Client stories
What happens when people actually do the work
These are real people. Some trained with me in person at CrossFit BC, some did the Power 30 at home, some only read the book. If you are one of them, add your story below. I read every one myself.
Share your story
Partners and peers
What the people I work with say
Event organisers, podcast hosts, brand partners and fellow coaches, in their own words.
Dai is one of the most engaging public speakers I've ever met. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable in what he does, but he also has the innate ability to inspire, motivate, understand, and guide you.
Dai is a top-notch online business coach. Dai has helped me grow substantially and learn about things that did not work in my industry. I can rely on him 100% when it comes to getting feedback on different parts of my business.
Dai is an incredible leader and true pioneer for HYROX in Canada. Through his work at CrossFit BC, he has cultivated an amazing community built on passion, connection, and a shared commitment to helping people become their best. From my very first interaction with Dai, it was clear how deeply he cares - not only about the success of his own athletes and coaches, but about the continued growth of HYROX as a whole. His passion for the sport is contagious, and he consistently brings the energy, ideas, and grit to make things happen. Dai is someone who genuinely invests in his people. I am incredibly grateful to be connected with Dai and could not be more excited to continue working alongside him as we grow HYROX throughout Canada.
Dai is a powerful podcast host, coach and overall leader. I had the honor of being interviewed on the 2% Solution Podcast and he had in depth questions, perspectives and allowed me to dig deep into past situations that would best serve his audience. Dai has a true passion to empower and elevate others. If you are looking for a no fluff podcast to listen to and to learn proven action steps to implement in your life, check him out!
I had the pleasure of having Dai on my show On Location and his impact was nothing short of extraordinary. As a motivational speaker, best-selling author, podcast host, and wellness expert, Dai brings a unique blend of expertise and charisma. His insights are captivating, leaving a lasting impression of inspiration and knowledge. Collaborating with Dai is not just a professional pleasure; it's a transformative experience. I highly recommend Dai for any event or project seeking a dynamic speaker with a wealth of wisdom and a genuine passion for wellness.
Dai played a pivotal role as the keynote speaker at our Health and Safety Conference in October 2023. Leading up to the event, Dai proactively engaged with our conference planning team on multiple occasions to gain a deep understanding of the conference's objectives, our target audience, and the desired outcomes of the presentation. Dai's attentive approach allowed him to craft a well-being presentation that not only met but exceeded our expectations, setting a highly positive tone for the entire conference. The feedback we received regarding his presentation was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees remarking on how it precisely addressed their needs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dai for his outstanding contribution. Without reservation, we wholeheartedly recommend him to others seeking an exceptional speaker.
The work, in real life
Stages, gyms, start lines and home






Coaching
People I have coached
I have worked with Dai for several months on dietary strategies, workout programs, and business development opportunities. Dai's approach is no-nonsense, straightforward, and dynamic. I feel different, energized, and stoked. My body weight has significantly dropped since I started following his recommendations. If you need a jumpstart, don't deny yourself that opportunity.
I said it before, and I will repeat it, Dai is one of the best in the business. He helps you with evidence-based, actionable steps instead of long theories that don't work. If you're ready to stop complaining and start changing your life for the better, he's the person to help you.
I feel much stronger and more confident. I have a more positive outlook, and when the negative creeps in, I find it easier to drop it and the judgment and focus on the positive.
I am so much happier with myself. I enjoy putting time into my appearance and dress, walking tall and confident. I feel like I am now emotionally and mentally stronger and able to handle whatever comes my way.
CFBC feels like home. The owners, Dai and Christie, make a point to get to know everyone from a single drop-in to a lifetime membership. They have fostered a sense of community at the gym that feels welcoming no matter your skill level. The coaching is top-notch.
I spent a month training at CrossFit BC while visiting Vancouver. Dai and Christie are passionate, genuinely kind-hearted people who have built an incredible community around their gym. The coaching is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming from the moment you walk in.
I can't believe it took me 45 years to attend my first CrossFit class, but wow, was it worth the wait. My first experience at this gym was absolutely incredible. Dai was an amazing host and made me feel welcomed from the start.
Love the gym. Love the community. Love all the coaches. Dai really makes sure people feel welcomed and unashamed. Coaches will guide you and train you at your comfort level.
I've been training here once a week alongside my weight training, and it's been a game-changer. Dai and Christie bring incredible energy and enthusiasm, creating a motivating, welcoming vibe. Seeing real results in recovery, sleep, and overall health.
Had a great drop-in with coach Dai. Professional instruction, very welcoming, and the members were also polite and welcoming.
The book and the Power 30
Readers who did the thirty minutes
Positive influence, friend, caring, generous, on a mission, life enhancer, supportive, take your pick. Dai Manuel is all of that. He first got my attention on social media. I thought: this guy practises what he preaches, and that's rare these days. My life has truly been set on a better path because of Dai's guidance.
The first few weeks were fun, making small adjustments and just making the commitment. I started looking at my calendar for the next day and seeing where I could fit in my 30 minutes. This is a sustainable, lifelong fitness program. It is not just some fitness fad, it is the real deal.
Twelve months ago I was plagued with self-doubt. In January, I would not have guessed that I could complete 90 days of workouts and not give up. I feel better, look better, and most of all I'm healthier, mentally and physically. I am loving myself back to life.
It's a way to become mentally stronger and physically healthier. An overall life changer that can be done anywhere and anytime. You don't need weights, you don't need a gym, you just need to give yourself two per cent of your day.
I am already seeing results in my arms, shoulders and legs, and even my husband notices. More importantly, kids truly are little sponges. I walked into my son's room today and he was doing push-ups and counting. This is about more than me.
In the first few weeks I didn't notice many physical changes, but I was encouraged by how great I felt. Increased energy, muscle strength and endurance, and a sense of well-being. At six weeks, changes became more visible even though my weight wasn't changing much.
I recently completed the Whole Life Fitness Power 30, and wow, what an experience. Dai's guidance was a blast. He's a great teacher and motivator, and the information has been easy to understand and integrate into everyday life.
Personally, I think it's all about community, making new friends and seeing results, and Dai has done that. I'm stronger, leaner and happier, and I walk around with more self-confidence.
In this day and age, true role models are hard to find. Dai Manuel is a man who one can look up to and relate to. He wasn't born with a six-pack, he created it himself. He genuinely wants you to be the best version of yourself, in every aspect of your life.
Dai has taught me that although life is busy there is always enough time in a day to dedicate to me. He has also taught me not to beat myself up if there is a day here and there that I cannot do that. I love the person I am becoming more and more every day.
I met Dai at a random business dinner in Las Vegas. I could sense right away that he had a passion for helping people. When I got home I looked up the local gym and committed to getting back into shape. Now I am healthier in my 30s than I was in my 20s. Thank you for being the spark, Dai.
I danced as a child, but when I went to college I lost interest in fitness because I felt intimidated by gyms. I was invited to join the Sunday Funday Throwdowns with Dai and Christie and felt so comfortable in such a supportive community. Physically and mentally I am a new person.
I'm keen on keeping flexible as I age and, with an erratic life as a freelancer, keen to save time and keep fit wherever I am. The Whole Life Fitness Power 30 has spurred me into daily action, no matter where I am travelling for my job.
I like how the Whole Life Fitness Power 30 challenges us to improve our eating patterns. For me it was about the positive encouragement to drink another glass of water or find a way to add greens to each meal. It's an easy habit that will stay with me.
My motivation stems from a belief instilled in me by my brother and father, that we should all get stronger with age. It is important for me to surround myself with wonderful people like Dai, Christie and the whole Sunday Funday family.
Even though I didn't really do much running, I reduced my time from 13:31 to 11:51, scoring a 12.5% improvement.
Check-ins
What people wrote while they were in it
I have noticed that I am sleeping a LOT better at night. I have struggled a lot with sleep in the past year and I have noticed a marked improvement. I am also noticing a start to a craving of movement, as well as a sense of accomplishment driving a more positive outlook.
Change of attitude. Seriously, I did not fly off the handle once with my kids. Total win.
I am not binge eating crap. That was one of my goals and my mini meals has really cut that out of my life.
My head is clearer thought wise. My head does not feel as foggy. Sleeping better for sure. Still on a reduced amount of night meds for migraines.
I'm really proud of myself for facing some of these monsters in my head. I also find I have lots of energy and don't have any energy crashes.
It has been easier and easier to stop my cravings for fast food and candy. I can say no without really having to fight myself. My posture has been improving. Clothes are fitting better. Generally been in a pretty good mood and my patience has been improving.
Really noticing that I have started a new narrative for myself and my daughter that is about praising who you are and not focusing on things I have no real control over.
First day today where I felt a headache coming on and took Tylenol. Haven't had to take anything for four weeks now.
My relationship with food is changing. I enjoy selecting appropriate snacks, and if I want something else I will select it and enjoy it and not beat myself up about it.
I am positive. I'm really taking the time to make good food choices, thinking about every bite. I am enjoying the gym more and I'm not as intimidated when there.
Teamwork. Working all together to get grocery shopping done, cooking and meal prep makes life a lot easier.
Increased muscle mass. Much better dietary habits. Much better self care, taking time for me. My kids are working out.
My body is changing so much even I catch myself in the mirror and go wow, that's me.
Ok, it's not about the numbers, but I hit my lowest weight in seven years this morning.
Super excited. I was able to do modified side planks today for the first time since my accident, and it didn't bother the nerve pain in my shoulder at all.
My pants are getting a bit looser. I feel like I am stronger and am moving better, standing straighter.
Less stress regarding my self imposed work load. Less demands of myself and others to be perfect. Sleeping better, falling asleep faster.
Focused on change for life. Making changes I plan to adopt for life. Feeling more positive about life and starting to look to my future more.
I did the Chief last year at 206 pounds. My hip popped out and I came down using one leg only, with all those stairs. Today I am 183 pounds. Yes, I was slow going up, but I did it and had no problem with my hip. I am so impressed with my body and the change.
After falling this week I noticed my fighting spirit is so strong. I want to fight for me and my wellbeing. This journey is my journey, and without me being strong the world around me will crumble.
My daughter said yesterday that I'm a physically totally different person. She was looking at photos from March. Other people are noticing too, multiple comments that they almost didn't recognise me.
Unhealthy food really makes me feel terrible. I had a burger and fries one day after not having that for a month and it was like a truck hit me. Changed my order to a big salad the next day and that made me feel great.
I need new work pants. I can take them off without undoing them. Super awesome change for me. My weight has been slow but I see the progress.
Fifteen pound weight loss. Woot woot. Increased confidence. Nicer person.
Dramatic increase in energy, better and deeper sleep, consistently happier, a decrease in feeling stressed and overwhelmed, walking faster and more confidently. Sore all the time.
The connection I feel to just feeling better, the mindfulness that has become a habit and an expectation daily. I like that. More mindful, stronger, more confident, more energy.
Recommendations written on LinkedIn
Verbatim, in the writer's own words. There are more of these on my profile.
Dai Manuel is a true force for transformation-in every sense of the word. Over the past decade, I've watched Dai walk the walk. His personal evolution has not only shaped the man he is today, but has created a ripple effect, empowering countless others to change their own lives for the better. Whether as a coach, consultant, or simply a friend, Dai shows up fully. His investment in others is both sincere and impactful-and I've been fortunate to experience that firsthand over many years. His words uplift, his energy inspires, and his example motivates. To know Dai is to be encouraged toward your best self. He doesn't just talk about growth-he lives it, and he invites others along for the journey.
Dai is a heart of a man; he cares deeply about those that he serves; he has a wealth of expertise not only in lifestyle and wellness; but also, as a entrepreneur and facilitator. Dai has is also dialed in from a technical perspective, he understands the complexities of our digital world, and he knows how to utilize these platform efficiently to create value. It is without hesitation that I recommend him.
I worked with Dai for over 18 months on systems, programs, and planning and it has put me in a position to bid on major jobs and win due to our preparedness. We have organizational vision, systems, and initiatives now thanks to Dai. He helped me personally and professionally figure out what drives me and what is truly important. It's been over a year since we worked together but we will be working together again soon for our next phase of business.
Dai is a rock star in the world of total wellness and an inspiration to me as an impact entrepreneur. I first met Dai at the Dads 2.0 Summit in New Orleans in 2014 when we were on a wellness panel together. I was instantly impressed with his authenticity, dedication to family, and commitment to health. He shows us how to achieve true happiness by striving to be our best selves. Recently, he joined us as a featured panelist on our #ElevateTheConvo twitter chat on engaged parenting and how it boosts emotional well-being. I am so grateful for his leadership in this area and his powerful insights on how to cultivate meaningful priorities in our lives.
The gym years
Stories from the CrossFit BC floor, and everywhere else
Before DadBody, I spent over a decade coaching at CrossFit BC, the Vancouver gym I co-founded. Hundreds of members came through those doors, and their reviews live on the gym's own site. Different setting, same coach. There are more reviews and recommendations on my Facebook page and my LinkedIn profile, written by the people themselves.
Try the programme
Do the thirty minutes for twenty-eight days.
The Power 30 is the free starter programme from the Whole Life Fitness Manifesto. No equipment, no gym, no email gate. Fifteen minutes moving, five minutes still, ten minutes growing. Repeat.
28
days, one ritual
30
minutes a day
0
equipment needed
Free
no email required