Fitness Blogger Spotlight with Paul Stainthorpe, Father Fitness

If you’re yet to find your inspiration for getting fit, get to know Father Fitness blogger Paul Stainthorpe. Heavy child car seats sparked his journey, and blogging on exercise and healthy days out with his family keeps him going. The Rocky IV soundtrack helps as well, so if you’ve found that you’ve lost ‘the light of self-control’ when it comes to staying active, read on and remember that ‘the cave that holds you captive has no doors’…

How did you get started with blogging about fitness?
When my little boy was born, I was really out of shape. I struggled to carry his car seat through the house and he wasn’t getting any lighter! I had always been an active person all throughout school and college. It was only when we moved into our own place that I let things slide and so the birth of my child got me exercising again. I started blogging as a way to keep me motivated. If I put something out there, I had to keep it up and so far, so good.

What’s your favourite thing to post about on your blog?
I like to blog about family days out, especially ones with lots of walking and fresh air. I promote a clear mind as I believe it leads to clearer decisions. I also love to write honest blogs where I may have been struggling. These seem to get the most interaction; I think readers like the honesty and the fact I’m bridging the gap between an unfit dad to a fitter dad.

What are your tips for getting back into an exercise routine after the festive season?
If you’re using the New Year to start afresh, take it slow and don’t put yourself under too much pressure. No one is judging you and small goals are better than unrealistic ones. Find yourself a sport or an exercise you enjoy, too – you’ll be more likely to stick to it. I’ve been weight training for over 23 years and I love it. There’s something out there for everyone, you just need to find it.

What makes the fitness blogging community different (and better!) than others?
I’ve been a part of the fitness blogging community for quite a few years now. Some have come and gone but I’ve always tried my best to be extremely supportive. Especially the male bloggers, because they seem to need the most encouragement. I can’t really answer the question though because we all blog about our experiences and our own individual journeys, hoping that something connects with our readers.

Weirdest fitness trend you’ve tried/heard about?
Probably the vibrating plate. I was so sceptical of this, but I believe it actually worked! Incredible when you think about it.

What are the best songs to get you fired up to work out?
I love the Gladiator soundtrack – ‘What we do in life, echoes in eternity!’ Some Rocky IV tunes are normally on my playlist, along with Pink.

Who are your fitness heroes/inspirations?
This might sound strange but no one you guys will know. I will take my kids to school and I’m surrounded by parents who are on their own fitness journey. You can see them looking fitter and healthier each week. These are the people who inspire me.

How do you work with PRs and brands?
I have a standard fee which includes a blog post, photography and I share it via all my social channels. I can also produce videos and work on solely social media campaigns if required.

For PRs looking to work with you and your blog, how would you prefer they approach you?
The emails that stand out are the ones that state my first name and mention something specific about me. It proves they’ve actually read my blog and I see these emails as being serious about working with me.

What other blogs do you read?
I read my wife’s blog Mutha Fitness, although she hasn’t blogged in a little while – I must get on to her! I also enjoy reading my friend’s blog Hoyles Fitness – he’s another honest blogger and we’ve supported each other for many years. We made an eBook together called ‘The Ultimate Father Fitness Programme’ (shameless plug, but check it out here).