Craig Ferguson: The Dad Who Balances Life with Fitness and Family
Meet Craig, a 32-year-old born and raised in Cape Breton, NS. Craig wears many hats: he's a dedicated husband, a father to five wonderful children, a passionate teacher, a skilled photographer, and a lifelong athlete with an unwavering passion for sports. Through his journey, Craig has discovered that maintaining a balance between his responsibilities and his love for fitness is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Craig's fitness journey began at the age of 14. "I started at Moxham Fitness with a bunch of friends after school, our routine usually included a workout followed by a walk home with a stop at McDonald's for a Big Mac. We were hitting the gym but had little knowledge about proper nutrition."
Life took a turn when Craig became a dad. Fitness and nutrition took a backseat, leading to a rut where motivation to train or eat healthily waned. A few years ago, feeling fed up with his mediocre approach to fitness, Craig reached out to me for advice. “Scott's main message was simple yet profound: keep it simple.” This advice reignited Craig's passion for fitness. Today, Craig trains five days a week before his kids wake up. He enjoys a quiet coffee before heading to the gym at 5:30 am.
Craig's mornings are a testament to his dedication. His alarm goes off at 4:30 am, followed by a black coffee and creatine. "I try to read a little and catch the morning sports highlights on Sportsnet before leaving for the gym.” Craig practices intermittent fasting, which simplifies his mornings and keeps him focused.
Craig's disciplined approach to nutrition is key to his fitness regimen. He fasts until 2:00 pm every day, creating an eating window between 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm. His diet is rich in protein from steak, chicken, ground beef, and whey protein isolate. Carbohydrates come from white rice, steel-cut oats, and sweet potatoes, while fats are sourced from cashews and grass-fed butter. "Fasting isn't for everyone, but it has enhanced all areas of my life and simplified my days," Craig explains.
He believes that taking care of his health is crucial for being the best dad he can be, both now and in the future. "Living a healthy lifestyle sets a positive example for my kids," he says. "Exercise and healthy eating aren't just tasks or chores; they’re ways to celebrate and nurture the bodies we’ve been given. I hope that by watching me, my kids will learn to appreciate and take care of their own bodies."
For him, exercise and a balanced diet are essential for managing stress and maintaining a positive outlook. "Physical activity helps me cope with challenges and stressful times. When I’m physically active, I feel better mentally and emotionally, which makes me a more patient and loving dad and husband."
His commitment to his well-being extends to his parenting philosophy. "Choosing nutritious foods and prioritizing my well-being is something I want my kids to understand. Staying fit and strong means I can be there for them in every way possible. I want to have the energy and stamina to play with them, support their activities, and be involved in their lives for many years to come."
"Training and eating well prepare me for the long term. I want to be around for all the big and small moments in their lives—graduations, weddings, achievements, and everyday joys."
Building strong family bonds through physical activities is a priority. "Playing sports or going on hikes together strengthens our family bonds. It’s a way for us to connect, have fun, and support each other’s health and well-being. By staying fit, I’m not only enhancing my own life but also investing in our family's future." Craig’s motivation comes from a deep desire to be the best dad he can be and to ensure a healthy, happy, and active life for his family.
Dedicating time to fitness and health is about more than just personal achievement. "I’m doing it for my family, too. It’s a way of ensuring I can give them my best self, day in and day out. I hope that as my kids grow, they’ll find their own ways to stay active and healthy. Whether it’s through sports, dance, hiking, or any activity they enjoy, I’ll always be there to support and encourage them."
Craig reminds his children that living healthily isn't just about appearances. "We live healthily to feel good, be strong, and live life to the fullest," he concludes. Craig is a testament to the power of balancing personal passions with family responsibilities and a true badass Dad in my opinion. His dedication to fitness, health, and family serves as an inspiring example for anyone striving to lead a fulfilling and active life.
Show some love for Craig and give him a follow, @craigferg on IG. He is a great dude and amazing photographer!
