About
David Lyons is an elite fitness expert and bodybuilder. During his coaching career, he has helped athletes and celebrities, at various skill levels, transform their body and health.
In 2006, David Lyons was hospitalized and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 47. He HAD A CHOICE TO MAKE and the choice was either to fight this disease or to let it take over his body. And he chose to fight.
At the age of 50 David decided to compete in a NPC bodybuilding competition! He was also awarded an impressive trophy for the most inspirational bodybuilder! He was also the recipient of the National MS Society Milestone Award.
David’s mission is to help anyone, with any challenge become as healthy and in shape as they can be no matter what the obstacle in life whether that challenge is physical or mental.
In 2013 David received the Health Advocate of the Year Award with Lou Ferrigno.
And in 2015, at almost 57 years old, he was the only person with MS to receive the Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
David also received the Lifetime Fitness Inspiration Award in Feb 2016, next to bodybuilding legend Mike Quinn at the Global Bodybuilding Organization’s International Fitness Expo.
In January, 2017 David received the Special Recognition Award from the National Fitness Hall of Fame and later in the year he was honored as a Founding Partner of the organization’s Institute for learning.
In 2019 he was inducted in the National Fitness Hall of Fame and the only fitness expert with MS to be given this honor.
David is the Founder of the OptimalBody brand which touches the lives of fitness enthusiasts of all kinds. It is not just a company but it’s also a lifestyle of health & fitness that is currently launching training programs and other branded initiatives to promote and enhance the fitness industry.
David and his companies have been aligned with some of the fitness industry’s top brands and is endorsed by well respected fitness experts and many other top fitness trainers and professionals. He has been endorsed by fitness icons such as Lou Ferrigno and Tony Little as well as celebrities such as Shark Tank’s Daymond John and entertainment’s LaToya Jackson.
As a fitness trainer David is also the creator of fitness certifications for the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) and MedFit Network.
He is the author of the #1 selling book Everyday Health and Fitness with Multiple Sclerosis and columnist for the largest online wellness magazine, EverydayHealth.com.
Lyons has appeared on TV networks such as CBS and FOX; been featured on radio and print media; and is well recognized worldwide for his expertise in the fitness industry.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We set an initial evaluation to discuss goals, limitations, fitness level and all aspects to determine th ebest plan of action.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B.S. Nutrition
CPT
I am a Trainer Educator who creates certification courses for NFPT and MedFit Education
40+ years as a fitness expert
How did you get started teaching?
Opened my first gym at the age of 25 and was a personal trainer before certifications existed.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have helped train top level competitive bodybuilders to elderly and disabled clients. My specialty is Multiple Sclerosis and fitness limitations.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was recently voted to the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders by the International Forum on Advancements in Healthcare in 2020.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You should always hire someone who has personally accomplished what you are seeking to accomplish or has some form of relatable experience. Hiring a trainer to work with you on a limitation or disablity when they have not experienced something similar will not get you the results you are after.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Know your goals
Know your limitations