We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dai Manuel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dai thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Hey there, fitness friends!

It’s Dai here, someone employed in the health and wellness industries for nearly three decades! (now I feel old!)

I want to take you on a little trip down memory lane—a moment that forever changed how I help people make life changes. This story goes back a few years, and it all started with a shiny treadmill.

At the time, I was an operating partner with one of the largest independent fitness equipment retailers. You might think my mission was to get everyone hooked up with the latest and greatest fitness gadgets. But something happened that made me rethink everything.

We had this customer, let’s call her Jane. Jane walked in, determined to buy a treadmill. She was ready to drop serious cash on it, convinced it would be the magic bullet to get her in shape. But here’s the thing—I’ve seen the stats. A whopping 80% of home fitness equipment ends up as expensive clothes hangers within a few months. And I didn’t want Jane to become just another statistic.

So, I suggested something different. “Forget the treadmill,” I told her, “and invest in a good pair of walking shoes instead.” Jane looked at me like I had two heads, but I assured her this was the way to go.

I encouraged her to start small: just 30 minutes of walking daily—just 2% of every 24 hours. There is no fancy equipment or hefty price tags—just the habit of moving daily. Jane decided to give it a shot.

Three months later, Jane came back to the store. She had lost 15 pounds, had more energy than ever, and felt more connected to her health goals. She was ready to buy that treadmill, but this time, it was to enhance an already solid routine, not to kick-start one.

This experience was a game-changer for me. Helping people adopt healthy habits and stay consistent was far more impactful than just selling them equipment. Fitness isn’t about the latest gear but the journey and the small, sustainable steps that lead to big changes.

From that day on, my approach shifted. I focused on encouraging people to start with manageable steps—like walking daily. Once they have built that habit, they could consider adding equipment to enhance their routine. This way, they invested in their health incrementally and set themselves up for long-term success.

So, if you’re thinking about making a life change, remember this: Start with the habit. Grab a pair of good walking shoes and get moving. Fitness is a journey, not a purchase. And when you’re ready for that treadmill, I’ll be here to help you find the perfect one.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who haven’t met me, I’m a fitness coach, health advocate, author, keynote speaker, podcaster, super dad who’s been dating his wife for 23 years, and all-around enthusiast for living a vibrant, active life.

My journey into this industry started from a place of personal transformation. As a kid, I struggled with obesity and low self-esteem. When I was 14, I decided to make a change. I transformed my body and mindset through dedication, hard work, and sweat.

This experience fueled my passion for helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. I dove headfirst into the fitness industry, earning certifications and learning everything I could about fitness, nutrition, and personal development. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—personal trainer, motivational speaker, and even chief operating officer of a fitness equipment company.

So, what do I do? Well, my services and creative works cover a broad spectrum. I provide personal coaching, fitness programs, and motivational speaking engagements. I’ve written a book, “Whole Life Fitness Manifesto,” which combines fitness with personal development to help people achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle. My blog and social media channels are packed with tips, workouts, recipes, and inspiration to keep you moving and motivated.

One of the core problems I solve for my clients is helping them cut through the noise and find what indeed works for them. I focus on sustainable, practical solutions in a world of quick fixes and fad diets. Whether creating a tailored fitness plan, providing nutritional guidance, or helping someone build healthy habits, my goal is to make wellness achievable and enjoyable.

What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my holistic approach, which emphasizes community and support.

I believe in the power of small, consistent steps and the importance of having a supportive network. My programs often include personal development, mindfulness, and community building because I know that true transformation goes beyond physical changes and improves every aspect of life.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my client’s success stories. Seeing people transform their lives, gain confidence, and achieve things they never thought possible is incredibly rewarding. It drives me to keep pushing, innovating, and finding new ways to support and inspire my community.

To anyone considering joining my programs or following my content, I want you to know that I’m here to support you every step of the way. My brand is about authenticity, practical advice, and a bit of humor to keep things light. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to take your wellness to the next level, I’m committed to helping you become the best version of yourself.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me. Let’s embark on this journey together and make health and happiness a reality for you!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have a personal story to share today. It’s about one of my biggest battles and how it taught me to embrace vulnerability and better my life. So, grab your favorite beverage (maybe a protein shake?), and let’s get into it.

15 years ago, my life was a different ball game. From the outside, things looked pretty good—I had a successful career, a loving family, and all the things that tick the “good life” checklist. But deep down, I was wrestling with something. Alcohol had become my go-to solution for stress, anxiety, and life’s everyday pressures. I was the party guy with a drink always in hand, but what started as casual drinking slowly spiraled into something more harmful.

Then came the day I hit bottom. It felt like a punch in the gut, a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore. I realized I would lose everything that mattered if I didn’t change. It was more than just about my health—it was about being the father and husband my family deserved.

So, I made a decision that scared the heck out of me: I decided to quit drinking. Trust me, it was tough. There were days when I wanted to give up, but I knew I needed to hang tough for myself and my loved ones. The first step? Admitting I needed help. I contacted friends, family, and pros who could support me on this journey.

But ditching alcohol was just one piece of the puzzle. The real game-changer came when I started embracing vulnerability. For years, I’d been bottling up my emotions, using alcohol as an escape. Now, I needed to face those feelings straight on. I had to learn how to be open, honest, and, well, vulnerable.

I began to share my struggles and fears with those around me. I talked about my journey openly with close friends and in my public life. And guess what? It felt freeing. I found that vulnerability wasn’t a weakness—it was a strength. It made connections deeper with people who were dealing with similar battles. It was as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Embracing vulnerability also changed how I approach fitness and coaching. I started adding more mindfulness and emotional wellness to my programs. I wanted my clients to know that it’s okay to struggle, to have setbacks, and to ask for help. I learned that true wellness isn’t just about physical fitness and mental and emotional health.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve been sober for 15 years. Taking on alcohol and embracing vulnerability has been one of the toughest yet most rewarding journeys of my life. It’s taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of living authentically.

So, if you’re wrestling with something in your life, know you’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help and to show your vulnerable side. It’s one of the bravest things you can do. And remember, I’m here to have your back every step of the way.

Cheers to living a life filled with health, happiness, and authenticity!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Let’s take a moment to discuss what it takes to succeed in the health and fitness industry.

Spoiler alert: It’s not just about collecting certifications like Pokémon cards. The key is to evolve continuously and take a mentorship approach with your clients. Let’s dive in, shall we?

When I started in this industry, the secret sauce to success was racking up as many certifications as possible. The more letters after my name, the better, right? I quickly learned that while education is crucial, it’s not the be-all and end-all. The magic happens when you connect with and guide your clients like a mentor.

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Did you know that the attrition rate for personal trainers is shockingly high? According to industry stats, about 50% of new personal trainers leave the profession within their first year. That’s right—half of them throw in the towel. Why? Because they’re focusing solely on the physical aspects of training and missing the bigger picture.

Clients are not just bodies to be sculpted but individuals with unique stories, challenges, and emotions. As a coach, you need to care deeply and empathize with where they are on their life change journey. It’s about meeting them where they are and walking alongside them, not just telling them what to do.

Here’s the deal: Trainers who adopt more of a life coaching or mentorship approach tend to outdo those who are solely fitness-focused. Why? Because they build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their clients. They become trusted advisors, confidants, and motivators. This approach leads to higher client retention rates and, ultimately, better outcomes.

Let me share a quick story. I once had a client named Mark who came to me wanting to lose weight. We could have jumped straight into workouts and meal plans, but I took a different approach. I spent time getting to know Mark—his struggles, goals, and fears. I discovered he was dealing with much stress at work and wasn’t sleeping well. By addressing these underlying issues and supporting him emotionally, we created a sustainable plan that worked for him.

Fast-forward six months, and Mark has lost weight and transformed his mindset and lifestyle. He is happier, more confident, and more motivated than ever. And guess what? He stuck with his fitness routine because he felt understood and supported.

That’s the power of mentorship. It’s about being there for your clients, not just as a trainer but as a partner in their journey. It’s about evolving with them, learning from them, and helping them navigate the ups and downs of life.

So, if you’re a trainer looking to succeed in this industry, remember this: Certifications are important, but empathy, connection, and continuous evolution are the keys to true success. Be a mentor, not just a trainer. Care deeply about your clients, understand their stories, and support them every step of the way.

Here’s to building meaningful relationships and transforming lives, one step at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daimanuel.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/daimanuel
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/daimanuel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daimanuel/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/daimanuel
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@DaiManuelOfficial
• Other: Podcast: https://2percentsolution.buzzsprout.com/