Tanya Lyonsford
Massage Therapist and Personal Trainer
In 2008, Tanya would not have said, “Tomorrow I’m running a triathlon.” She struggled with her weight all of her adult life and was close to being morbidly obese. After reading an article about the Naperville Triathlon, she decided she wanted to begin a lifestyle journey and become a triathlete. Tanya began training on her own for a race in 2009. With the Naperville Triathlon quickly approaching, Tanya went to packet pick up where she met Coach Joe. After completing the Naperville Triathlon, and receiving her first medal of completion, Tanya decided to take her athletic goals to the next level. Working with a coach would help her achieve more than she could on her own.
Her competitive nature was tapped into with racing. Over the next four years, Tanya lost 160 pounds, and raced many triathlons, 10k’s and 5k’s. Her most commendable accomplishments include the NYC Triathlon, the Chicago Triathlon Super Sprint and Sprint distance triathlons, the ING Miami Half Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon. Tanya’s newest goal is Ironman 70.3 Racine in July 2013.
After years of working a job, Tanya decided she wanted a career. Her job went through a restructuring and a layoff found her with an opportunity to pursue a change. She wanted a new career where she could help people, and decided massage would be very rewarding for her and for the people that receive her healing massages.
Tanya is Certified in Massage Therapy and a Certified Personal Trainer. She earned a Certificate in Massage Therapy, graduating from National University of Health Sciences and became licensed after taking the boards’ exam. Tanya is also a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise. She is currently working towards a certification as a Master Personal Trainer with National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association which will provide her additional knowledge and skills in Functional Training, Biomechanics and Core Conditioning.