Coach-Led · Beginner-Friendly
CrossFit Vancouver
Get Stronger.
Belong Here.
CrossFit BC Coach
aka "Coach Moose"
Owner · Lifestyle Mentor · HYROX Performance Coach · CrossFit Level 2 · ACE Certified
Dai Manuel is a sought-after coach and lifestyle mentor who helps driven professionals over 40 build the kind of health that lasts the rest of their lives.
His philosophy is simple but powerful: longevity without vitality is just existing. The two only unlock when you find harmony between making healthy choices more often than not and prioritising time for genuine self-care. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Dai's athletic journey started with 10 years as an active sport climber, tackling both outdoor crags and indoor walls, and even working as a belayer at kids' climbing parties at the local gym (which, as he'll tell you, taught him a boatload of patience). That foundation set him up for 8 years as a Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing, and boxing instructor, earning a black belt and multiple gold medals in local competitions. Then he discovered CrossFit, and it changed everything. That single shift opened a new world of group fitness and a training modality that has forever influenced how he sees results, programming, and what he's come to believe is one of the best foundational programs for general wellbeing, fitness, and longevity.
With 30+ years across climbing, martial arts, CrossFit, HYROX, and lifestyle mentorship, over a dozen Spartan and Tough Mudder events, and certifications spanning CrossFit, ACE, Precision Nutrition, and mindset performance coaching, Dai brings a depth of real-world experience that theory alone can never replicate. There's a difference you get when you work with someone who's 49, has lived it, and continues to live it every single day.
"Dai Manuel is a sought-after coach and lifestyle mentor who helps driven professionals over 40 build the kind of health that lasts the rest of their lives. His philosophy is simple but powerful: longevity without vitality is just existing. The two only unlock when you find harmony between making healthy choices more often than not and prioritising time for genuine self-care. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Dai's athletic journey started with 10 years as an active sport climber, tackling both outdoor crags and indoor walls, and even working as a belayer at kids' climbing parties at the local gym (which, as he'll tell you, taught him a boatload of patience). That foundation set him up for 8 years as a Tae Kwon Do, kickboxing, and boxing instructor, earning a black belt and multiple gold medals in local competitions. Then he discovered CrossFit, and it changed everything. That single shift opened a new world of group fitness and a training modality that has forever influenced how he sees results, programming, and what he's come to believe is one of the best foundational programs for general wellbeing, fitness, and longevity. With 30+ years across climbing, martial arts, CrossFit, HYROX, and lifestyle mentorship, over a dozen Spartan and Tough Mudder events, and certifications spanning CrossFit, ACE, Precision Nutrition, and mindset performance coaching, Dai brings a depth of real-world experience that theory alone can never replicate. There's a difference you get when you work with someone who's 49, has lived it, and continues to live it every single day."
Coaching Style
Committed 100%, 80% of the time. That's the standard Dai coaches to, and it's the philosophy behind The 2% Solution: never invest less than 2% of your day in your personal health. His approach combines the latest training methodology, nutrition support, and mental health practices into a system that meets you where you are and builds you into who you want to become. He leverages technology, data, and decades of pattern recognition to create programs that are as intelligent as they are effective. Whether you're a time-strapped executive, a parent juggling it all, or someone who's tried everything and is ready for something that actually sticks, Dai's coaching is equal parts precision, empathy, and relentless encouragement.
Outside the Gym
First and foremost, Dai is a husband to Christie and a dad to two daughters, the loves of his life and the reason behind everything he builds. His Whole Life Fitness Manifesto is rooted in what he calls the 5 F's: Family, Fitness, Finances, Faith, and Fun, the pillars he believes create a life truly worth living, with Family always leading the way. Outside the gym you'll find him on family adventures, hosting The 2% Solution podcast, and chasing the next outdoor challenge with Christie and the girls. He's been featured in HuffPost, Shape, CTV, Global News, CBC, LiveStrong, and over 300 podcasts, but his favourite role will always be Dad. Thirty years in and many more to come, Dai's ongoing journey is driven by one thing: to keep learning, growing, and better supporting the people he loves and the clients he serves. Also a collector of fitness certifications like they're Pokemon cards.
The Honest Version
What I used to get wrong
"I spent years grinding 2.5 hours a day in the gym and only training for about 25 minutes of it, chasing intensity instead of intent, and wondering why nothing stuck."
How I coach now
I coach to a standard now: never less than 2% of your day on your health, and committed 100%, 80% of the time. Programs are built around what you'll actually repeat, not what looks impressive on a Sunday.
Every CFBC coach answers this question. It's part of how we coach.
Certifications & Experience
Issuing body, dates, and certificate numbers where the issuer publishes them. Where a credential can be checked publicly, the link goes straight to the issuer.
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2)
CrossFit Education
Valid March 2025 to March 2030 · No. 138785378
Verify certificateCrossFit Kettlebell Specialty Certification
CrossFit, LLC
Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM)
Toastmasters International
Since June 2019 · No. Member 1144056
Issuing bodyGym-wide first-aid standard: coach certification standard.
Programs & Classes
Based on Dai's certifications and specialties. Check the schedule for exact class times.
DEXA + Nutrition Strategy Session, 8 PT sessions, group classes, and nutrition coaching. The signature 30-day program at CrossFit BC in Olympic Village, Vancouver.
Learn more19+ HYROX classes a week including 4 dedicated 90-min HX90 SIM-ilar race-prep sessions. Vancouver's HYROX home in Olympic Village.
Learn more1-on-1 personal training at CrossFit BC Vancouver. Custom programs, flexible scheduling, and coaches who actually care about your results.
Learn moreRemote programming and accountability coaching from CrossFit BC trainers. For travellers, hybrid athletes, and anyone outside Vancouver.
Learn moreCoached strength and balance for adults over 60. Tuesdays and Thursdays 11 AM to noon in Olympic Village. First session free, $497 a quarter, join any week.
Learn moreDai hasn't shared any recipes yet, but our full library is packed with high-protein, macro-friendly meals our coaches love.
Recipes from Dai are on the way. In the meantime, explore the full collection from our coaching team.
Browse all CFBC recipesFrom the 2% Solution
Personal Match
Answer a few quick questions and we'll confirm whether Dai is your best match, or pair you with the coach and program that fits your goals. Takes 4 to 6 minutes.
Reviewed personally by our coaching leadership. No pressure, just a thoughtful next step.
Linda K.
Google Review
A look at Coach Dai across the studio, the gym floor, the stage, and at home.
Editorial portraits from brand and campaign shoots.
Lifestyle and coaching action.
Keynotes, mentorship circles, and community work.
The why behind the work.
Verified LinkedIn recommendations from clients, peers and mentees.
Justin Owens
Regional Manager - Canada · HYROX
Coaching consultation
See available consultation times with CrossFit BC. Tell us you would like to speak with Coach Moose when you book, and our team will confirm who can meet with you.
The fastest way to meet Dai is to show up. Try 3 classes free, no commitment, no pressure.
