Yani Lyons
Owner and Head Coach
PR Clean and Jerk 195
PR Snatch 175
Unbroken Pullups 36
Unbroken Muscle Ups 3
Favorite WODs: Grace & Isabel
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Certification
M.Ed Special Education
Board Certified Behavior Analyst
CPR, AED, First Aid
About Coach
I grew up on the basketball court. As a young child, watching my dad coach college men's basketball and then as a player myself until the age of 22. Sports were everything and allowed me to learn many valuable life skills. After college, I went into accounting and managed the finances of a successful restaurant franchise for 6 years. I had my 3 amazing daughters and soon began looking for the athletic endeavors that I had when I was younger. I needed the competition again and CrossFit filled that role. At the age of 28, I returned to the competition floor and was a high-level CrossFitter and weightlifter. From 2014-2018 my teams and I competed in numerous CrossFit competitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and Hawaii, often finding ourselves at the top of the podium. I finished my competitive athletic career as the top 69kg Olympic weightlifter in Hawaii and stepped away after knee surgery in late 2018. From then until now I have adapted to the life of an everyday CrossFit athlete who scales workouts, takes a couple more rest days here and there, and sees the long-term potential of general overall health through functional movements and quality nutrition. It's been an amazing journey and CrossFit has been there through it all!
Turning Point
We all want to be the best at whatever it is that we are doing. It is innate competitiveness that drives us to be successful in life. I have always pushed myself to be the best, but after competition-ending knee surgery, the last 4 years have taught me that being your best self is much more important than comparing yourself to others. Show up, do your best, set achievable goals, and move forward. Make the most of each day!
Motivation & Passion
I opened CrossFit HTS with the desire to reach all athletes. Athletes of all ages, races, ability levels, and backgrounds. Athletes that may have never stepped into a gym before and athletes that are ready to step on that competition floor tomorrow! I have been all of those athletes before. I have worked out for weight loss, general health, competition, and postpartum health. I have been you before and I want to help make you the best version of yourself, whatever that may be!
