Why 'Dad Strength' is God-Given (And How to Unlock It)

You’ve seen it. We all have.

It’s the guy who doesn't look like much—maybe he's got a bit of a gut, hasn't seen the inside of a gym in years—but he can effortlessly lift the heavy end of a couch, carry two kids and a cooler across a hot beach without breaking a sweat, or open a jar that seems welded shut.

We call it "Dad Strength." We talk about it like it's a myth, a strange phenomenon of nature. But what is it really? A genetic fluke? A trick of leverage?

Or is it something deeper?

If "Dad Strength" is real, then why do so many of us feel weaker than ever? Why do you get winded walking up the stairs at work? Why does picking up your seven-year-old feel like a legitimate workout?

You remember being strong. Maybe you were a college athlete, or just the guy who could move his own furniture without a second thought. What happened? Did you just "get old"? Did your metabolism finally give up on you?

The world tells you it's just a part of aging. I'm here to tell you that's a lie. You haven't lost your strength; you've just lost your connection to its source.

What we call "Dad Strength" isn't just about dormant muscle. It's a God-given inheritance. It's the physical manifestation of a man's core purpose: to be a protector, a provider, and a pillar for his family.

Think of it like a spiritual gift. God gives every man the capacity for strength, but it's our job to be good stewards of that gift. When we let our bodies go, when we accept weakness as our new normal, we are neglecting a tool we were given to serve our loved ones and honor our Creator.

For years, I neglected this gift. I was physically present but spiritually and energetically weak. As I wrote about in my own story, my transformation began when I realized that rebuilding my body wasn't an act of vanity; it was an act of worship and responsibility.

Unlocking the strength that is already inside you doesn't require you to live in a gym. It just requires a few Brave Choices.

Brave Choice #1: The Choice to Carry. Your body was designed to carry burdens, both literal and metaphorical. Start by carrying something heavy every single day. It doesn't have to be a barbell. Carry all the grocery bags from the car in one trip. Give your kid a piggyback ride around the block. Do a farmer's walk with two heavy objects in your garage. Re-awaken your body's purpose.

Brave Choice #2: The Choice to Be Grounded. True strength starts from the ground up. Spend five minutes every morning doing bodyweight squats and holding a plank. This isn't about "exercise"; it's about reconnecting your body to the earth and building a stable foundation, just like the one you provide for your family.

Brave Choice #3: The Choice to Fuel the Temple. You can't build a strong house on a weak foundation. For one week, make the brave choice to start every day with a high-protein breakfast and a glass of water instead of just running on coffee. You are fueling the temple God gave you. Treat it with respect.

That feeling of "Dad Strength" isn't something you have to hope for. It's already inside you, waiting to be unlocked. It's your birthright and your responsibility.

Getting strong isn't about ego. It's about having the energy to be present with your wife after a long day. It's about being able to throw your son in the air without fear. It's about having the physical capacity to match your spiritual convictions.

If you're ready to build that capacity, your journey starts not with a massive commitment, but with a single, brave choice.