"We're not adopting children to have our lives be ruined." Couple Pushes Fitness After Kids

Danny Maffia is an American sign language professor at Rochester Institute of Technology. 

He met his husband Justin DeMartin, an executive principal for K-12 instruction at Wayne Fingerlakes Board of Cooperative Educational Services, years ago and bonded through fitness.

So when they decided to adopt parker and his twin sister Emma last November - friends had a lot of “precautionary tales” for the new dads.

“Once you become a parent, you’ll get fat, and you’ll never be able to work out, you’re not going to be able to travel anywhere, you’ll never go on vacation, your life is over. And I’m like, we’re not adopting children to have our lives be ruined,” said Maffia, recalling advice from friends.

But - babies would not slow their roll.

“That’s what a lot of people think. when you become a parent everything stops. HONESTLY, not at all with us.” DeMartin added.

Maffia says there’s a trick to staying after  kids.

“We understand that with children come some sacrifices, of course they’re going to be our priority but that we make them a part of what we do.”

The couple suggests setting an alarm clock for a few hours earlier to hit the gym.

Take advantage of fitness centers with childcare.

Integrate children into daily walks, or playtime.

“Honestly it’s - you have to make sure that the time for it - it’s not about, you know, it doesn’t come easy,” said DeMartin.

And, if an early alarm isn’t for you - take advantage of naptime said Maffia.

“I have found that their nap times - like - capitalize on them. they’re the best ever.”

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