Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Daly.
Hi Dan , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Swimming has been a central part of my life, from competing as a high school All-American and collegiate athlete to coaching swimmers and endurance athletes of all levels. My passion for training led me to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and I spent over a decade in corporate fitness, where I specialized in biomechanics, strength, and conditioning for swimmers and triathletes. During that time, I developed training programs, mentored coaches, and worked with athletes ranging from age-group swimmers to professionals, refining my approach to performance optimization.
In 2020, I launched Train Daly, LLC, blending in-person and digital coaching to provide customized programming, swim technique analysis, and strength training for swimmers worldwide. By integrating technology, including wearable tracking, underwater videography, and biomechanics analysis, I help athletes train smarter and swim faster. Today, I continue expanding my work through brand partnerships, content creation, and mentorship while coaching swimmers to maximize their efficiency and performance in and out of the water.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building Train Daly, LLC has been an exciting journey, but like any business, it has come with its challenges. Transitioning from a structured corporate environment to running my own business meant taking on every role—coaching, marketing, content creation, customer service, and operations. Managing those responsibilities while ensuring a high level of service for my athletes required strategic planning and continuous adaptation.
One of the biggest challenges has been scaling. There’s only so much time in a day, and balancing in-person coaching with digital programming, brand partnerships, and content creation requires efficiency. Implementing better systems, leveraging technology, and considering how to expand my team have been ongoing focuses. Despite these hurdles, the ability to shape my own path, work with incredible athletes, and innovate in the field of swim training makes every challenge worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Train Daly, LLC ?
Train Daly, LLC is a performance training and consulting business specializing in swim technique, strength & conditioning, and performance optimization for swimmers, triathletes, and open water athletes. I provide personalized coaching, both in-person and remotely, using a combination of biomechanical analysis, strength training, and technique refinement to help athletes maximize their efficiency and speed in the water. My approach integrates wearable technology, underwater video analysis, and digital programming, allowing me to coach clients worldwide while maintaining a high level of individualization.
What sets Train Daly apart is the fusion of swim technique and strength training, ensuring that athletes aren’t just swimming more—they’re swimming better. I take a data-driven, movement-focused approach that helps swimmers unlock their potential without unnecessary mileage or injury risk. I’m proud of the trusted reputation I’ve built in the swimming and endurance sports communities, along with my work with brands like Speedo, Vasa Trainer, and TheMagic5. Ultimately, Train Daly is about helping athletes train smarter, move better, and swim faster, whether they’re chasing personal bests, preparing for endurance events, or refining their technique.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I see risk-taking as an essential part of growth—both in business and in athletics. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came from stepping outside of my comfort zone and making strategic but uncertain moves. One of the biggest risks I took was leaving a secure corporate job to start my own coaching business. At the time, I had built a strong reputation in the fitness industry, but venturing out on my own meant giving up stability and taking full responsibility for everything—client acquisition, marketing, operations, and financial management. However, within six months, I was earning more than I had in my corporate role, proving that betting on myself was the right decision.
I take a measured approach to risk—balancing data, experience, and gut instinct to make informed decisions. Whether it’s expanding my services, partnering with new brands, or developing digital coaching products, I assess potential outcomes but recognize that growth often requires stepping into the unknown. I also encourage my athletes to embrace a similar mindset—whether they’re tackling a new race distance, refining their technique, or setting ambitious goals, progress often comes from pushing beyond what feels comfortable.
Pricing:
- Personalized Swim and Dryland Programming $200-300/month
- Underwater Video Analysis $200-$250
- 1-1 Virtual and In-Person Coaching $170/hour
- Pre-written Programs $15-75
- Monthly Subscription Programming $29/month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TrainDaly.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dandaly
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/dantraindaly
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dandalyjr/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/traindaly
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@traindaly
- Yelp: https://yelp.com/biz/train-daly-new-york
- Other: https://tiktok.com/traindaly
Image Credits
Paul Frangipane