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Part One: How Dan Mack Turned His Life Around With Fitness
This article is part of a two-part series based on our interview with Dan Mack
Dan Mack shares his journey from overweight and unfit to qualified personal trainer, dedicated father, and founder of a family-run online fitness coaching business. This post explores the first half of our conversation—from his personal transformation to the values driving his fitness mission.
From Overweight and Unfit to Strong, Motivated, and a Role Model
Dan Mack’s story is one that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt stuck, unhealthy, or unsure where to begin. Several years ago, Dan was over 17 stone, out of breath climbing stairs, and unsure of how to reclaim control over his health. But what started as a desire to simply get fitter for himself soon evolved into a mission to change his life—and the lives of others.
“I didn’t want to be a middle-aged heart attack statistic.”
Dan’s turning point came when he got involved in martial arts. The discipline, intensity, and community aspect gave him structure and motivation. He dropped over six stone—but, as he openly admits, not all of it was done the right way. He learned firsthand the dangers of extreme diets and fads.
That personal journey would later shape his coaching philosophy: no fads, no BS—just education, empowerment, and sustainable change.
Why He Chose Storm Fitness Academy
Dan took his love of fitness and decided to pursue a new career. He reached out to Storm Fitness Academy and enrolled in our Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. It wasn’t a straightforward ride—Dan was working full-time, had family responsibilities, and became a dad. But he made it work.
“You were patient with me,” Dan said of the enrollment process. “You made it work for my lifestyle, not the other way around.”
What stood out was Dan’s willingness to revisit course materials—even after he qualified. His partner Lis, also a student, reignited his learning as they studied together and built something special side-by-side.
Fitness for Families: A Shared Mission
For Dan and Lis, health isn’t just about six-packs or PBs. It’s about showing their kids what a healthy life looks like. They walk their daughter to school instead of driving. They skip through the park. They talk about health at home and treat fitness not as a chore—but as a lifestyle.
“Our kids are a product of their environment,” Dan said. “So we’re creating an environment where health and movement are normal.”
This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent. And that message runs through everything they do.
A Flexible Approach to Online Personal Training
Dan and Lis are now building an online fitness platform designed to serve real people with real lives. Their concept? Bespoke workout plans that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re a shift worker, a parent with three kids, or someone who just can’t commit to rigid gym hours—they’ve got you covered.
And this is personal. They’ve lived it. They’re not preaching from an ivory tower—they’re walking the same walk.
Health as a Selfless Act
Dan’s philosophy on fitness is incredibly relatable: being fit isn’t selfish—it’s selfless.
“It’s not just about being fit for me—it’s about making sure my kids don’t have to take care of me later.”
That message hits home for so many parents. When you reframe health as a form of long-term care for your loved ones, it becomes a priority—not a luxury.
The Power of Community
Dan credits the Storm Fitness Academy workshops for helping him feel part of something bigger. Being surrounded by like-minded people, learning from others, and sharing philosophies—these experiences helped him grow, not just as a trainer, but as a person.
“You don’t feel like an outsider when you’re in this community. It’s refreshing to be around people who see fitness the way you do.”
Dan Mack’s Tips for New Personal Trainers:
Start small: You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight.
Find your “why”: Whether it’s your kids, your health, or your confidence—anchor your journey to something meaningful.
Get the right support: Find a provider (like Storm) that tailors your learning to your life.
Be willing to revisit and relearn: Learning never stops—especially in fitness.
Watch on Youtube: How Dan Mack Turned His Life Around With Fitness
Listen to the Podcast: How Dan Mack Turned His Life Around With Fitness
Want to Learn More About Dan and Liz?
Their coaching platform will be launching soon at coachedfitt.co.uk. You can also find them on social media under @coachedfitt (just launched).
Whether you’re thinking about becoming a coach or just want some real-talk fitness advice, they’re always happy to chat. No hard sell. Just real support.
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
If you’re a fitness enthusiast considering a career change, Dan’s story proves it’s not too late. You don’t have to be ultra-fit. You don’t need to quit your job today. You just need to start.
If you’re passionate about fitness and want to turn it into a career—even if you’re juggling work, family, and life—Storm Fitness Academy can help. Learn more about our Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications via our courses page.
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