Fitness enthusiast David Lyons, Co-founder of MS Fitness Challenge (MSFC) charity with his wife Kendra, is globally renowned for his work in the fitness industries. The owner of the OPTIMALBODY FITNESS brand and President of Lyons Entertainment, David, has dedicated his life to helping people with MS understand and be educated on the importance of fitness in their lives. He is a sought-after motivational speaker and a faith-based author dedicated to helping others by sharing the lessons gained from his life experience.
The Inspiring Journey from a Survivor to a Successful Entrepreneur
In 2006, David Lyons was hospitalized and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 47. David was a bodybuilder and health club owner who exercised regularly and lived a healthy lifestyle. He was devastated by the diagnosis and frustrated by the physical limitations of his condition. His initial MS attack left him with partial paralysis, tightness, pain, and numbness in his extremities. These common symptoms of MS come and go without warning. The multiple lesions in David’s spinal cord made it difficult for him to coordinate movements, and they affected his balance. The lesions in his brain caused cognitive problems affecting his concentration. David also lived in a constant state of fatigue caused by this disease attacking his nervous system. While in the hospital, the doctors told David he would most likely leave in a wheelchair and would not return to his normal workout routine. They also warned him that MS is a disease that most often progressively worsens and to prepare for his limitations as he ages. Despite these debilitating issues, at the age of 50, Lyons decided to compete in an NPC Bodybuilding Competition! David’s doctors told him that his pursuit of competing in a bodybuilding contest was not advisable, especially at 50. But on August 22, 2009, David competed in the Florida State Bodybuilding Championship, where he was awarded an
impressive trophy for the most inspirational bodybuilder! And, the victorious journey begins…
More about the Brands
The MS Fitness Challenge cause provides guidance and support to people with MS and fitness professionals worldwide in an effort to educate and train them in the benefits of exercise, nutrition, and mindset in winning the battle against Multiple Sclerosis. MSFC pays for these programs through the donations of its supporters. Here, the main focus is on fitness programs.
OptimalBody Fitness, David’s fitness brand, caters to the market of those “challenged in fitness”. Whether you have a chronic condition such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any of the many other physically limiting conditions, even aging, OptimalBody is a program that will fit your needs and goals. He offers an online membership service as well as private instruction worldwide.
Unbreakable Faith
“My clients range from those battling MS to people over 40 wanting to exercise properly. The many awards such as Most Dedicated MS Fitness Expert the past 5 years coupled with my lifelong commitment in the fitness industry and my induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame gives my clients the foundation of faith. And with thousands of success stories over the years and many testimonials, trust in me is never an issue”, asserted David.
From the Founder’s Desk
“I believe my faith in God has enabled me to achieve all the success and acknowledgment I have received in the fitness industry, the MS and chronic conditions communities, and life’s entire journey. It is by His strength, guidance, and grace I am where I am today. Aside from my faith, the support of my family and especially my wife Kendra over the years has kept me grounded, motivated and focused. My son, Deric, is my partner in my fitness endeavors and is an internet, social media, and marketing genius! I do what I do best, which is fitness, and he handles the rest.”
Future Roadmap
MS Fitness Challenge will continue to bring the most educational and worthwhile no-cost fitness programs and events to the MS community through its non-profit cause. OptimalBody Fitness will continue to develop and release the most comprehensive fitness and exercise programs available to the “challenged” market of chronic conditions and anti-aging.
In what ways does the MS Fitness Challenge charity contribute to educating and training individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, as well as fitness professionals?
Our charity holds in-person events such as our Training/Wellness Camps that train and educate people with MS and fitness professionals on proper exercise, nutrition, and mindset to overcome limitations. We also provide no-cost fitness programs through our website that are available 24/7.
You mention the importance of faith in your journey. How do you incorporate faith into your fitness programs?
I hold myself to the highest standards through my faith in Christ in all I do, whether speaking as a youth pastor or developing fitness programs for chronic conditions. My faith keeps me accountable to be the best I can be for those I reach.
What are the future goals and plans for both the MS Fitness Challenge and OptimalBody Fitness?
MS Fitness Challenge will continue to serve the MS community in promoting a lifestyle of fitness, while OptimalBody Fitness will bring the most effective fitness programs available to the chronic conditions and anti-aging communities. We have plans to develop new and innovative ways to consistently deliver the greatest benefits in fitness available. I'm in the production of a new NBC News OptimalBody TV series that will air in California this year. And we are conducting a research study with the University of Georgia that will document the tremendous results of OptimalBody Training above traditional training for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The goals and plans for our charity and fitness programs consistently expand with our continued success.
Being named to the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders and receiving awards such as the Outstanding Leadership Award, how do you see your role in influencing the healthcare and fitness industries, and what responsibility do you feel towards your followers and the broader community?
I'm always honored and humbled by these accolades and awards. I take these honors very seriously as they push me to strive even higher to bring the most cutting-edge programs to the healthcare and fitness industries. As someone who is looked at as an expert in my field, I have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that those who follow my programs and advice receive the benefits and results they are seeking. I put much thought and research into anything I bring to the communities I serve and review my programs thoroughly before these communities engage in them.
Accomplishments & Achievements:
2009 National MS Society Milestone Award
2009 Most Inspirational Bodybuilder - Florida State Bodybuilding Championship
2013 Health Advocate of the Year Award with Lou Ferrigno
2015 Health Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award from Arnold Schwarzenegger
2016 Lifetime Fitness Inspiration Award - Global Bodybuilding Organization
2017 Special Recognition Award - National Fitness Hall of Fame
2017 Named Founding Partner - National Fitness Hall of Fame Institute for Learning
2019 Inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame
2020-2021 Named to Top 100 Healthcare Leaders worldwide
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 Named the Most Dedicated MS Fitness Expert - Global Health & Pharma; Global 100
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Named the Most Comprehensive Fitness Program – Global 100
2022 Featured as The 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Follow in 2022 – Fortune Magazine
2022 Outstanding Leadership Award - Health 2.0
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award – Social Health Network
2023 Most Influential MS/Chronic Conditions Exercise & Training Expert – Global Excellence Awards
He has appeared on Good Morning LA, FOX News Orlando, NBC Palm Springs, and other TV and radio
shows nationwide as well as in print media.
