Gym Life

 

“Lil Man” has always been about that gym life.

From an early age, he was drawn to movement, training, and the energy of the gym. After I built a home gym in our garage, he would stop in almost every day—curious, excited, and eager to try everything.

I made it a point to show him how each piece of equipment worked, always keeping safety first while letting him learn by doing. What started as simple curiosity quickly became something more meaningful. It became our time—father and son—learning, growing, and bonding through fitness.

Starting a Fitness Journey as a Parent

I’ve been active most of my life, but like many people, I had periods where I lost focus and gained weight. When Andre was born, I made a decision: I was going to change my lifestyle—not just for me, but for him.

I had already given up fast food years earlier, but I took things further. I quit smoking, improved my nutrition, and built a home gym to get into the best shape possible. I wanted to be there for my son in every way I could—for as long as I could.

More importantly, I wanted to lead by example. Kids don’t just listen—they watch. And I wanted him to grow up understanding that fitness and health matter.

Teaching Kids About Fitness and Nutrition Early

Nutrition isn’t something most of us are taught properly growing up, and I was no exception. But once I committed to a healthier lifestyle, I started learning more about how food truly affects the body.

Over time, I chose to remove meat and pork from my diet after doing my own research. I don’t label myself—I simply aim to be mindful of what I eat.

From the moment “Lil Man” could talk, I began teaching him about nutrition too. Some people thought I was being too strict—that he was too young. But my belief has always been simple: the earlier we teach healthy habits, the stronger they stick.

At just three years old, he spent hours with me in the kitchen while I made fresh juices. He tried fruits and vegetables, asked questions, and learned what different foods do for the body. And when I didn’t know the answer, I looked it up—because if he was curious, he deserved a real answer.

Balancing Kids, Junk Food, and Healthy Habits

Like every child, he was eventually introduced to candy and junk food—especially by well-meaning family members. And yes, it’s nearly impossible to stop grandparents from sneaking treats.

But something interesting happened when he found MMA.

He naturally shifted back toward healthier eating. He began to understand that what he puts into his body affects how he performs, how he feels, and how he trains.

How MMA Changed His Mindset

The gym now means something entirely different to Andre.

It’s no longer just a place to play—it’s a place to work toward a goal. He understands what it takes to chase his dream of becoming a UFC champion, and that mindset shows in how he trains, eats, and carries himself.

For a time, his mother and I brought him to a local gym. He used the treadmill and practiced light, safe exercises under supervision. It became a great family routine—until we were asked to stop due to age restrictions.

So we adapted. Now, we train at home.

Is Strength Training Safe for Kids?

There are many studies showing that strength training for children can be safe and beneficial when done properly. In a world where many kids are increasingly inactive and glued to screens, building strength, coordination, and discipline early is more important than ever.

Since committing to MMA and returning to a more focused approach to training and nutrition, his confidence has grown tremendously.

The foundation we started building when he was just three years old is now paying off—and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Why Training With Your Kids Matters

I strongly encourage parents to find ways to train with their children—no matter how simple it may be.

The benefits go far beyond physical fitness:

• Discipline

• Confidence

• Focus

• Healthy habits for life

These are lessons that carry into adulthood.

By combining regular physical activity with good nutrition, we give our children something invaluable—the tools to live strong, healthy, and confident lives.