Dad Bod Revolution: How Four Blokes are Redefining Fitness After Fatherhood
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In partnership with Soul 365
The term “Dad Bod” has copped a bad rap for too long. At Soul 365, they’re flipping the script and celebrating the real strength that comes with being a father who prioritises his health
Walk into any gym in Australia and you’ll see the usual suspects: twentysomething fitness fanatics or middle-aged blokes desperately trying to recapture their glory days. But at Soul 365 in Adelaide’s West End, a different energy altogether. Here, the Dad Bod isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s a badge of honour worn by men who’ve figured out how to balance fatherhood, career demands and personal health without losing their minds.
Meet Sam Brewster, Daniel Marshall, Luke Sullivan and Dave Hart. Between them, they’ve got over 30 years of membership at Soul 365, and collectively, they’re raising eight kids while maintaining careers that would challenge anyone’s work-life balance. These aren’t your typical gym bros – they’re real blokes dealing with real life.
THE MUSICIAN’S NEW RHYTHM
42-year-old Sam Brewster manages tours for legendary Aussie rock band The Angels while caring for two boys under four. It’s a juggling act that would send most men to the nearest pub, but Sam’s found a different outlet. “I joined back in 2014,” Sam recalls. “I’d walk past on my way to grab beers from the BWS and see all these people through the open roller doors, absolutely grinding it out. I thought, ‘Yeah, I should probably be doing that instead of just punching beers right now.’”
The touring life isn’t exactly conducive to healthy habits, but Soul 365 has played a crucial role in keeping Sam sober. As do the community that keep him accountable. “If I don’t turn up one day, my mate will accuse me of bitching out of the workout,” he laughs.
THE FINANCIAL COACH’S BEST INVESTMENT
Daniel Marshall built a successful financial coaching business while hosting the podcast Money Mastery with Marshy. With two-year-old Clifford and newborn Florence, he’s made training the cornerstone of his routine. “As I run my own business from home, I love training at the lunchtime class,” he says. “It breaks up my day and feels like my connection cup.”
Daniel’s approach mirrors his financial philosophy – sustainable habits that compound over time. At 34, he’s in the best shape of his life. “The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken,” he quotes Warren Buffett. “Choosing to take care of your health now will set you up for the decades to come. And your kids model your behaviour – if they see you taking care of your health, they will follow.”
THE PARAMEDIC’S RESILIENCE
Luke Sullivan, also 34, knows all about handling pressure. As a paramedic with SA Ambulance, he responds to everything from routine calls to life-threatening emergencies. Despite living in the Hills with two young kids (aged seven and nine) and juggling shift work, he still fits in 3–4 sessions a week, thanks to Soul’s flexible schedule.
“Work and life commitments are very demanding, but choosing to put your body through physical challenges increases resilience to deal with life’s adversities,” Luke explains. For someone who sees people at their most vulnerable moments, he understands that health isn’t something you can take for granted.
THE FIREFIGHTER’S READINESS
Dave Hart, 47, has spent 15 years as a firefighter. He discovered Soul through his wife. “I’ve always maintained fitness, but I’d never really taken part in group classes before,” he admits. “What I found at Soul is an inclusive and fun gym. The vibes are high, the music is on point, but the fundamentals of technique are always the basis. The instructor’s knowledge and commitment to making you stronger and fitter is what makes Soul different.”
For Dave, staying fit isn’t just about looking good – it’s about doing his job safely while being present for his two teenage daughters. “Staying fit and healthy not only helps me avoid injuries at work but also provides a massive boost to my mental health and gives me energy to stay present with my family.”
THE SOUL DIFFERENCE
What sets Soul 365 apart isn’t just the equipment or programming – it’s understanding that life doesn’t stop when you become a dad. The gym’s approach recognises that men in their thirties and forties aren’t looking to become Instagram fitness influencers; they’re looking for a sustainable way to stay strong, healthy, and confident while juggling modern fatherhood.
This philosophy is evident in everything from class scheduling (with options throughout the day to accommodate shift workers, business owners, and traditional workers) to programming that focuses on functional fitness rather than bodybuilding aesthetics. The community that’s developed keeps members coming back year after year.
Soul 365 is located at 26 Elizabeth Street, Adelaide. For more information, visit soul365.com.au.
