If you’re a busy dad in your 40s, juggling work, family life, and the desire to stay fit, you probably know how hard it is to make time for yourself.
You want to be strong, healthy, and set a great example for your kids—but between work deadlines, school runs, and tiredness, staying consistent is a struggle.
This was exactly where Sean found himself before he reached out to me.
His story is one many men can relate to—stuck in a rut, not seeing any results, and feeling like the years are catching up.
But he turned it all around, and his results are proof that it’s never too late to reclaim your fitness and strength.
Let’s dive into his story…
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I’m 44 years old and work as an Operations Manager in Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire. I live with my wife and two kids.
After turning 40, I went through a rough patch with my mental health. I spent a couple of years working hard to improve it, and eventually, I felt better than I ever had mentally.
But one day, I looked in the mirror and realised my body didn’t match how I felt inside. I was mentally stronger, but physically, I felt weak.
I’d been in a physical rut for years and knew that I didn’t have the luxury of youth on my side anymore. If I wanted to change, I’d have to put the same effort into my body as I had into my mind.
My main goal was to get stronger. If I developed a more defined physique along the way, that would be a bonus.
Before joining Dean, I was doing regular mountain biking, the occasional run, and some trips to the gym.
The biking and running kept my cardio in check, but I wasn’t seeing any real benefit from the gym. I’d go 3-4 times a week, but it was sporadic.
I didn’t have a plan—I’d just use whatever machines were available. I never touched the free weights because I didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t want to look like an idiot.
If I did make any progress, it definitely wasn’t showing in my appearance.
I’m much stronger now, and my body finally reflects how I feel inside. I also have way more energy, which I think is down to better nutrition as well.
The biggest change is that I’m not anxious about taking my shirt off on holiday anymore. I actually feel proud of how I look. Day-to-day tasks that require strength are easier, and I have way more energy to get things done.
I used to worry that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my kids as they got older, but now they’re the ones struggling to keep up with me! Plus, my mountain biking has improved a lot, which is a nice bonus.
The most important thing, though, is the impact it’s had on my family. I’m eating better, and now my wife and kids are too.
I’m really proud of the example I’m setting for my kids. At the start, they thought this was just another one of my fads.
But I’ve shown them what’s possible with hard work and discipline. They’re eating healthier now, and hopefully, they’ll pick up some positive habits for themselves.
The biggest challenge was when I had to have an emergency operation and couldn’t work out for two months. It was frustrating because I felt like all my progress was going to be undone.
But once I gave myself a bit of perspective, I decided to focus on what I could do—nutrition, habits, and mobility. I started walking more, and when I could, I worked my way back up.
By the time I could train again, I hadn’t lost any progress.
It’s honestly the best investment I’ve ever made. Dean’s program is so accessible and easy to follow, it takes the stress out of trying to get in shape.
The whole process has been really enjoyable, especially once the results started coming in.
Just take it one step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by how far you think you have to go. Focus on the next step and keep moving forward.
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This case study highlights that you don’t need to be perfect to make lasting changes. If you’re ready to break out of your rut and show up as the best version of yourself—for you and your family—it all starts with a single step.
Let’s take that step together.
Click HERE for more info on the program and let’s see if I can help.
Dean
Dean McMenamin is an Army veteran, father, dog-lover and body transformation coach to every day men all over the UK & Ireland. He's also a big eater of ice-cream.