Today we’d like to introduce you to Manan Merrill.
Hi Manan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Manny & Tanya’s connection grew from a shared love of fitness, sports, and serving the special needs community. After being medically discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps, Manny turned fitness into his therapy and purpose—helping others find strength through adaptation.
Tanya’s lifelong involvement in sports, along with her journey with ADHD and health challenges, sparked her passion for wellness and sustainable habits. Her empathy creates a space where every client feels supported.
Together, they founded Adaptive Fitness & Nutrition to bridge the gap between fitness, special education, and family-centered coaching—empowering individuals of all abilities to move, grow, and thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our biggest obstacle has been finances as we’ve been building Adaptive Fitness & Nutrition from the ground up. Starting from zero means every step- from equipment and technology to branding and space- requires creativity and persistence. We’ve learned to stretch resources, lean on community partnerships, and stay committed to our mission even when the budget is tight. it’s been challenging, but it’s also made us more resourceful and intentional about how we will grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Adaptive Fitness & Nutrition LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Adaptive Fitness and Nutrition (AFN) is a 100% veteran-owned and family-operated business dedicated to providing inclusive fitness and nutrition services for the special needs population, veterans, and the general public. We coach all abilities and ages across multiple environments. Our mission: empowering all abilities through strength and nutrition coaching.
Our focus is on a healthy body and a healthy mind. We combine customized movement and nutrition guidance to help individuals grow strong—both physically and mentally. Rooted in compassion and inspired by faith, our goal is simple: to empower every person to honor their body, strengthen their mind, and thrive with confidence—just as God created them to.
Our approach sets us apart as we blend the discipline and structure of military training, athletic experience, applied behavior knowledge, and fitness expertise with the empathy and adaptability of special education. Every program is individualized and relationship-driven- designed not just to build muscle, but to build confidence and independence.
We’re most proud of creating a space where every person- regardless of ability, background, or limitation- can move, grow, and thrive. Rooted in compassion and faith, we believe every client deserves the chance to honor their body, stengthen their mind, and discover their full potential.
Our heart is in the community. AFN was built from the ground up with a mission bigger than fitness- it’s about connection, empowerment, and inclusion for all.
We offer free consultations and special package pricing. We have 1:1 sessions, group classes, and specials classes along with everything you need to manage purchasing and maintain sessions through our website.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Manny-Fun, energetic, athletic. Busy with sports and extra curricular activities: snowboarding, mountain trail riding, karate, hockey, football, camping, fishing eagle scouts and family.
Tanya-extra fun and extra energetic! Outgoing and silly. Busy with family church, dance, and sports, band. Karate 2nd degree black belt, soccer, track, tap dancing, gymnastics, hunting, fishing, camping and fishing.
Pricing:
- free consultation
- $60 1:1 session
- $75 for 1 nutrition session
- packaging prices with discounts included
- $25-$40 specials & group classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adaptivefitnessandnutrition.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptivefitnessandnutrition.com
