CrossFit Games Athlete Aja Barto on Fitness, Family, and Fatherhood

Want to get stronger, leaner, more energized—and actually present for your family—without living in the gym or chasing influencer nonsense?👉 Grab 25% OFF my Gym Gainz Guide—built specifically for busy dads who want structure without obsession.Use code VIPBBF here: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEB👉 And if you’re struggling to hit your protein, 1st Phorm protein makes it stupid simple. That’s what I use and recommend— https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitnessIn this episode, I break down 10 rules for a 10x better dad life—not hacks, not trends, but habits that compound over time and actually work for real men with real responsibilities.These rules are about strength, longevity, faith, and leadership—because none of this makes you special, but all of it makes you better.Here’s what we cover:Rule 1: Why dads should aim for 1g of protein per pound of bodyweight, and how to hit it without overthinking mealsRule 2: The case for 2 cups of black coffee (focus, performance, zero nonsense)Rule 3: How to consistently drink 3+ liters of water per day without relying on motivationRule 4: Why 4 sprint sessions per month can help preserve speed, confidence, and heart healthRule 5: A realistic approach to 5 workouts per week, with at least 3 days of liftingRule 6: Why 60+ minutes of family play absolutely counts as fitnessRule 7: The power of 7 minutes of daily mobility for joints, movement, and longevityRule 8: Why you don’t need perfect sleep—just 8-ish hours in bed consistentlyRule 9: How 9 minutes of morning sunlight improves mood, sleep, and energyRule 10: Why studying 10 Bible verses matters for dads who want strength without burnoutI’ll also share how to simplify each rule so you can actually stick with it—because intensity doesn’t win long-term, consistency does.You don’t need to do all 10 perfectly.Pick 2–3. Stack wins. Build momentum.Strong dads build strong families.If you want simple programming, structure, and accountability built for fathers, check out the Gym Gainz Guide—and don’t forget to use code VIPBBF for 25% off.Links for 1st Phorm protein, coaching, and resources are all in the show notes.

Most dads think they need a perfect plan, more talent, or the right moment to get ahead. But the truth? Someone with half your talent and twice your consistency is already beating you.Use VIPBBF to get 25% off my workout plan: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEBGet the best protein from 1st Phorm: https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitnessIn this episode, I break down the real reasons dads fall behind—and how to level up in the four areas that matter most: fitness, marriage, finances, and personal discipline.You’ll learn:Why your fitness progress is slow (hint: your nightly drinks are destroying your results)How to train with integrity instead of ego—full-depth squats, extra reps, real effortThe “60/40 Marriage Rule” that instantly improves your relationshipWhy building a side business while working a full-time job is the smartest move for dadsHow to reclaim hours every week by cutting alcohol, scrolling, and NetflixPractical habits to get ahead spiritually, physically, financially, and as a fatherHow consistency—not talent—is the greatest multiplier for every area of your lifeThis episode is for the dad who wants to lead his family with strength, build financial freedom, improve his marriage, and finally get serious about his fitness.If you're ready to stop making excuses and start winning in life, this is the episode you need.

In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I break down the 5 systems every dad needs to audit before 2026: fitness, faith, fatherhood, marriage, and career. This isn’t a hype session — it’s a tactical, 10-minute tune-up to help you finish December with momentum and hit January already winning.➡️ Get your FREE 7-day trial to the Gym Gainz Guide and lock in your training for 2026: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzEMIf you need high-quality protein or creatine, support the show by grabbing 1st Phorm Phormula-1: https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitnessInside the episode:• Fitness Audit:Choose 2–3 strength lifts, a conditioning test (mile run, 2K row, assault bike), and one measurable mobility benchmark. Ask the key question: Am I stronger, fitter, and more mobile than last December?• Faith System Audit:Did you open your Bible daily in 2025? Were you praying proactively? Are you leading spiritually at home or relying on your church to do it for you?• Fatherhood Audit:Where are you present but not engaged? Ben breaks down how to reconnect, reduce distractions, and build deeper daily connection with your kids.• Marriage Audit:A quick scan on tone, presence, and intentionality. Plus: the 15-minute weekly marriage meeting Ben and his wife use to stay aligned.• Career Audit:Where are you wasting bandwidth? What meetings, distractions, or bad habits are draining your effectiveness? And what boundary will you set before January?A strong dad isn’t built in January — he’s built in December.Listen in, take action, and share this with a dad who wants to finish 2025 strong.

In this episode, we break down one unique exercise for every major muscle group — moves that are fun enough to keep you consistent but effective enough to actually build muscle.🔥 Gym Gainz Guide – my 5-day strength program for busy dads: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEB🍽 1st Phorm Phormula-1 – the protein I use for recovery: https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitnessBecause as dads, we want results…but long-term, it’s about consistency, simplicity, and enjoying the process.These movements challenge your body in new ways without falling into the “crazy TikTok workout” trap.Just solid, smart training that helps you stay strong for your family.Inside this episode:Why novelty boosts long-term consistencyThe difference between “unique” and “useless”1 effective movement for: chest, back, quads, hamstrings, shoulders, traps, arms, calves, abs, low back, and forearmsHow to sprinkle in these exercises without derailing your programWhy fatherhood + fitness go hand in handFeatured Exercises:Ring dips, devil squats, high KB row, monkey foot curls, KB archers, calf raises done right, cheat curls, Tate press, snatch high pulls, reverse hyper, ring L-sits, and pinch carries.

In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I break down 6 proven strategies every dad needs to build REAL discipline—especially during the chaos of the holidays. If you’re tired of relying on motivation that comes and goes, this episode will show you how to build the kind of long-term consistency that creates strong bodies, strong minds, and strong families.• Fuel your workouts the right way — grab 1st Phorm Phormula-1 for faster recovery and better muscle growth: https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitness• Train with structure and purpose — start your FREE 7-day trial of the Gym Gainz Guide: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEB• Join a brotherhood of disciplined dads — apply for the Fit Fathers Fellowship and start leading from the front: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1460508811755740/Inside the episode, we dig into:• Why motivation fails and how discipline takes over• How to stack habits so fitness becomes automatic• The power of prepping your gym bag the night before• Why having a plan skyrockets your results• How accountability transforms dads into leaders• And why taking messy action TODAY beats waiting for the perfect momentIf you want this holiday season to be the one where you stop starting over… this is your episode.Let’s get after it.

This week on the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, I share 10 powerful ways for dads to strengthen their body, mind, and spirit through the winter months. What started as a plan to talk about immunity turned into a full conversation on men’s mental health awareness for Movember — because physical health and mental health go hand-in-hand.From vitamin D and community to family playtime and faith, these are practical, science-backed habits every dad needs to stay strong for your family this winter.👉 Grab your free 7-day trial of the Gym Gainz Guide and get back in the game this winter: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEB👉 Check out 1st Phorm Micro Factor for the all-in-one nutrient pack Ben trusts to support immunity and energy: https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=benbarkerfitness

Dads, we’ve got less than two months left in the year — and it’s time to finish strong. Comfort kills growth, and too many men are living soft, distracted, and uninspired lives. In this episode, Ben Barker challenges you to step outside your comfort zone in your faith, family, fitness, and finances so you can lead your home with strength and purpose.💪 Start your free 7-day trial of the Gym Gainz Guide — my proven workout plan built for busy dads who want to get leaner, stronger, and perform better in life and the gym:👉 https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEB🍗 Hit your daily protein goals with my go-to post-workout shake, 1st Phorm Phormula-1 Whey Isolate — it’s fast-digesting, delicious, and helps you recover stronger after every session:👉 https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitnessIn this episode, we cover:How to pursue your wife with passion again — date her, pray with her, and lead her well.Why you must push your workouts close to failure to spark new muscle growth.The importance of deepening your faith beyond a Sunday routine.How to serve faithfully in your work and take control of your finances.🚀 Stop coasting. Start leading.Because dreams die in the comfort zone — but your purpose lives outside of it.

I break down 6 proven fitness and workout tips for busy dads who want to lose fat, build muscle, and stay consistent through the end of 2025—and beyond. If you’ve been struggling to balance work, family, and fitness, this guide will help you simplify your training, dial in your nutrition, and create unstoppable momentum heading into 2026.🔥 Links Mentioned:👉 [Phormula-1 Post Workout Protein – supports recovery & muscle growth] https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=benbarkerfitness👉 [Gym Gainz Guide – free 7-day trial to my full training program for dads] https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEBInside this episode:The 4-day workout split every busy dad should followWhy strength training > endless cardioHow to eat clean without being miserable (the 80/20 rule)The simple supplement stack that actually worksHow to stay consistent when life gets hecticThe #1 mindset shift that helps dads finish strongYou don’t need perfection—you just need persistence.Let’s end 2025 stronger, leaner, and more confident than ever.👊 Join the Fit Fathers Fellowship on Facebook for free accountability and encouragement in faith and fitness.

In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, Ben challenges dads to quit waiting for the perfect time to take action. Whether it’s getting in shape, leading your family in faith, improving your marriage, or taking control of your finances — the perfect time will never come.Ben shares practical wisdom on taking messy action, owning your results, and becoming the kind of man your family can count on. From building a stronger marriage to growing spiritually and physically, this episode is a call for men to stop making excuses and start putting in the reps — in every area of life.You’ll learn:💪 Why waiting for the “right time” keeps you stuck🙏 How faith and fitness both require daily reps❤️ Practical ways to invest in your marriage today🔥 Why small, consistent action always beats perfectionIf you’re a dad ready to lead your family well — spiritually, physically, and mentally — this episode is your wake-up call.📲 Get Started Today:✅ Try my Gym Gainz Guide — your 4-day-per-week training plan for busy dads. Start your free 7-day trial here: https://trainheroic.co/garagegymgainzWEB🥤 Level up your recovery with 1st Phorm Formula-1 Clear Protein https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1-clear/?a_aid=benbarkerfitness

When dads show up—everything changes. In this episode of the Ben Barker Fitness Podcast, Ben dives deep into the impact of a present father—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.You’ll learn:Why kids are 66% more likely to stay active in church if their dad leads by exampleHow kids are 3.5x more likely to live active, healthy lives when they see their dad trainingWhat an elephant herd in Africa can teach us about the power of strong male leadershipHow to build community and brotherhood with other men through faith and fitnessBen challenges fathers to lead with discipline, love, and intentionality—at home, in the gym, and in church.👉 If you’re a dad ready to lead your family well, this episode will light a fire in you.🎧 Tune in, subscribe, and share with another dad who needs encouragement today.