“I believe we were all born superhuman.”
A lifelong faith
Metcalfe does not use the term ‘Superhuman’ as a marketing campaign. It is something that has been instilled in him from an early age. He even acknowledges that it can occur at birth!
Metcalfe says: “A baby has to go from being dependent to being an individual with no knowledge, only the support systems around him.”
Young Dan’s childhood dream was to play football. However, he had asthma, which meant he had to use an inhaler after any intense activity. After reading that the inhaler was actually making him weaker and more dependent on it, Metcalfe made himself run to a local park.
“I took off my coat, ran as far as I could, lay there and hoped I could get back.”
Pushing himself to go a little further each time eventually led to him no longer needing the inhaler, as well as an epiphany that has served him well ever since.
“Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dreams if I wasn’t healthy.”
He ended up living his dream of playing for a football club, but discovered it wasn’t for him. In the following years he took up dancing and managed to tour the world. Years later, Metcalfe would be challenged and tested again when he fell from the stage during a performance of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Starlight Express. Despite wearing a helmet, he was unable to move afterward. Doctors told him that his musculature had actually saved him from a broken neck, but he could not see out of his right eye. His vision eventually returned, but doctors feared he might still be disabled. Metcalfe disagreed and refused to sign the paperwork to confirm that claim.
“I knew if I did that, my career in show business was over.”
Through his own belief in his character and will, Metcalfe recovered and not only took up running again, but also took up cycling and eventually competed in triathlons. However, misfortune struck him again when a gate fell on his head as he walked through it. Despite wearing a helmet, he was thrown from the bicycle and knocked unconscious.
“Somehow, miraculously, about 15 minutes later I got back on my bike and rode home,” he recalls. The area security guard called for help and Metcalfe was taken to a hospital. The damage to his brain was significant. Even when he tried to have a conversation, his brain would shut down sporadically.
“I just randomly fell asleep. I got depressed, gained weight and developed PTSD.”
But once again he was given the opportunity to tap into the power and resilience of his brain. He made progress every day and was able to successfully overcome that and move on with personal and business ventures, adding a new one to his list of goals.
“This is why I wanted to study more about the brain.”
From being superhuman to teaching it
With this latest setback behind him and a renewed sense of commitment, Metcalfe has proven that health is the foundation of being superhuman. He created a system that prioritized seven key aspects of wellness and he felt a responsibility to share it with the world.
“Born Superhuman are the seven natural pillars of health.”
Those seven pillars are oxygen, hydration, sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindset and challenges. Metcalfe emphasized that they are organized not only by their importance to life, but also by the way they work together so you can be your optimal self.
Metcalfe said: “If you think of a car that drives great, but the exhaust is hanging off, it doesn’t matter how great the engine is, the car won’t run at its best.”
Oxygen is clearly the basis of it all, but Metcalfe emphasized that hydration is crucial, as even mild dehydration can significantly affect performance. Details like small sips of water over large sips can make a difference. He even touched on his days as a football coach when sharing his knowledge and experience.
“Even three percent dehydration led to a 20 percent reduction in performance.”
Sleep and nutrition are the next steps for recovery and preparation for future activities. Metcalfe prefers to “nourish,” meaning he opted for single-ingredient foods and focused on satisfaction rather than taste.
“That was huge.”
The last three are all separated, but also work together. Training, the right mentality and being challenged all contribute to growth. We need to exercise for physical and neurochemical reasons and if we are not challenged it can lead to decline, believes Metcalfe. The mentality is the first that Metcalfe learns because of his own experience with his brain injury, but he maintains the order given.
Metcalfe discovered that paying attention to the Seven Pillars not only allows you to feel better, but also to be and perform better in all aspects of your life, including fitness, business and relationships.
“I also teach a particular practice that is about character; who we are, what we can commit to, and maximizing the work we put in,” he explained.
Born superhuman in business
Metcalfe believed that his discoveries and experiences should be shared with the world, and he selflessly dedicated himself to that goal. Born Superhuman is more than a belief; it’s a philosophy that has helped many and is now a business in itself.
“This is a program I have taught to tens of thousands of people, from world-class Olympians to world record holders, from 100-year-olds to children chasing their dreams.”
Metcalfe has also written a book and launched a podcast to take his message even further. The opportunity to reach a new person or a large number of people through any channels is one he never takes for granted.
Another mission Metcalfe has worked on is Total Balance Company, which was founded to provide tools to help clients improve their physical self and overall quality of life.
“There have been people who haven’t walked in years and who were in wheelchairs who are walking again,” he said proudly. One example he cited was legendary game show host Bob Eubanks, who had difficulty walking and keeping balance.
“If he held on to the wall, he could lift his legs all day long. As soon as he let go of the wall, he couldn’t do it anymore. It was the fear in the brain.”
After trying to help him several times, Metcalfe had an epiphany that led him to a local Home Depot. The result was the Balance360, a balance board that can be used for many exercises and allows users to maximize their core strength and stabilization.
“Within three weeks, Bob went from old man shuffle to running six miles an hour on a treadmill, back to golfing, and most importantly, he woke up fearless.”
Total Balance now has multiple boards and has expanded their services to now include multiple programs, books and trainers. Metcalfe’s efforts and expertise have reached and helped many people beyond himself. Among those he trained with were legendary actress Shirley MacLaine and noted television producer Mark Burnett. He has also crossed paths professionally with Dwayne Johnson and Andrew Lloyd Webber in various projects he was involved with.
“I am blessed to be a part of many different genres.”
Olympia President Dan Solomon recently met with Metcalfe during Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas. Solomon has become a fan of what Metcalfe has to offer the industry.
“Dan Metcalfe is the embodiment of the global fitness movement. His ability to take people to the next level is a true superpower, but what sets him apart is his broader understanding of longevity, balance and optimized performance. His gifts are diverse and I encourage everyone to connect with his wisdom and his message.”
Facing forward
Besides expanding his superhuman movement, his podcast, and developing new ways to help people realize how powerful they are, he has other plans. Big plans!
The ultimate goal of the lifelong guru, football coach, trainer, podcaster, author, performer, dancer, singer and public speaker remains the same; show others what they are capable of. Help them understand that even though they were born superhuman, in order to achieve them they must BELIEVE they are capable of achieving them.
As his father always said to him, “Someone has to do it. Why not you?”
For more information about Born Superhuman, visit their website website. Learn more about Total balance is available here.
Follow Metcalfe on Instagram @danmetcalfe_official .
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