workout programmed, music in, challenge accepted.

Q: Has being active become more meaningful since becoming a parent? How so?

Yes, the importance of being there for my boys and wife long term is the goal. It’s not just about me and her anymore, we have these 2 young humans we are responsible for and to me that’s not only about being the best role model I can be, but doing it for as long as I can.

Q: What’s a lesson you hope your child learns from watching you stay active?

Not just how important it is, as it effects every aspect of your life, but how fun and enjoyable it is as well. The people, places, and life lessons I have learned from not only sports but health and wellness as whole has shaped who I am and my career.

Q: Any “dad hacks” for staying consistent with your workouts?

Be efficient and effective with your time. Trust me, your partner will be happy! Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Q: What’s more exhausting—burpees or bedtime?

Burpees, always burpees. Unless you are sleep training…

Q: Would you rather: 100 jumping jacks or 100 diaper changes?

100 jumping jacks, no question!

Story Credit: Anthony Cozzetto, Social Media Specialist

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*MOVATI’s trainers and/or consultants are not health care providers, and do not provide any medical diagnosis, treatment or advice, and any trainer and/or consultant tips are not intended to replace the advice of a health care professional.