
· Focus: Confidence-building, discipline, accessible fitness
· Background: 30 years in education and leadership; longtime football coach
· Experience: DEKA Strong, Spartan, Tru Challenge, adventure races
· Known For: Encouraging athletes of all abilities and creating empowering environments
Coach
Boot Camp & All-Ability Athletes
Dan Vander Meulen is a passionate fitness coach bringing three decades of experience in education and leadership to the world of health and wellness. Recently retired after a 30-year career as a teacher and school administrator, Dan is dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness goals.
Dan's commitment to coaching extends far beyond the classroom. He is a long-time football coach, mentoring athletes of all ages and instilling values of discipline and teamwork. His diverse background also includes having been a race car driver and a sports radio announcer.
His personal fitness journey intensified ten years ago when he got serious about working out by participating in boot camp classes. This marked the beginning of his competitive fitness endeavors, leading him to successfully compete in various demanding events:
· Deka Strong
· Spartan Race
· Tru Challenge
· Adventure Race
· 4 State Challenge on the Appalachian Trail
Dan and his wife, Diane, who is also a teacher, live in Lowell. When he's not coaching or working out, Dan enjoys a well-rounded personal life centered on continuous learning andactivity. His personal interests include reading, hiking, history, and spending time in Ludington at a seasonal campground.